Name and Title(s):
Angela White – Physiotherapist
Where do you work?
I am the Coordinator with the Vancouver Community PT Student Led Clinic at Raven Song Community Health Centre
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The clients I work with are the most rewarding part of my job and where I gain a great deal of job satisfaction. For much of my career, I have worked with older adults in a rehabilitation setting. This has allowed me to spend time with the clients and often their families. It is an honour to hear their individual stories and to play a role in their recovery. It is amazing to watch clients become more independent and to see the positive impact this has on their quality of life. I think this also provides a valuable learning experience for the students with the Clinic.
Why does physiotherapy matter?
I believe as physiotherapists we play an essential role in primary prevention and population health. Physiotherapists often spend more time with clients than their Doctors can, and therefore have the opportunity to provide thorough education and recommendations. The evidence regarding the benefits of physical activity is overwhelming. Motivating and providing individuals with the knowledge to be more active has a significant impact on their lives and benefits society and communities as a whole.
What is a common misconception with your work?
One misconception is that physiotherapy is just for athletes and sports injuries. Physiotherapists are experts in the treatment and prevention of disease and disabilities across the lifespan. In my career this has included preparing patients in acute care for safe discharge, teaching people with lower-limb amputations to walk again, and helping older adults prolong independent living in their home communities.
What drew you to physical therapy?
Like many students I was originally drawn to physiotherapy with an interest in working with athletes. Over the course of my Kinesiology degree, my interests shifted toward public health and physical activity promotion. My current role coordinating the Student Led Clinic has allowed me to bring my previous experience as an educator to this field, and be an advocate for health and physical activity.
What is unique about what you do?
While not unique, core to my practice as a Physiotherapist is my passion for working in Public Health. I strongly believe in a publicly funded healthcare system and while the pandemic has highlighted some of the challenges, the original values of the Canada Health Act are still at its core. I do my best to impart some of this passion to the students coming through the Student-Led Clinic.
What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
My first career was as a costume maker in theatre and ballet across the country, and teaching costume studies at Dalhousie University. While nowadays much of my free time is spent on my skis or bikes, I still love having a creative outlet. I usually have at least one project on the go, my next pursuit is pottery lessons.