Dear Reader,

My name is Savannah Moore, and I am a Physiotherapy Resident. I have successfully completed all the required education to achieve my Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University. I previously attended the University of New Brunswick while completing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. I am from the small town of Alberton, Prince Edward Island, and I am humbled to begin my career at Move Authentically Physiotherapy alongside Registered Physiotherapist, Christine Campbell.

I knew I wanted to be a Physiotherapist at the age of eleven, as I was inspired by Registered Physiotherapist, Brian Hiscock. I fractured a bone in my foot through a sledding incident and required Physiotherapy services to regain strength, mobility, and a normal gait pattern. This is quite early to decide on a career, but when I had doubts and tried to change my career path, I would continuously come back to Physiotherapy. I thought it was incredible how someone could have such extensive knowledge of the human body with how it moves and functions. This profession is more than acquiring knowledge, it also entails connecting with clients in a way where we can be empathetic, supportive, and encouraging with the goal to improve a people’s quality of life.

Throughout my education, I found opportunities to gain hands-on experience such as working as a summer student for two years in my hometown hospital. This job consisted of running daily activities and spending one-on-one time with residents who were mainly waiting for long-term care placement. Through this experience, I worked with many individuals who required varying levels of assistance. One of the many skills I obtained through this placement was knitting, taught to me by a hearing-impaired resident. Although we faced this barrier, we communicated by writing on a small whiteboard back and forth. This job provided me with much responsibility, and I felt privileged to work at this hospital for two summers with these residents, who had a limited number of visitors due to the pandemic guidelines. 

The next position where I gained key skills for the Physiotherapy profession was through a rehabilitation practicum with my mentor, Ryan Sweeney, who is a Registered Physiotherapist and the co-owner of the Max Health Institute & Physiotherapy private clinic(s) in Fredericton, NB. I gained 120 hours of experience while observing orthopaedic Physiotherapy appointments of clients from the general population ranging from small children to older adults. By observing appointments, I would formulate an opinion on what condition the client may be experiencing, and what exercises and/or treatment interventions would be best to implement. Through this experience, I was able to achieve a sense of the everyday work schedule of a Physiotherapist while enhancing my knowledge of this profession. Once my practicum was complete, my mentor provided me with helpful, motivating feedback and described my work ethic as adaptable, flexible, and kind. 

Over my time at the University of New Brunswick, I engaged in many volunteer opportunities to expand my knowledge and learn how to work with individuals requiring assistance. This experience included exercise classes working with individuals with cardiovascular conditions, neurological conditions, and balance concerns. Additionally, I volunteered with Christina Blaedow (Certified Personal Trainer) at Synergy Health and Sports Performance where she taught me many valuable skills including how to teach and modify proper exercise form and manage group exercise classes. In my fourth year at UNB, I was the Wellness Coordinator for the Student Union where I collaborated with others and organized campus-wide projects to provide wellness events for students. Additionally, I had taken many valuable courses, specifically five courses with Teaching Professor Dr. Jeremy Noble who had an influential and valuable role in my education as well as my application to Physiotherapy programs across the country. 

Over my time at Queen’s University, I accumulated ~1100 hours of clinical placement experience as a Student  Physiotherapist. My clinical placement instructors were all Registered Physiotherapists with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field who were eager and happy to teach me everything they have learned. My first placement started at Trillium Care Home with Ton Van Oosten; my second placement was between Hotel Dieu Hospital and Kingston General Hospital with Jonathan de Leyer; my third placement was at Sports Center Physiotherapy (Charlottetown, PE) with Jenny Dickson-Clarke; my fourth placement was at Queen’s University Health Hub with Suzanne Thorson; and my fifth and final placement was at Health in Focus with Victoria Mokriy and Zachary Moll. All of these placements taught different areas of Physiotherapy and provided me with a foundation for how I will incorporate all of the valuable skills I have learned into my practice. Additionally, throughout my time at Queen’s, I engaged in intramural activities including dodgeball, basketball, and softball. I was also the Treasurer for the Rehab Therapy Society where I spent time overseeing, collaborating, and ensuring the financial stability for the society. 

It has been 13 years since I decided to pursue Physiotherapy. Over this time, I have had irreplaceable support from family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, employers, professors, clinical placement instructors, and so many others who knew I could achieve this dream. My values and strengths that have got me to this stage align with Christine and Move Authentically, so I truly believe that I will be a good fit for the clients! I am thrilled to begin my career as a Physiotherapy Resident on September 23rd at Move Authentically Physiotherapy!  

Thank you for taking the time to read more about me!

Savannah Moore, Physiotherapy Resident