Harrison Kettyls, MPT’22
Harrison Kettyls (he/him) is a recent graduate of the Master of Physical Therapy program at UBC. He grew up in Victoria BC and completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria prior to starting the MPT program. As the Physical Therapy Student Society President, he represented the MPT program within the Faculty of Medicine and aided in advocating for students. Harrison loves being active and can find him outdoors playing soccer, hiking, camping, surfing, and snowboarding. He also enjoys photography and playing his guitar. He looks forward to starting his physiotherapy career in Vancouver and helping people in the community get back to the things they love to do.
What drew you to the Master of Physical Therapy (PT) degree at UBC?
Physiotherapy has played a big part in my life since my family and I were in a car accident when I was younger. I personally have seen the impact physiotherapists can have on improving someone’s quality of life and regaining function. To me physiotherapy is a profession that allows one to help others as well as build a genuine connection with people. It is incredibly rewarding helping people recover from illness and injury and seeing them reach the goals they may not have thought to be possible.
How has studying in the MPT program made an impact on you?
By far, the biggest impact the MPT program has had on me is introducing me to such an amazing group of caring and compassionate people. The hours spent in lecture, labs, and breakout rooms practicing our clinical skills brough the cohort close together. I am incredibly grateful for the two years I have spent at UBC and all the skills I have learned, but it is my classmates that have had the biggest impact on me.
What was something you learned in the MPT program that surprised you?
Coming into the MPT program, I had only worked in private practice and did not fully appreciate the breath of the physiotherapy scope of practice. Once starting the program, I became exposed to many different areas of clinical practice, such as the burns ward and the intensive care unit. On these placements I began to understand the importance of physiotherapists working in these settings. I was originally set on working with sports teams prior to starting the MPT program, but exposure to these different clinical settings changed my career path.
What is your favorite memory from your time at UBC?
My favourite memory from my time in the MPT program would be the six weeks I spent on clinical placement at the hospital in Daajin Giids, Haida Gwaii. I got the opportunity to work with an incredible community and explore the beautiful island. As a part of this experience, I was invited to support the local Haida Skidegate basketball team as a team Physiotherapist at the All Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture and culturally informed practice during this clinical placement. This experience would not have been possible without the support of the MPT clinical education team and my preceptor.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration with the interactions I have with my patients. Every patient has had such a different journey with a unique point of view. To see the resilience and perseverance patients have when facing hardship is moving. It encourages me to find different ways to grow and learn as a physiotherapist.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
Health is more than just the absence of illness or injury but a continual development of physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. A healthy society allows for equal and equitable access to resources to help meet those needs.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be working part time at Oakridge physiotherapy and Vancouver General Hospital in the Emergency Department. I enjoy both these avenues of physiotherapy and the challenges that come with each of them. Some future goals include working in acute care units such as ICU and burns. In addition, I hope to at some point work in underserved areas locally and internationally.
Katrina Moorthy, MOT’22
Katrina Moorthy (she/her) is a recent graduate of the Masters of Occupational Therapy program at UBC. During her time at UBC, Katrina was fortunate to represent her class as the Co-President of the Occupational Therapy Student Society and the Year 2 representative on the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I) committee. She was also honoured to represent her program at both the 2022 CAOT Conference and the TLEF and ALT-2040 Conference.
After graduation, Katrina gained experience pursuing her passion of supporting older adults by working in Long Term Care and is currently transitioning to a position in Home and Community Health. Her hope is to continue to find and create opportunities to advocate for and provide care to marginalized populations. When Katrina is not practicing Occupational Therapy, you can find her spending time with family and friends, crocheting, or baking up a storm!
What drew you to the Master of Occupational Therapy (OT) degree at UBC?
Occupational Therapy is a helping profession, and enables me to advocate for individuals so that they can maximize their strengths, while supporting them with their identified goals and wellness priorities. Additionally, I entered my Masters at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. UBC not only provided me a program with values that lined up with my own, but gave me the opportunity to stay close to family during an incredibly difficult time for so many people.
How has studying in the MOT program made an impact on you?
Studying in the MOT program provided me with friends and mentors I will stay connected to throughout my life.
What was something you learned in the MOT program that surprised you?
