Spring 2022 Director's Message

With the warmth of spring and the return of songbirds, I find myself writing my last PT Matters message. I’d like to start by saying thank you for the opportunity and for the trust you placed in me as the Director of the School these past 3 years. When I took on the role, navigating the School through a pandemic is not something I would have imagined. The experience however, allowed me to witness the resilience and innovation of those I have had the pleasure of working with – those who I now consider valuable friends and colleagues.

The role has introduced me to an extraordinary team of students, scholars, and staff, with a broad range of scholarly interests and experiences. I now know that the School’s expertise extends well beyond the walls of the Forrest Building and spills across the Atlantic Provinces and beyond. The Preceptors and Atlantic representatives; the Associations and Colleges; alumni, stakeholders and friends make up the PT community that I am honored to have become a part of.

All the programs offered by the School are enhanced by the scholarly work of our faculty members and graduate students. Funding success does not define the quality of work being conducted within the School, but it does show that our faculty and graduate research students are being recognized for advancing research in an exemplary fashion. I encourage you to read this issue’s Research Update to celebrate our successes and learn more about our upcoming Student Research Day Event, taking place April 29th.

As the days continue to grow longer, our Class of 2021, delayed by the challenges presented by the pandemic, anticipate their spring convocation. We thank our many awards sponsors and donors for their contributions to student convocation awards. If you are interested in the various awards being offered and this year’s winners - the virtual convocation awards presentation can be accessed through this issue’s Student Awards feature. I also recommend a read of Student News and Clinical Education Placement features for the latest in SoPT student happenings.

The Clinical Education Team continues to stay active securing clinical placements for our students. As our Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Daphne Pererira takes a short break, Career Stream Instructor, Kate Grosweiner has ably taken on the role until Daphne’s return on July 2nd. As a way of acknowledging our Preceptor community and celebrating our shared successes, we are very excited to invite you to our Dal PT Community Event, set to take place the afternoon of May 19th. This in person (and virtual) celebration will include refreshments and networking; clinical community thank-yous and awards; as well introductions to our new and familiar faculty members and their research passions. I hope you will plan to attend.

As I enter my last month as Director, I can confidently tell you the future of the School is bright. As we hopefully look at the worst of the pandemic in our rear-view mirror, we see that we have met significant challenges and not only overcome them, but flourished during them. The School is committed to its mission of educating physiotherapists and scholars who excel; inspiring through research and engaging in discovery that advances knowledge and practice; and improving the health and wellness of the diverse communities we serve, through collaboration and innovation. And I cannot think of a better person to do this than incoming interim Director, Dr. Derek Rutherford.

Finally, I am honored to have had the privilege of serving the School and its community, and to have played a part in guiding it through some rather unusual times. To you – students, faculty, staff, Dalhousie colleagues and Physiotherapy community – my most sincere gratitude for supporting me throughout this journey.  

Message from incoming Interim Director, Dr. Derek Rutherford.

In 2019, Dr. Lynn Shaw was asked to support the Director position in the School of Physiotherapy, along with continuing her appointment as Director in the School of Occupational Therapy. After 3 years and many significant events, including accreditation for both Schools of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy and our responses to COVID-19, Lynn is completing her appointment as Director of the School of Physiotherapy.

On behalf of the School, alumni, current and future students, clinical partners I would like to say thank you Lynn. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your understanding and openness to the physiotherapy profession. Thank you for your creativity and thank you for your sense of bringing the good to every situation and ensuring we are developing into the best versions of ourselves to support our continued growth within the School of Physiotherapy.

In the Spring 2021, PT Matters Newletter, Lynn wrote in the Director’s Message,  “For me, and what I’ve observed of those around me, the year brought a new level of strength, creativity, resilience and community engagement, as our faculty have worked to adapt to COVID pressures, altering student progression of the curriculum and program to create the best possible environment for students, so they can become exemplary health professionals.” I concur, we do have a great team, and over the past three years this team has developed, become stronger and more engaged with Lynn’s guidance.

As Associate Director, I have had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside Lynn as we supported the School of Physiotherapy through what might have been the most challenging event to occur in the profession of Physiotherapy over its history. On behalf of the School, and our extended physiotherapy community I would like to say thank you Lynn. We wish you well in your next adventure.