Name and Title(s):
Erin Gagne, B.Sc., MPT
Interim Clinical Practice Lead – Physical Therapy
Where do you work?
Northern Health, Quesnel, BC.
I would like to acknowledge the unceded and traditional homelands of the Lhtako Dene Nation on which I provide service.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
In any physiotherapy job that I have had, the most rewarding part has been helping people. In my current role, that involves helping fellow physical therapists problem-solve and work through difficult case scenarios. In previous roles, that has been helping patients achieve their goals and inspiring them to create change in their lives with regard to movement and exercise.
Why does physiotherapy matter?
Wow, what a big question. Movement and access to community/activity is really important to me. Physiotherapists play an incredible role in helping people across all ages “move for life”. Our population is aging, and people are living with increasing amounts of chronic illnesses. Physiotherapists are primed to inspire through education and lead through action and programming to help people continue moving and adapt to do the things they love to do.
What is a common misconception with your work?
That you “lose your skills” in a public practice setting. I argue that our skill sets are completely different depending on what area of practice you are in so there is no loss, only development. Since I am a participant in life-long learning, I have gained knowledge and skills that private practitioners and new grads do not have. I encourage students to have an open mind regarding public practice, and private practitioners to recognize the value in all aspects of our profession.
What drew you to physical therapy?
I had coached gymnastics from a very young age (13 years old). I enjoyed the aspect of getting children moving, learning and exploring. I thought I would enjoy a career that involved movement and children. In my 4th year of my undergrad, I moved in with a PT roommate who worked at a child development center. This aspect of physio had not occurred to me and I became very interested in pursuing it. While I did not land in the pediatric PT world, my eyes were opened to the various types of physiotherapy that we can work in and I have found my fit!
What is unique about what you do?
My current role feels very unique because it was only created over a year ago! While some other health authorities have some regional PT oversight, in NH this is relatively new. NH is the largest geographical health authority in BC. It has been amazing to connect physiotherapists together across the region and start to build that sense of community. Many PTs (including myself) work sole charge in NH, and there is a certain feeling of loneliness when you don’t have coworkers that have a rehab background. I’ve been happy to help connect everyone across our region.
What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
That I have a hard time saying no to any volunteer opportunities! I truly believe in the power of volunteering. Volunteering helps gain professional experience, brings people together, promotes personal growth and self-esteem and created a sense of community. I have had many opportunities spawn from my volunteer experiences. I have volunteered in many different ways including sports (Special O sports; provincial and national gymnastics events; provincial, national and international sporting events including the Olympics), community (local CDC board of directors; local mountain bike association board of directors) and miscellaneous (helping girls transition from elementary to high school; taking PT and RA students). When I’m not at work or cycling, I’m volunteering!