I was surprised and fulfilled as I learned that Occupational Therapists have a societal role in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. I was not aware that we could have a role in this area in our communities as I viewed OT as a clinical practice. However, as I learned about the unique perspective we bring to J.E.D.I initiatives, it ignited a greater sense of excitement as it was melding two passions of mine (OT and J.E.D.I).
What is your favorite memory from your time at UBC?
Tough question! Probably my first day of the MOT program. I remember sitting in a room with my peers, making small talk, and then listening to everyone’s introductions. I remember feeling at home in that room. It felt like I was in a room of people who understood the way I thought and shared the same passions and interests as me. It was a very special feeling, and I am grateful for every one of my peers, for creating such a safe and welcoming learning environment.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration from the individuals in my life. Whether it is family, friends, clients, or people I interact with for only a moment in time, there is so much to learn from lived experiences and from the sharing of differing perspectives, insight, and wisdom. I have learned so much just from listening to those around me.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
Equitable access to opportunities for all individuals so that they may experience a high quality of life, however they may define that for themselves. Everyone is different, and everyone’s needs are unique to themselves. A healthy society would support individuals to meet their unique needs and goals and understand that this will look different for each person.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently working and I am so grateful for all the opportunities that a career in Occupational Therapy is providing me! I hope to continue to grow as an OT, explore opportunities to participate in J.E.D.I initiatives, read for fun, travel, and get a dog. I’m also getting married next year so wedding planning is taking up a good proportion of my time!
Timberly George Ambler, BSc (Phys Ther)’04
Timberly George Ambler (she/her) knew from a young age that she wanted to be a physiotherapist. All thanks to a physiotherapist in her community who became one of her earliest and longest-standing mentors in her life. She obtained a Bachelors of Kinesiology from SFU and worked as a kinesiologist for 4 years while racing road bikes and travelling the world. Timberly graduated from UBC with a Bachelors of Science in Physiotherapy in 2004.
Following graduation, Timberly followed her dream to become a sport physiotherapist and was awarded her Sport Physio Diploma, with Distinction, in 2007. he worked her way up the ranks from club sport to National Level programs in Field Hockey and Rugby and most recently spent a season with the Vancouver Canucks. Timberly is a partner at City Sports + Physio Clinic in downtown Vancouver and spends most of her free time in the outdoors, mountain biking, trail running, hiking with her dog, or volunteering for the Lions Bay Search and Rescue team.
What drew you to the Master of Physical Therapy at UBC?
Knowing I wanted to be a physio from age 16, I started researching the process in high school and saving for my tuition. UBC was the only school offering physiotherapy in BC, and as much as getting out of dodge sounded exciting, financially it was out of reach. I knew there would be benefits in making professional connections in the same province I grew up in and planned to spend my life in.
What is your favorite memory from your time at UBC?
Attempting to play quarterback in the annual charity football game between the School of Nursing and the School of Rehab Sciences. My attempt lasted two practices before I decided I was a better team manager! It was a super fun event for a great cause that brought out a lot of people from around campus.
What has been your journey since graduating from UBC?
After graduation in 2004, I went straight into private practice working for my earliest mentor in life, out in White Rock. I knew I wanted to pursue my post graduate training as a sport physiotherapist so eventually I sought out a clinic and more mentors who would support me through that process. I spent countless hours on the sidelines of various sports, most notably rugby and field hockey.
I worked my way up to eventually working with the Canadian National teams and being fortunate to travel the world with them. My work with athletes and teams has had a massive positive impact on my clinical practice and growth of my career. I worked at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, the World University Games in China, with the Vancouver Canucks for the 2021/22 season, and will be heading to the 2023 Canada Winter games in Prince Edward Island.
I have been a partner at City Sports + Physio clinic since 2013 and have been a clinical faculty instructor and teaching assistant in the UBC Department of Physical Therapy since 2010. And as a sucker for volunteerism, I joined the Lions Bay Search & Rescue team in early 2020.
What do you find most interesting about a career in physical therapy?
I find it interesting that no matter what type of social event you’re at, once you tell a complete stranger you are a physiotherapist, you will be asked about their sore shoulder! Joking aside, I find it interesting that even though I never wanted to be a teacher, I have become one. For every patient, I am teaching them about their body, their injuries, and the healing process. And I love it.
Where do you find inspiration?
