Spotlights: 2019-21 NRC students
Meet some of the physical therapy students from our 2019-2021 Northern and Rural Cohort!
Alexi Bergeron
Hometown: Santa Fe, New Mexico
What inspired you to pursue physical therapy?
I was first exposed to the discipline when I was studying Anthropology at UBC in 2003. I had dislocated my knee cap over the summer and worked with some of the physiotherapists at War Memorial Gym on campus. Watching my physio work on me and the other clients in the gym I was really drawn to how hands-on the profession was. I found the PTs in the clinic to be very pragmatic, supportive and determined - and they helped people get better after injury! Life took another direction for me, but after working in corporate sales for 10 years I finally decided it was time to pursue the career I had always wanted to follow.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
As we move into second year of the program we will start to learn hands-on treatment techniques, I'm very excited about that.
How are you making personal wellness a priority during COVID-19?
The global pandemic has affected everyone on the planet in a way we've never seen in human history. I think a big part of that is that people are getting even more disconnected from one another than they already were. It's hard when you have to stay physically distant from people to connect with them. So, I've been trying to find as many activities that allow me to spend time with my friends, family, and colleagues but also minimizes the risk of catching COVID.
Favourite physically-distanced social activity?
Over the summer we've spent a lot of time in the park, like most people, and also playing a ton of pickle-ball, which is a great sport that I can't recommend enough to everyone.
Alexandra Flaterud
Hometown: Prince George, B.C.
What inspired you to pursue physical therapy?
What inspired me to be a physiotherapist was growing up as a dancer. Dancing is about using your body and emotion to express art, but injuries happen and when they did I was always so amazed at how physiotherapy was helpful at getting me and others bodies back to its best self. Which made me want to pursue physiotherapy.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to starting my second year of my Master’s and getting to finally go out on a placement and get some hands-on practice and skills in a clinical setting.
How are you making personal wellness a priority during COVID-19?
I am ensuring I still practice healthy habits, especially getting exercise, whether I am running around the block or doing a workout at a park or at home. As well as making sure I am mentally staying healthy and maintain some socializing by keeping in touch with family and friends via virtual or physically distanced means.
Favourite physically-distanced social activity?
Golfing!
Allison Inderbitzin
Hometown: Smithers, B.C.
What inspired you to pursue physical therapy?
I have always been interested in health sciences, and I knew from early on that I wanted a career where I could interact with people regularly and avoid having long, sedentary days at an office job. I saw physical therapy at a career fair in the first year of my undergraduate degree, and the more I looked into it the more I became interested in the diversity of the profession and all the opportunities it provided. After gaining some first-hand experience shadowing physiotherapists and volunteering at different organizations, I saw how physiotherapists can positively impact patients' physical health, mental health and confidence, and my decision was made!
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am most looking forward to our clinical placements! Our first two clinical placements that were originally scheduled for the summer were postponed due to COVID-19, so I am so grateful that we have clinical placements scheduled for this fall. It will be amazing to have a chance to put all of our hard work and skills into practice!
How are you making personal wellness a priority during COVID-19?
With COVID-19, I’m really putting an emphasis on mental wellness. I’ve been doing this by doing something active everyday, taking breaks from social media, and making an effort to stay connected to friends and family!
Favourite physically-distanced social activity?
Lately my favourite activity is getting takeout and watching the sunset with some friends, physically-distanced!
Kirsten Ward
Hometown: Prince George, B.C.
What inspired you to pursue physical therapy?
My inspiration started through participating in sports and visiting physiotherapists for my own injuries growing up. Later on, school brought me into the field of physical activity and health promotion, and I found a strong passion for getting people moving and healthy, while working with them in their personal and community context. I couldn’t wait to be better able help people with this, leading me to the amazing career of physiotherapy!
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am very excited to be going on our first clinical placements and getting more practical training and skills!
How are you making personal wellness a priority during COVID-19?
I’m working to make personal wellness a priority by making some sort of a schedule for every day, prioritizing time for physical activity and getting outdoors.
Favourite physically-distanced social activity?
Outdoor, distanced walks or hikes with friends and pets.
