Scholarship Essay Entry – Kaitlan B.

After receiving my BSc in Kinesiology, I was accepted into the University of Alberta’s Master in Physical Therapy satellite program. It has been my undergraduate experience combined with my individual experiences and personal traits that have combined to influence my decision to pursue a career in the health care field. Throughout university, I enjoyed all of my anatomy and physiology courses which left me wanting to learn more. Also, during the last semester of my degree I completed my practicum at a special needs school in Northern Alberta which provided me with the unique opportunity to be exposed to a very diverse and amazing population.  It significantly increased my knowledge of different conditions, what pediatric physiotherapy entails, as well as different programming ideas and techniques. Another advantage was that I was able to witness the importance of the communication between rehabilitation professionals as I was a member of an interdisciplinary team of physiotherapists, speech language pathologists, psychologists, and occupational therapists all working together to create the best intervention for each student.

I was raised in a small town and throughout my life I've been very involved in the community as a member of several local clubs and sports teams as well as working as both a lifeguard and swim instructor. It was through my personal use of physiotherapy services for musculoskeletal injuries as well as the observation of others that has motivated me to pursue this profession. I also volunteered at the local Physiotherapy department where I observed how such a clinic operates; leading me to strengthen my desire to enter the health care field in physical therapy in order to help people. Due to my life and educational experiences, my dream job has become to be a pediatric physiotherapist in a rural clinic.  This has fueled my desire to further pursue my education in order to give back to people what I have been able to benefit throughout my life, and use my knowledge to improve individuals’ quality of life.  Ultimately, I have learned that if not for health care professionals our society would be in rough shape in terms of health and quality of life.

I was featured in a magazine article which was focused on the new satellite program created to combat the shortage of rehabilitation professionals in rural Alberta.  My involvement has increased my awareness of the importance of providing health care services to rural communities.  By being raised in rural Alberta I know firsthand the inefficiencies and difficulties often faced by those trying to access certain health services.  Fortunately for my community, there is a local physiotherapist, but other surrounding communities do not have this luxury and are often forced to travel upwards of 6 hours to reach urban centres that provide physiotherapy or other specialist services. I believe that by following my ambitions and dreams by participating in this pilot program and returning to a rural area to practice I will contribute to the improvement of access to health services for rural Albertans.