Welcome, MScPT Class of 2028!

For the first time ever, we are excited to be welcoming first-year students to two different campuses! The beginning of the new school year marks the opening of the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health at University of Toronto Scarborough where 40 students will spend the next two years studying and learning to become physical therapists. We also have 110 students joining us in the Rehabilitation Science Building at our St. George campus.

Meet four first-year students — Venuga, Dhivya, Michael and Caroline — and read about what inspired them to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Venuga Kariharan, Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health

Before starting the physical therapy program at U of T, I completed my undergraduate degree in kinesiology at Ontario Tech University. I stayed involved throughout my time there – I was captain of the varsity badminton team, worked as an athletic student therapist with the varsity rowing and badminton teams, completed a research practicum project focused on food and nutrition in children, and was involved with the leadership council. These experiences introduced me to many different people and furthered my interests in health, sport, leadership and working with others. 

Scarborough has always been home. Growing up here in a diverse community exposed me to so many different cultures, people and experiences. I have always felt very connected to the area. Starting this next chapter at U of T's Scarborough campus feels particularly special to me – I get to pursue a career I am passionate about in the same community where so much of my own story began. 

I knew that I loved sports and science, so studying kinesiology felt like a natural direction for me. During my kinesiology internship at Kids Physio Group in Markham, I was introduced to paediatric physiotherapy and realized how meaningful the profession can be.  

I saw children working toward abilities and everyday activities that many of us take for granted. Watching my supervisor, Chantal, and the other physiotherapists use movement, play and physical interventions to help children gain independence was incredibly inspiring. I saw how physiotherapy had a meaningful impact on their confidence, independence and quality of life. I realized that I wanted to pursue a career where I could have that kind of impact on people. 

Over the next two years, I am most looking forward to everything that comes with starting a completely new chapter. I am excited to meet my classmates, build new friendships and challenge myself to step outside of my comfort zone in an environment where everything is new. 

Academically, I am really looking forward to learning about the different areas of physiotherapy and gaining hands-on experience through placements. I have already seen one side of the profession through paediatrics, so I am excited to discover other areas of practice and see where my interests may take me. Most of all, I am looking forward to developing the knowledge and skills that will eventually allow me to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. 

Outside of school, I love staying active, especially when I can do it with friends. I enjoy playing badminton, volleyball, pickleball, ultimate frisbee and pretty much any sport that involves some friendly competition. Team sports are where I feel the most comfortable and most like myself. I love the social side of being active just as much as the competition itself. 

I am also a huge foodie! I love trying new restaurants, cafes, drinks, desserts and finding new places around the city. If I ever had the time to start a food social media account, I probably would! 

Dhivya Bhaskaran, St. George Campus

I graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Life Sciences. I completed an undergraduate thesis looking at how opportunities for physical activity change across seasons for children with chronic conditions and disabilities. This made me recognize the benefits of creating accessible opportunities for physical activity, especially for children with chronic conditions and disabilities. 

I also volunteered at private physical therapy clinics and took on leadership roles in a few cultural student organizations. 

I first started to appreciate the importance of movement and mobility during the pandemic when I signed up for online yoga classes to keep myself active while staying at home!

Not long after, my grandmother had a fall that significantly affected her independence and eroded her confidence in day-to-day activities. This made me realize how much our mobility shapes the way we experience and engage with everyday life. I had always associated physical therapy with sports and performance, but this experience showed me its value in helping people move with confidence and continue participating in the activities that matter to them.

All these experiences shaped my interest in physical therapy and made U of T’s physical therapy program feel like a natural next step for me! 

During my time in the program, I am really looking forward to gaining hands-on experience through labs and placements and getting a feel for all the different settings out there to see what I enjoy most!  

I am also excited to get to know my classmates, professors, and physiotherapists in the community and learn from the unique perspectives they bring to patient care. 

Outside of school, I love hanging out with my friends and family; we’re always on the hunt for new cafes, and our next drink obsession (currently, it’s an iced mocha!). 

Other times, you’ll probably find me outdoors with my dog. I also love going on hikes! One of my favourites was with my cousin in Thailand, where we hiked part of Doi Inthanon, the country’s tallest mountain. It had rained heavily the night before, so the trail was super muddy, but somehow that made the experience even more memorable! 

Michael Thiagarajah, Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health

Before the MScPT program, I completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology at U of T. Outside of the classroom, I worked as a teaching assistant for a musculoskeletal anatomy course, helped out at recruitment events and worked at the Hart House Fitness Centre. 

My interest in physical therapy sparked in high school as I developed an interest in exercise, fitness and learning about the human body. My interest in physical therapy continued to grow throughout my undergrad through experiences in private practice and long-term care settings in Scarborough. Having lived in Scarborough my entire life, it was meaningful to gain these experiences within my community and see the impact that physiotherapy could have on people’s lives.

Over the next two years, I am most looking forward to gaining exposure to the different areas and settings of physical therapy through my placements. I am also excited to develop hands-on skills and learn how to translate the knowledge from the classroom into patient care. Ultimately, I hope to graduate as a confident and well-rounded clinician who can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. 

Outside of school, gaming is something I picked up as a kid and have never let go of; it is still one of my go-to activities in my free time. Staying physically active is another important part of my life, whether it be going to the gym or playing sports like soccer and basketball.

Caroline York, St. George Campus

Before coming to U of T, I completed my undergrad in biomedical science at the University of Guelph, along with a minor in business. While I was there, I worked as a student trainer with the men’s varsity basketball team, volunteered in different rehab and clinical settings, and did a research project focused on muscle function in mice with muscular dystrophy.

These experiences helped me figure out what I enjoyed most and what kind of career I see myself in. By the end of my undergrad, physical therapy felt like the direction that made the most sense for me.

I always knew I wanted to work in health care, but I wanted something that was active, hands-on, and involved a lot of interaction with people. Through sports and working and volunteering in rehab settings, I became more interested in physical therapy. I like that every patient and injury is different so there is a lot of problem-solving involved.

Over the next two years, I’m especially excited for placements because I think they will be a great chance to explore different areas of physical therapy and figure out what I am most interested in. I am also looking forward to learning from my classmates and instructors and getting to know everyone in the program.

Outside of school, I’m excited to spend the next two years in Toronto and explore more of the city. I am always down for a game of spikeball or pickleball!  

When I’m not doing something active, I enjoy trying new recipes and cooking for the people around me.