Spotlights: 2018-20 NRC students

July 25, 2019

Meet some of the physical therapy students who are currently enrolled in the 2018-2020 Northern and Rural Cohort (NRC)!

And check out the group's activities during their summer session at UNBC's Prince George campus:


AndreaAndrea Lyon

Hometown: Shawnigan Lake, B.C.

What inspired you to pursue your program?
What inspired me to pursue the MPT program was meeting physical therapists. Their passion for their work, their dedication to making a difference in people's lives, and their attentiveness to overall quality of life really hit home for me. These physical therapists were people who I wanted to be able to work with, learn from, and emulate in my own life.

What are you looking forward to most in second year?
What I am looking forward to most in the second year is gaining more insight into and personal experience with the unique challenges, disparities, and adventures that are part of rural healthcare. I hope to then build on such opportunities as a practicing physical therapist.

Best piece of advice received:
The best piece of advice I received is that every feeling stated is a feeling deserving of being acknowledged and being addressed. Whether this feeling is a pain or emotion experienced, and whether or not you agree with this feeling, it can have an impact on that individual and on you.

First job:
Coaching hockey-focused power skating.

Favourite recreational activity or hobby:
Hockey, spikeball, hiking, and kayaking.


EileenEileen Lubke

Hometown: Terrace, B.C.

What inspired you to pursue your program?
By being involved in various sports and recreational activities in my youth, I was very conscious about the importance of being physical active in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. From the experiences of my friends and family, I also became very aware of how injuries, disabilities and diseases may hinder successful participation in physical activity pursuits and activities of daily living. This initiated my interest in understanding the factors underlying various conditions and learning about how physical therapeutic mechanisms could aid individuals in returning to or maintaining their desired level of ability.

What are you looking forward to most in second year?
Learning more about the role of physiotherapy in the pediatric population as this is an area of practice that I would like to pursue post-graduation

Best piece of advice received:
No matter who it is, whether it be a teacher, colleague, parent, friend, patient or child, everyone has the ability to teach you something valuable as long as you are a willing to be taught.

First job:
Sales Associate at Cook’s Jewellers

Favourite recreational activity or hobby:
Hiking & Baking


EricEric Bennett

Hometown: Langley, B.C.

What inspired you to pursue your program?
When I was younger my mom worked with special needs children, and thus I grew up watching the impact you are able to have on people with your career choice. At the time, I figured that working with the same population was something that I wanted to purse, however as I got older I realized I had a passion for the human body and how it moves. I went into Kinesiology at UFV and quickly found out that physiotherapy was where I was meant to be! 

What are you looking forward to most in second year?
I am most looking forward to explore BC through more clinical placements, I was granted the opportunity to go to Kitimat and Bella Coola for my first and second placements respectively, so I am excited to see where the program brings me next.

Best piece of advice received:
"Don't spend your time in the program wishing it would go by quicker, just enjoy it for what it is"

First Job:
Flippin' burgers at A&W

Favourite recreational activity or hobby:
That's a tough decision I have so many to choose from, but I would have to say dodgeball, I joined a league in the lower mainland a couple years ago, and I can't get enough!


SofySofy Tsai

Hometown: Kimberley BC

What inspired you to pursue your program?
My inspiration came from my experience working as a physiotherapist assistant. I was intrigued by the diversity of the profession and the work-life balance physiotherapists are able to have. Furthermore, I value the therapeutic relationships that physiotherapists have the opportunity to build with their clients. I wanted to be in a profession where you can make a difference in someone’s day.

What are you looking forward to most in second year?
Learning more physio skills, spending 24/7 with the MPT Pham, and clinical placements!!

Best piece of advice received:
If it is not going to matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes worrying about it.

First job:
Honey’s 2 for 1 pizza

Favourite recreational activity or hobby:
Volleyball and oil painting