May is National Physiotherapy Month in Canada and to celebrate, we’re recognizing one of our many skilled Physiotherapists.
Name: Samantha Joubert
Pronouns: She/Her
Title & Department: Physiotherapist, TAPMI
On the WCH team for: 2 years, 3 months
1. What does your typical day look like?
Providing one-on-one physiotherapy assessments and follow up appointments for folks living with chronic pain and co-facilitate virtual group-based programming for folks living with chronic pain.
Our one-on-one physiotherapy assessments are done in two parts. The first part is virtual or in-person; we do a chart review, collect a relevant health and pain history, medication history, social history, red flags and fall history from the patient. We also discuss patient goals and expectations as it relates to chronic pain and physiotherapy. Then we discuss what the most likely mechanisms are for the patient’s chronic pain and what the various options are for moving forward. This usually involves detailed pain education that weaves in the patient’s story/language.
The second part of the assessment is in-person at the hospital. We do a series of movement tests which help us determine how the patient is moving and functioning. We make recommendations for what will likely be the most helpful approach/recommendations based on the patient’s goals. Patients can participate in one of our 6-week virtual group exercise and mobility programs, or one-on-one follow-ups depending on their goals.
2. What excites you the most about working at WCH?
The team! TAPMI is made of a cohesive, efficient, and smart team of people. There is a lot of inter-professional collaboration which is very rewarding. Each member of the team is high-quality and because of this, it is a fun and empowering place to work.
3. How does your work contribute to making a positive patient experience?
Patients appreciate the one-on-one care as well a group-based programming that TAPMI provides. Chronic pain is a difficult condition to live with. Our patients really benefit from the education we provide that empowers them to manage their pain, and the physiotherapy recommendations, tips and exercises we offer that improve their quality of life.
4. Tell us one to three things that your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you.
It is not a surprise to those who work closely with me, but I like to read non-fiction. I grew up in the prairies. I like textiles and I can sew.