Spring 2023 Student News

By Christine Barnes, Student Society President

Once again, both class cohorts are back on campus together! The second-year group has returned after finishing their 2nd clinical placement. They have returned and have jumped back into a new semester centered around their first of two Integrated Practice courses, alongside their Professional Ethics and Management Issues course and the continuation of their group-based Scientific Inquiry research projects. The class is working towards their upcoming research day and is incredibly grateful for the guidance and time allocation from each of the research advisors and mentors.

The first-year class has recently returned from their reading week and are back on campus to continue with the second part of their semester. They’re currently studying the second part of both the MSK and Cardiorespiratory courses, along with the first Scientific Inquiry. They are working towards starting their first clinical placement May 1st and should find out about where they’ve been placed this week. This will be a great first opportunity for them to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and learn from their clinical instructors and the teams they will be a part of. We wish the first-year class good luck with their first placement.

In addition to the academic work, both the first- and second-year classes have been making the most of their time outside the classroom as well. Both cohorts are planning their individual upcoming Formals, thanks to a dedicated planning committee from each year. In preparation for these events, both class cohorts will be organizing individual and combined fundraising events to offset the cost of these celebrations. Please consider supporting these fundraising efforts, including bake sales, social events, raffle draws, and more.

A group from the first-year class continues to rent ice-time for a weekly game of pickup hockey open to all interested PT students. On returning from clinical placements, a group of the second years got together for a “welcome back” brunch to catch up after being apart. As well, the second years are practicing what we preach, and scheduling group fitness classes for those interested. With 2 successful spin classes behind them, the 2nd year class is looking at continuing with group spin classes, as well as cardio, strength, and yoga classes in addition.

Recently, a group of the second-year cohort volunteered with the NS and PEI Lung Association in assisting with running their Stair Heroes event together with our very own Gail Dechman. The event had a great turn out from various local fire stations, first responders, family and friends, and members of the community. This event was energetic, exciting, and an excellent way for our community to engage with an association near and dear to our profession.

Finally, both cohorts recognized Black History Month through participation in learning and initiatives. The second-year class has been and continues to engage in their Centering Black Health lecture series as a component of the Health Equity lectures in the Integrated I course. As well, the first- and second-year diversity representatives extended this learning beyond the classroom through the organization of a screening of There is Something in the Water, a documentary exploring the inequities around key environmental and systemic issues facing the Indigenous community and extending into other communities with a higher proportion of individuals with low socioeconomic status.

Come back next time for a new edition of PT Matters to check back in with the Classes of 2023 and 2024!