In the mountains of the North Shore, when I’m hiking with my dog, mountain biking with my husband and friends or out for a solo trail run. The fresh mountain air is invigorating and cleansing. Cooking is a close second – I can get lost in trying a new recipe and spend a whole afternoon at it.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish?
To become fluent in the language of Italian – both in speaking and cooking!
What does a healthy society mean to you?
To me, a healthy society is one in which everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, has access to the care they need, when they need it. That resources are available, and the system can provide them without being overwhelmed. That healthcare workers work together to advocate for and manage each person’s needs without stumbling blocks getting in the way.
UBC Faculty of Medicine Alumni & Friends Victoria Social
Join us for this autumn get-together with fellow alumni and friends in downtown Victoria! This causal evening of mingling, appies, and drinks is the ideal occasion to celebrate fall, make new acquaintances, and reunite with familiar faces.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get together for a fun, complimentary evening. Remember to register before October 27th!
Event Details
Date: Thursday, November 3, 2022
Time: 5.30 – 7.30 pm
Location: Wind Cries Mary – 45 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC
Cost: Free!
Registration deadline: October 27, 2022
Grace Shyng, BA’91, MSc’95
Grace Shyng (she/her) is a Registered Audiologist and Hearing Instrument Practitioner. Grace is qualified to provide hearing assessments; hearing aid services; tinnitus management services; cerumen management (fancy word for earwax removal); custom noise, musician or swim plugs; and communication accessibility consultations, where she explores ways to help make employment, educational, and social listening environments more communication-friendly. (Think of the last time you were at a meeting or restaurant and couldn’t hear what everyone said. Grace can help with that!). She is a proud UBC alumna: B.A. (1991 – Speech Sciences) and M.Sc. (1995 – Audiology). Grace is also passionate about clinical education: she has been a Clinical Assistant Professor with the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences since 2001, and in 2009 she was honored to be the inaugural recipient of the School’s Noelle Lamb Award for Excellence in Clinical Education.
Grace is a true Vancouverite, having been born and raised in Vancouver. She also loves creative writing, travelling, and hiking friendly trails with her family and Shiba Inu dog.
What drew you to the Master of Science – Audiology program at UBC?
I’ve always had an interest in sciences, language arts, and psychology, and at one point I considered a career in Law. But then I heard about Audiology which was a field that combined the background of science and communications, so I was intrigued. I was also very close with my maternal grandmother and I really enjoyed spending time with seniors. The field of Audiology was a perfect fit for this.
What is your favorite memory from your time at UBC?
I have many favourite memories, but it’s the year of firsts that stand out for me. As tough as first year at UBC was (First year Calculus and Physics – ouch!), I met amazing people and made lifelong friendships, including the one who became my husband. In my first year of my graduate Master’s degree in Audiology at UBC, my world expanded even more, setting me on a professional journey that continues to pay back and pay forward year after year.
What has been your journey since graduating from UBC?
Since graduation, I have worn many hats. Early on in my career, I participated in a very interesting project for Rotary International. In the summers of 1998 and 1999, I travelled to Zimbabwe with a Rotary International Hearing Health Care team where we provided audiology services across the country and trained local professionals on hearing health service delivery.
Two of my most notable and proudest positions have been for a non-profit hearing clinic based in Vancouver. From 1999 to 2018, I was their Head of Audiology, where I grew the department from 2 clinicians to an 11-member group of brilliant, stellar clinicians. Our team developed an excellent reputation, and we received many accolades for our clinical services and clinical education. From 2018 to 2020, I served as their Interim Executive Director and during that stint, I successfully led a $16 million capital project where we built the most accessible building in Canada, as awarded by the Rick Hansen Foundation.
From 2021 onwards, I worked for a private hearing clinic in Surrey, and also joined the Academic Coordinators of Clinical Education (ACCE) Team at the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, (SASS), Faculty of Medicine. As part of the UBC SASS ACCE team, I helped to develop and coordinate a very successful student-led hearing clinic that provided hearing assessments to clients from the UBC community and beyond.
