Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences

Facilitated small group sessions of 8 students discussing health-care scenarios in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences Physiotherapy Program at McMaster University.

Inpatient rehabilitation with occasional coverage in intensive care, emergency, post-surgical, and medical units

Completed Unit IV MSc. Physiotherapy placement (300 hours) in the complex care unit (75%) and outpatient OHIP clinic (25%) at Port Colborne General in Port Colborne, Ontario. Worked with clients that had conditions including diabetic plexopathies, cerebellar lesions, dementia, and amputations, as well as knee, hip, and shoulder replacements. Conducted initial assessments, created treatment plans, and collaborated with fellow health-care professionals (Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology) during weekly team meetings.

Completed Unit III MSc. Physiotherapy placement (262.5 hours) at Haldimand War Memorial Hospital (HWMH) in Dunnville, Ontario, which included acute care, inpatient, and long-term care physiotherapy. Worked with many different clients, including those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, pneumonia, stroke, and cancer (lung, colon, prostate). Improved upon skills such as transferring and mobilizing clients with multiple lines/tubes and collaborating with fellow health-care professionals (PSWs, Nurses, Physicians, LHIN coordinators, Physiotherapist Assistants) to help client's meet goals necessary for discharge.

Completed Unit II MSc. Physiotherapy placement (262.5 hours) at Lifemark Physiotherapy in Fonthill, Ontario. Conducted initial assessments, formulated diagnoses, and designed treatment plans for clients with orthopaedic and vestibular conditions, under the supervision of a Registered Physiotherapist. Improved upon manual therapy skills (PPIVMs, PAIVMs, mobilizations) and exercise prescription.Created and delivered in-service presentations on lateral epicondylitis, endometriosis, central sensitization, and peripheral sensitization.

Completed Unit I MSc. Physiotherapy placement (228 hours) at Hagersville Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (pt Health) in Hagersville, Ontario. Conducted initial assessments, formulated diagnoses, and designed treatment plans for patients with primarily orthopedic conditions, under the supervision of a Registered Physiotherapist. Gained experience working with WSIB and MVA cases, which included the completion of various insurance forms (FAF, OCF-18, OCF-23, Care + Outcomes Summaries). Implemented a circuit in the clinic for the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, 30-Second Sit to Stand Test, and Y-Excursion Balance Test, which included instructions and normative values for various populations (community-dwelling, stroke, acquired brain injury).

Completed a 3-month government-funded program at Haldimand War Memorial Hospital & Edgewater Gardens Long-term Care designed specifically for students pursuing a career in health-care. Worked alongside recreation therapists, nursing staff (PSW, RPN, RN, NP), and physical therapists to promote cognitive stimulation and physical activity for residents, who were predominately seniors. Additional duties: organizing events, charting information into the Activity Pro software, and having one-on-one visits with residents to mitigate social isolation

Shadowed Registered Kinesiologists, Physical Therapists, and Chiropractors. Prepared hot and cold treatments, organized files, demonstrated/supervised exercises, and performed modalities such as ultrasound therapy and interferential currents. Observed treatments such as passive range of motion, joint traction/distraction, soft-tissue release, joint mobilizations, and cupping therapy.