Dr. Sarah Courtice (she/her) completed both her medical degree and residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of British Columbia. She works on the Acquired Brain Injury and Adult Concussion Service programs at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. Dr. Courtice also enjoys working with the pediatric/adolescent population through the Adolescent/Young Adult rehabilitation program, as well as the Spinal Cord Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital. She currently volunteers with the UBC Medical Alumni Association in the role of Vice President, Vancouver Medical Program.
Her favourite part about being a physiatrist is working with the interdisciplinary team. She also particularly enjoys working with medical students and residents, and learning more about Quality Improvement.
In her spare time, Dr. Courtice enjoys taking dance classes, travelling, and hanging out with her dog, Phoebe.
What is your favorite memory from your time at UBC?
Camp Artaban/Camp Make Friends – I am still very close with many of the classmates that I bunked with. I also have very fond memories of the anatomy lab/instructors at the Island Medical Program.
What has been your journey since graduating from UBC?
I was lucky enough to get to stay in Vancouver, and I completed my postgraduate training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UBC in 2019. Our specialty is a small one, and I continue to be overwhelmed by the support and camaraderie among my colleagues throughout the province, and even the country! Mentors from as far as Toronto have helped to shape my career.
What are the best aspects of your career?
I love the interdisciplinary nature of physiatry. Everything I do involves an interdisciplinary team of healthcare providers, and we get to share both successes and challenges. I also enjoy having long-term relationships with my patients and their families/supports. It can be an emotionally draining area of work, but we witness near miracles on a fairly regular basis.
What motivated you to join the UBC Medical Alumni Association (MAA) as a Board Director?
Some of my fondest medical school memories were from MAA supported events. I also have colleagues (and a parent) who have been involved with the MAA and described it as a rewarding experience.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term at the UBC MAA?
Coming from a very small specialty, I am really passionate about having physiatrists involved in as many areas as possible within the academic and clinical spheres. I also think that the social part of being a member of the medical community is very important, and helps to keep us excited about our work. I am proud to be a party of an organization that aims to maintain a sense of community among physicians during a challenging time.
Where do you find inspiration?
It is impossible not to feel inspired by my patients. Sometimes I will meet a patient and their family in the ICU when they are very unstable and impaired. Weeks to months later I will work with them at GF Strong on the inpatient rehabilitation ward. Months to years later I will see them come back as outpatients. To witness the perseverance and adaptability of people who require inpatient rehabilitation provides me with daily inspiration and perspective.
What was one piece of advice that a mentor gave you?
“Fast no, slow yes”. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all of the opportunities available as a medical student, resident and staff physician. However, I think it’s important to be thoughtful about where you dedicate your time and energy. It is far more productive and rewarding to contribute to a few areas that are very meaningful to you, than to have limited time and passion to give to many projects.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
As a rehabilitation physician, a healthy society is one that supports and makes room for people with different abilities to participate and succeed.
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