Most recently, in August 2022, I founded a private practice hearing clinic with a longtime colleague and fellow Audiologist. Network Hearing Health is a dream come true for us, and we’re excited to build a modern hearing clinic that is true to our values and our 25-year working history together. We are both passionate about the profession of audiology and strongly believe that the management of hearing loss is not a quick fix, but it’s best supported over the lifetime with the help of knowledgeable and trusted Audiologists. My areas of professional interest include clinical education, hearing health and aging, amplification and aural rehabilitation and communication accessibility. I’m active on several professional audiology committees at both the local and national level.
What do you find most interesting about a career in audiology?
Audiology provides me the opportunity to combine my interests in the sciences, language arts, psychology, and counselling into one rewarding profession. Hearing is the less-noticed cousin to the other senses of sight and touch and is often overlooked. But hearing is what connects us to each other; it’s the conduit that creates the sense of belonging and inclusiveness with our social, family, educational or work networks. Audiology is a field where you can develop close bonds with your clients and share in their joys and successes. It is deeply moving moment when you switch on a hearing aid for someone who hasn’t heard for a long while, and to watch their eyes and face light up when they realize they are hearing the babble from their little granddaughter sitting across from them.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in both my colleagues and my clients. My colleagues, with their patience and unlimited curiosity to query, seek, and find solutions to help people manage their hearing losses, and from my clients, particularly my seniors, who share inspiring stories of the trials and tribulations they have overcome in their life journeys.
How has your identity affected your perspective on the field of audiology and your future pursuits?
Growing up as a Vancouverite, and as a first generation Chinese Canadian, I’ve realized the importance of that term, “it takes a village.” I attribute my successes in my personal and professional life to my sense of belonging with community from my family, friends, and colleagues. The field of audiology focuses a lot on connectedness with other people in one’s network, whether it familial, social, vocational or educational. When work with clients, I explore how their hearing loss has impacted any sphere of a person’s life and what we can do together to help them reconnect with their community and their network.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish?
I hope to raise more awareness of the importance of hearing health. We all know to get baseline tests for our eyes, our teeth, and we do annual physicals. But what about our hearing? Most people don’t even think about getting their hearing tested until they realize they are having trouble. Hearing is what connects you to another human being. You can look at a vacation photo and remember that fun moment fondly, but if you playback a video or an audio message, and hear the voices, the laughter, and the sounds of that moment, you will be transported right back to that place in time.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
A healthy society is one in which everyone has equitable access to health services and opportunities for growth and wellness, so that people can achieve their greatest potential regardless of their background or abilities and feel a strong sense of belonging and inclusiveness with their community.
Dr. Sarah Courtice, MD’14
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.
Graduation reflections from alum Jennifer Xenakis, BMLSc learner turned educator
Jennifer Xenakis, BMLSc’06 (Left) receiving the Dr. Philip E. Reid Memorial Cup Award for Outstanding Contribution to the BMLSc Program, presented by BMLSc Class of 2022 alumna, Claudia Singh
It is a great privilege to work with engaged, eager, intelligent people so full of energy and promise!
The BMLSc program is a journey that involves “dipping toes” into the pond of possibilities. What ignites students’ intellectual passions? Each student is a mosaic, woven by threads that have influenced their lives – parents, family, culture, friends, society. Teasing apart these threads to determine what part of their goal is externally controlled is important. What part is their true genuine self? What does success mean for this person?
The process is time consuming and requires instilling confidence – confidence to respect and appreciate external influences while building an internal core of unshakeable faith in themselves so they may lead their own journey down the river of life. When I can help them to stop clinging to a particular outcome, to let go and trust that embracing their passion will lead them to a valuable, genuine and unique life, that is the most rewarding work.
Then comes graduation: a bittersweet event. Feeling emotions that are complex; incredibly proud of their achievements while knowing that I have to let them go. Trusting they will forge ahead with their life and do great things in their own unique way. Each one of them so valuable; so precious. I trust that they will be okay and that a new cohort of fresh new faces will start the cycle all over again.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Xenakis, BMLSc’06
Educational Services Manager and Honorary Lecturer, BMLSc Program
Claudia Singh, BMLSc’22
Claudia Singh (she/her) is a recent graduate of the BMLSc Program and recipient of the William J. Godolphin Prize for Excellence in Critical Thinking and the Outstanding Performance in PATH 405 award. She considers herself a lifelong learner and a huge nerd for everything from hematology to working out to sports like golf, soccer, hockey, and basketball. Claudia enjoys clinical research and through the Faculty of Medicine Summer Student Research Program was able to carry out a project under the supervision of Dr. Audi Setiadi at BC Children’s Hospital and present a poster at the International Clinical Cytometry 2021 Meeting. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and engage in teaching, research, and mentoring throughout her career. When Claudia is not working or studying, you can find her spending time with family and friends or on the golf course.
