Fall 2019 Director's Message
Excellence is a moving target, it can only be achieved and maintained by striving to do better.
I am very honoured to be the Director of the School of Physiotherapy and provide leadership to the faculty, staff and students. In the few months that I’ve been in this role I have received a very warm welcome and have witnessed the high standards of commitment and integrity in this school. During my 2-year term, I look forward to working together to achieve our vision of leading regionally, nationally and internationally in collaborative, inclusive physiotherapy education, research, and service that advances health, policy, and practice.
What better incentive to fuel this vision than the energy of a new uptake of students beginning their first term of classes, followed by the excitement of watching the convocation of new graduates (class of 2019) at the new Nova Scotia Convention Centre. There is satisfaction that comes from knowing that these graduates are well prepared and highly proficient in their skills as they enter the workforce.
That being said, excellence is a moving target, it can only be achieved and maintained by striving to do better. This was evident in the self study report submitted for our accreditation in late September. In addition, our School team has revised its curriculum and welcomed new instructors and faculty members to continue the high level of service to its students. The research team now includes a Canada Research Chair! And the School continues its commitment to advancing student opportunity while serving its community through the Dalhousie Physiotherapy Clinic.
There will be obstacles to overcome as we move forward but there will also be opportunities. Opportunities to be more inclusive, more collaborative and more innovative. Our intent is to continue to impact the healthcare system to ensure that the lives of all Canadians are improved.
Finally, I would like to say thank you, to our alumni, preceptors, friends, students, faculty, staff and community, for staying engaged. Whether it be through attending class reunions, mentoring students on clinical placements, donating to our student scholarships, bursaries and awards, visiting the Dalhousie Physiotherapy Clinic, or simply by reading our newsletter and following us on twitter and Instagram. We appreciate your feedback and your support and are better because of it.
~Lynn Shaw, Interim Director