Celebrating Canada’s next physical therapists!
Last week, we held a virtual graduation ceremony for our latest cohort of the Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapists Bridging (OIEPB) Program graduates.
Program director Sharon Switzer-McIntyre led the opening remarks to celebrate this small but mighty group of graduates. “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work with you and watch you thrive. We don’t want you to forget that we are always here to support you and ensure your success and that you are a part of our Canadian physical therapy family.”
Since last September, Marvita, Ana, Fabiana, Navjot, Annika and Arlyn have been taking online classes and attending onsite clinical skills labs as they worked towards completing the program. The program provides educational and clinical opportunities to help physiotherapists educated outside of Canada to succeed with the national exams and in the Canadian workplace.
During the ceremony, Lynn Wilson, vice dean of clinical and faculty affairs, shared a message for the graduates. “It takes a lot of courage and sacrifice to move to a new country and we are grateful you have chosen Ontario as your home. You are an inspiration to your teacher, your family and friends, and the public.
Martine Quesnel, the academic coordinator for the program, handed out three awards at the ceremony. Ana received the Academic and Clinical Awards of Excellence for the highest overall average in the coursework and Navjot received the Clinical Award of Excellence for dedication in clinical experience.
All our graduates have much to celebrate as they mark the beginning of their physical therapy careers in Canada. During the ceremony, several graduates professed their gratitude to their teachers, clinical supervisors, mentors and fellow classmates for making their journey a rich and wonderful experience.
Department chair Susan Jaglal closed the ceremony with words of encouragement for the class of 2023. “Graduates, congratulations on successfully completing the program! And friends and family, thank you for helping them get there. I wish you all the best as you begin your careers in physical therapy in Canada – the health care system needs you more than ever.”
A Message From Our Graduates
Marvita completed physical therapy training in the Philippines before pursuing other opportunities. When she came to Canada, she decided to go back to physical therapy. She says, “I knew there was an enormous gap in my knowledge and experience. The OIEPB program is the answer. In the beginning, I felt it wasn’t for me and that I had too much of a gap to fill. But that is exactly what this program is intended for – to bridge the gap.”
Fabiana came to Canada from Brazil, where she completed physical therapy training and worked in a Pilates studio. She says, “This program has undeniably had a profound influence on both my personal and professional growth. The level of support offered by the program is truly exceptional, and I am fortunate to have encountered clinicians who generously shared their expertise throughout the program. I will carry all the lessons learned from this program with me, and I will forever be grateful for its transformative impact on my life.”