What drew you to the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) degree at UBC?
I have always been interested in medical sciences. I attribute my love of science to being drawn to the “why” behind things. I think the human body is an incredible machine full of tiny cells that carry out chemical processes to allow us to do the many amazing things we do every day. However, it can be vulnerable to disease, and the reasons as to why are extremely interesting and an area of ever-growing research. I was drawn to the BMLSc degree when applying to UBC because of its small program size and curriculum built around studying the “why” and “how” behind disease. I wanted to learn the answers to some of the questions I had and, in turn, I came out of it with even more questions than I started.
How has studying in the BMLSc program made an impact on you?
The BMLSc program has had a tremendous impact on me. I absolutely loved every part of the curriculum and it greatly furthered my love for learning. I was tested against an immense workload which brought out my critical thinking skills and discovered a love for teaching I never knew I had. I grew incredible relationships with peers and faculty that have helped me with my education and my career. The program allowed me to learn closely from instructors and grow my love for clinical research which brought upon many other opportunities.
What was something you learned in the BMLSc program that surprised you?
One of the things I learned that really surprised me was actually about myself: I really love teaching and want to teach in my career. I had no idea how much I would enjoy teaching (if at all) until I was a third of the way through PATH 405: Seminars in Current Topics. This class taught us how to be effective teachers and the true meaning of learner-centered teaching. The instructors leading the course were so passionate and helped foster my newfound love for teaching. I definitely hope to teach throughout my career and it would be extra special to be able to come back to the program that has given me so much and teach a few lectures to future BMLSc students.
What advice do you have for students entering the BMLSc program?
My advice to students entering the BMLSc program would be to take advantage of the many amazing support systems and opportunities it has to offer. A program of this size gives students the opportunity to really get to know their peers, members of the teaching faculty, and brilliant instructors that come in throughout the semester. Learning from your peers and being able to use each other for support will bring so much enjoyment and help many students especially in third year when exam seasons can be particularly stressful. Reaching out to instructors can lead to great conversations that foster learning or even give rise to opportunities outside of the classroom such as research, employment, or mentoring. One of the most important things I learned through this program is that there are so many people who would love to use their experience to help others if students take the initiative to reach out.
Where do you find inspiration?
Honestly, I find inspiration everywhere.
- My parents have always inspired me from a young age; they are incredibly gifted, kind-hearted individuals who have shown me what a strong work ethic looks like and fueled my love for learning at a young age. More importantly, they never fail to show me what it looks like to be a good person and give back to others. My sisters do the same and they inspire me with their intelligence, resilience, and their care for others.
- I am inspired by my friends and my peers in university who I have watched accomplish great things and always support me towards my own goals.
- I am inspired by the incredible professors I’ve had throughout my time at UBC, especially those in the BMLSc program, who have been incredibly supportive and have shown me what it truly means to care about student learning. They are very bright individuals and I had the pleasure of watching them go the extra mile for students.
- I am inspired by each and every one of the hematopathologists at BC Children’s Hospital. These individuals welcomed me with incredible kindness, went out of their way to teach me, and gave me incredible opportunities to learn and challenge myself.
- Lastly, I am inspired by UBC itself. I am always in awe of the tremendous work conducted by some of the amazing researchers and students and hope to contribute to it one day.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently studying for the MCAT while continuing to pursue activities of interest such as my volunteer work in the Emergency Department of Vancouver General Hospital, mentoring, my work at Canucks Autism Network, and golf. I hope to begin work in a clinical setting while applying to medical schools in the fall.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
A healthy society to me is one that addresses many social determinants of health such as education, social support systems, housing, and food security to best address the health of every single member of the community. It is a society that tries to, and can hopefully succeed in, eliminating health disparities through well guided policy driven by research. Beyond physical health, I believe a healthy society is one that encompasses mental and social well-being. It is a society that encourages open dialogue and discourse as well as open mindedness and growth while always showing kindness, patience, respect, compassion, and care for others.