Summer 2020 Director's Message

By Lynn Shaw, Director

Our world has been changed immeasurably. Normal greetings must be distanced, common tasks – premeditated, and at the end of the day the question remains, “when will a sense of normalcy return?”  Until that question is answered, I along with the faculty and staff that make up Dalhousie’s School of Physiotherapy, have to ask ourselves what role we play in this new virtual-centric reality we live in.

Our role, as always, involves teaching, conducting research and engaging alumni and preceptors to partner together to develop a community that supports PT students in becoming champions and leaders in providing quality patient care in the ever-changing healthcare environment. This role, albeit challenging when not amidst a pandemic, is a role we are committed to and are passionate about achieving well.

The perseverance and adaptability of our alumni, faculty, students as well as the clinical physiotherapy community is evident as you read the various featured articles in this newsletter. In addition, we are particularly impressed with our students who, despite the change and uncertainty of course delivery and clinical placement changes, were able to step up and make a difference in the lives of others by committing to the Great Cycle Challenge in support of kid’s sick foundation.

As we prepare for the new school year, with its evolving public health regulations and recommendations, our approach is to create a framework that allows for nimble yet informed decision making that adheres to the highest standards of health, well-being and safety of our faculty, staff and students.

With that in mind I’d like to share our forward focus.

Commitment
In the midst of the pandemic we’ve witnessed widespread tragic racial injustices. The Black Lives Matter movement has increased awareness of the systemic racism and oppression present within our workplaces and within our communities. As a School that values mutual respect and is committed to fostering diversity and inclusiveness, we understand that the time to take action is now. As a School, as a Faculty and as part of Dalhousie Community we condemn racism and violent acts against those who are Black, Indigenous or People of Colour. We are committed to moving forward for equity and inclusion, starting with:

• Reviewing our admissions policy to find ways to increase access for historically under-represented communities to our programs.
• Continuing involvement with and support of the Faculty’s Inclusion and Equity committee, in reviewing curriculum data on how inclusion and equity can be further infused into our programs to create equitable learning and work environments.
  
• A commitment of creating a culture of safety and respect -a welcoming place where everyone has access to the necessary resources for ongoing academic success.
• Embedding diversity and inclusiveness as a core pillar of our planning and our actions. 

We recognize our need to continue the conversation, in partnership with our diverse communities, to come to a fuller understanding of the issues and to do more to improve inclusion and equity in our School and University Community. We are committed to doing so.

Return to Campus
Researchers, faculty and campus staff support have been approved to return to campus in instances where they are unable to conduct their work remotely. The number of individuals working on campus is expected to increase gradually in a phased approach in the coming months. All returning to campus will be abiding by the protocols created by Dal’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) office which have been reviewed by Nova Scotia’s departments of Public Health and Labour and Advanced Education. 

Students and Curriculum
The School is adjusting its regular course delivery schedule; lecture classes will be pulled forward in the curriculum to allow for virtual teaching wherever possible. Dalhousie has invested in its technology to address bandwidth, student devises and socio-economic inequalities to ensure quality program delivery. Robust online assistance is available for technological support, student engagement and mental health.

Face to face skill labs have, at this time, been approved. Comprehensive measures have been taken in implementing safety protocols around a small group pod system designed to accommodate important hands on skills. Incorporating the valuable insights of our students and our technical support resources we continue to invest in the creation of innovative and effective online program delivery.

Accreditation Update 
The School, with the support of the university, SoPT stakeholders and students, continues to move forward confidently towards compiling necessary responses to PEAC standard requirements. A well represented committee has been set up and is on track to meet the first accreditation deadline for October. Personally, and on behalf of the School, I would like to thank each and every one who has offered their insight and expertise. Response from the physiotherapy and academic community has been overwhelmingly supportive. 

Personal Thanks
I would personally like to thank:

• Students for their patience during the shift from in-class to remote learning
• Preceptors, alumni and PT community stakeholders for providing clinical placement opportunities, expertise and support
• Faculty and staff for their open-minded approach to change and their dedication to quality program delivery
  

As we say goodbye to summer, we must also say goodbye to Dr. Katherine Harman, a pillar of the School for 22 years - it would be an understatement to say her influence and quiet wisdom will be missed. With the new school year, we are very pleased to be welcoming Dr. Caitlin McArthur who will be starting her position as Assistant Professor at the School, September 1st of this year.

No doubt there are more changes and more challenges in our future but with the united support of Dalhousie and the physiotherapy community we are well positioned to not only weather the unsettling uncertainty, but be stronger for it.