Winter 2018 Director's Message
Clear Vision Beyond Borders
by Dr. Anne Fenety
Once trained as a Physiotherapist there are a variety of rewarding paths that can be taken. Whether serving patients directly to help them to regain functionality and mobility or conducting research that promotes healthier lifestyles or improves existing therapeutic approaches and treatments, the options are only inhibited by ones’ vision. Through my many conversations with physiotherapists over the years, I’ve found that those with a clear vision, describe their work as a passion and not simply as a job.
Recently, at the School of Physiotherapy, we focused on our own vision. What is it that gives us meaning? What do we aspire to be? The outcome of the process produced a vision statement that is both challenging and inspiring. Our vision is … “to lead”. To lead, not just regionally in our community but, nationally and internationally, in collaborative and inclusive physiotherapy, in research and in service that advances health, policy and practice. Our vision is exciting and we are prepared to put in the hard work.
In this newsletter you can read about how our students are making an impact in our community by raising money for local not-for-profits (see…Student News). The Research Update outlines the significant collaborative inroads made nationally and internationally by our faculty and graduate students in the area of research, service and health advancement. The Faculty Profile will introduce you to our new Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Daphne Pereira and her vision for the school in the area of advanced clinical skills in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy practice and simulation learning. Welcome Daphne.
With vision comes growth, and growth, as you know, can sometimes be accompanied by growing pains. If you have been following our twitter feed (@dalphysio) you will know that we are renovating…again.
According to Dr. Shaun Boe, the Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function (room 428) will now “include three new behavioural suites, an updated student space and dedicated space for our brain stimulation equipment. The end result will be over 2400 sq. ft. of space dedicated to collaborative and interdisciplinary research in neuroscience.” We are also modernizing and expanding the Hazel Lloyd Room and the Joanne Vezina Seminar Room. And, renovations to our kitchenette will now mean that Staff and Faculty can eat together, rather than at our desks.
So when the drilling stops and the drywall settles it will be a space worthy of the team building and research advancements achieved within its walls.
Finally, in the Alumni Profile and accompanying Special Tribute Feature, one would be hard-pressed not to be inspired by Karen Leung and her late father, and well-loved alumni professor, Dr. Kenneth Hill. Physiotherapists like the late Dr. Hill had vision and served with grace and compassion. Whether teaching at Dalhousie or founding physiotherapy programs in Africa, his vision shone through his actions. Having met Dr. Hill briefly and after reading the rich memories offered by his colleagues and former students, it is apparent that he was the type of man you would cross the street to say hello to. I thank all those who took the time to honour him with their memories. Farewell Ken.