Kathryn Schneider
Clinical specialty area: Musculoskeletal
Years in specialty practice area: 18
Hobbies: I have three wonderful children with whom I enjoy to spend time with and watch their sports. I also play on a woman’s soccer and touch football team and like to run.
Areas of professional interest: concussion; cervical spine; vestibular rehabilitation
What did you find most rewarding about the specialty program?
The specialization program allows a chance to critically reflect on a variety of domains. This reflective practice is a wonderful way of pulling together years of practice and clinical reasoning in a summary and further developed me as a physiotherapist.
What were your reasons for applying to the program?
I was invited to participate as one of the first individuals to undergo the clinical specialization program and felt that this was a good way to further develop my skills.
The specialization program allows a chance to critically reflect on a variety of domains. This reflective practice is a wonderful way of pulling together years of practice and clinical reasoning in a summary and further developed me as a physiotherapist.
Where do you hope to see the profession in 25 years?
I would like to see the profession of physiotherapy continue to grow the clinical reasoning components of care in an evidence based, novel and unique fashion. This will allow more physiotherapists to lead the way in optimization of clinical care, better service delivery and ultimately improved patient outcomes.
What impact do you think specialization will have on your specialty area?
I think that specialization will allow physiotherapists to further develop their self-reflection skills and knowledge in a constructive way. The multiple components that are assessed within the specialization process will facilitate clinicians to develop skills in areas that they may not previously have considered (i.e. research, mentorship, etc.)
What is the value of the specialty program to candidates?
The specialty program challenges you to identify your areas of strength as well as areas of further development through the self-reflective process.
Have you used your specialist network and if so how?
I have not specifically used this network but am in regular contact with many physiotherapists who have completed the clinical specialization process.
What are important things to consider for those who are interested in pursuing their clinical specialty?
The clinical specialization process if a time intensive process but very worthwhile. It is important look at all areas that are assessed and take the time to think and reflect on your practice as you proceed through.
What advice would you give to applicants going through the specialty process?
Take some time to think and reflect through what have been the most important development or “aha” moments in your physiotherapy career.
Biography
Dr. Kathryn Schneider is an Assistant Professor and Clinician Scientist in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary and a physiotherapist at Evidence Sport and Spinal Therapy. Her research focuses on the prevention and treatment of concussion, with a focus on the role of the cervical spine and vestibular systems. She was the lead author of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of multimodal physiotherapy and vestibular rehabilitation in athletes who have sustained a sport-related concussion. This study identified a significant treatment effect in the individuals who were treated with this therapy.
Kathryn was an invited speaker at the 4th International Consensus on Concussion in Sport in Zurich, Switzerland, November 2012 as well as an author of the consensus statement. In November of 2012, she was selected one of Avenue Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40”. She was also an invited speaker (via video presentation) to the Sochi Olympic Winter Games Medical Meetings, February, 2014.
Dr. Schneider is a Clinical Specialist in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. She has completed her Advanced Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Therapy (2004) and a certification program in Vestibular Rehabilitation (Emory University, 2003), an Advances In Vestibular Rehabilitation certification (Duke University, 2009), and a Doctor of Science degree (DSc) (Andrew’s University) (2008). She has developed and taught multiple courses on Vestibular Rehabilitation, Sport Related Concussion and Whiplash Associated Disorders.