I cannot believe it’s been a whole 8 weeks since I set foot in the B3 clinic for my first day working with Haley! Since then, I’ve learned so much about many different aspects of physiotherapy, which has only made me hungry for more knowledge.

Haley has taught me all about the physiotherapy basics in orthopedics, vestibular rehabilitation, and concussion therapy. I’ve learned, relearned, and memorized many different things, from the nerves supplying each muscle and the best way to test for different diagnoses, to exercise prescription and everything in between! I have certainly formed a strong foundation to build upon for the rest of my career, and I could not be more grateful for all the challenges Haley has provided me and helped me through. Through all my time at B3, I have found a love for neurological physiotherapy and cannot wait to keep learning more.

Another experience where I got to learn even more about vestibular rehabilitation was in my placement project, where I did a presentation about the link between hormones and the vestibular system. A lot of the clients that we see at B3 for vestibular issues are in stages of hormonal change in their life, and it was interesting to see that the research actually suggests a link between estrogen and the vestibular system! Another link that the research suggests is between the thyroid hormones and the vestibular system, which we have also seen a lot in practice. Both Haley and I have seen these connections at B3 and are excited to see where the research goes!

Check out my research presentation below!

Beyond all the hard knowledge, Haley has taught me the importance of forming meaningful connections with clients, and how it can help to empower them in their rehabilitation journey. Taking the time to get to know our clients and building a rehabilitation program that integrates well with their lifestyle makes a significant difference in rehab. Seeing clients succeed is exactly why I chose this career, and experiencing it firsthand in the past 8 weeks has made me confident that this is the right career for me. 

Overall, this placement has not only expanded my physiotherapy knowledge, but has also instilled some of the core values I want to take forward when I have the opportunity to care for patients of my own in the future. I am so grateful to Haley and B3 for having me and cannot wait to see the clinic’s successes in the future! 

I also want to leave a note to the clients I’ve crossed paths with and extend a huge thank you to all of you for helping me learn so much from working with you. You have helped shape me into the soon-to-be physiotherapist that I am, and I cannot wait to one day give back to clients the way that Haley does. You are truly in good hands!

All the best and happy trails to you all,

Makaila Koshurba
Physiotherapy Student