~By: Derek Rutherford, PT
BScKin, BScPT, MSc, PhD
 

Education:

• DipPT,  University College Dublin, Ireland (1977)
  
• BSc PT, Dalhousie University (1990)
  
• MSc (Rehabilitation Research), Dalhousie University (2008)
• CPA Clinical Specialist (Paediatrics) (2012)

A truly dedicated physiotherapist, Barbara Kelly combines clinical practice, teaching in the School of Physiotherapy’s Entry Level Masters program and clinical research; three fundamental elements for clinical and academic advancement of our profession. Recently Barbara was also recognized with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Clinical Specialist in Paediatrics. These qualities and abilities in our physiotherapy profession do not arise often. Barbara provides a unique perspective, culminating her expertise and allowing others to learn through academics, clinical practice and research.

Barbara Kelly received her formal physiotherapy education in Dublin, Ireland. She started her clinical career working with adults with neurological conditions. Her eagerness to travel and to expand her physiotherapy experiences and education brought her to Canada with a colleague in 1979. Working first in Kingston, Ontario at the Kingston General Hospital then in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the Nova Scotia Rehab Centre, Barbara continued to build her clinical experiences around adult neurological populations.  It wasn’t until a working expedition to Cameroon and Botswana during the years of 1983 and 1991 that Barbara realized her affinity for paediatric physiotherapy. Barbara began working at the IWK Health Centre in 1996 and has remained a paediatric physiotherapist, accumulating a research portfolio, clinical specialist designation and teaching dossier in this area of practice.

Barbara completed her physiotherapy degree requirements at the School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University.  This emersion in academics sparked her interest in clinical research.  As a long time therapist, Barbara recognized the importance of research to advancing clinical practice. Barbara was assisted and encouraged to get involved in research projects pertaining to her discipline. To continue capacity building in clinical research, Barbara entered formal research training through the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Research Program offered at the School of Physiotherapy. Barbara completed her thesis in 2008, entitled, “Determining an Effective Casting Protocol Post-Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections to Treat Equinus Gait of Children with Cerebral Palsy.”

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to do this, it has greatly enriched my PT practice and has led to many and varied clinical, research and teaching opportunities”.

Formal research training has opened many doors and allowed continued involvement in research, advanced clinical practice and teaching. In 2008, Barbara joined the School of Physiotherapy Faculty as a part-time clinical instructor, a position that would not have been possible without her MSc Research degree. Instilling a research culture in our aspiring physiotherapists, our students, is an important foundation for continued professional growth. Barbara’s clinical experience, research interest and formal training provide an ideal framework to continue this evolution.

Barbara’s main area of interest is cerebral palsy (CP). She has published three papers and is currently completing a RCT examining casting protocols post Botulinum toxin injections in children with CP and equinus gait. She has also been an IWK Site Investigator and assessor for the following multi-centre research studies:

1.     Canadian Infants' Motor Abilities: a validation of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale normative data.  Dr. Doreen Bartlett (Co-PI) University of Western Ontario and Dr. Johanna Darrah (Co-PI) University of Alberta

2.     Understanding Determinants of Motor Abilities, Self-Care, and Play of Young Children with Cerebral Palsy (Move & PLAY Study). CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research. PI: Dr. D. Bartlett

3.     The Challenge Module for evaluating advanced motor skills of children with cerebral Palsy. Holland Bloorview Research Institute. Dr. Virginia Wright and Dr. Barbara Gibson

Barbara not only instructs at the School of Physiotherapy, but also has been an invited speaker on a number of issues related to the management of children with cerebral palsy and most recently was invited to BC Children’s hospital to discuss/present:

1.     Clinical Practice Guidelines for children presenting with idiopathic toe walking

2.     The Maturation of Postural Control and Development of Typical Gait

Professional advancement is what is required of our physiotherapy community to ensure a vibrant future and continued leadership in health care initiatives. Barbara Kelly has been an inspiration to many patients, students and colleagues with her passion for the physiotherapy profession, goals of advanced learning and continued support for practice, teaching and clinical research.