John Howick
I had some early experiences with physiotherapy as a teenager through sport injuries and was aware of the Rehabiltation program at UBC from my older sister who trained five years ealier than me and graduated to work as an Occupational Therapist. I was still not certain on my future until I began first year biology at college. Within a few months of studying anatomy and physiology I knew that I wanted to work in a health related field. At that time I was very involved in weightlifting and physiotherapy seemed the perfect fit to combine my love of exercise and strength training and the study of human anatomy and physiology.
Once in the physiotherapy program a key mentor that emerged was Shirley Nilsson. She worked in the outpatient department at Richmond Hospital where I was doing a practicum. She really inspired me to try new things with patients, be inventive, have fun at work and learn as much as possible. I went on to work with her in my first job after graduating at the hospital and later joined her in her private practice. She introduced me to the advanced manual therapy education system and motivated me to pursue my manual therapy levels and ultimately my Part A and B exams.
Over 20 years later I'm running my own large practice, mentoring others, still learning new ways to help people, continually amazed at the workings of the human brain and the neuromuscular system and still excited as ever about this great profession.