Paolo Sanzo
Clinical Specialty Area: Treatment of musculoskeletal and sport related injuries.
Year of Graduation: 1991
Areas of Interest: IFOMPT Executive Committee member and Chief Examiner for the Orthopaedic Division
Hobbies: Running, cycling, and travelling with the family.
What did you find most rewarding about the Specialty Program?
The most rewarding part about the Specialty Program was the ability to self-reflect on what you have achieved in the past and try to present and apply that knowledge in delivering a variety of case studies to demonstrate the level of knowledge required and highlight the key areas that show how a clinical specialist should think.
What were your reasons for applying to the program?
I applied to the program, as it was part of the evolution of my professional development as an educator, researcher, and physiotherapist and to achieve one of the highest designations in the area of orthopaedics/musculoskeletal.
Where do you hope to see the profession in 25 years?
In the next 25 years, I would hope that our profession continues to evolve, especially in the area of orthopaedics/musculoskeletal, to follow the model in other countries that have recognized the ability of physiotherapists to integrate imaging and injections into their practices using the best available evidence at the time.
What impact do you think specialization will have on your specialty area?
Specialization will add another more physiotherapists in my region of the country that is typically underserviced in Northwestern Ontario, and can seek out for difficult cases, mentoring, and other services related to this area.
What is the value of the Specialty Program to candidates?
As highlighted above.
Have you used your specialist network and if so how?
Had used members in the specialist network before, as they were part of my working group of instructors and examiners.
What are important things to consider for those who are interested in pursuing their clinical specialty?
The time that is required to reflect on the comprehensive information provided and case studies, as well as the cost, of the process.
What new skills or enhanced skills did you obtain going through the specialty process?
As above.
What advice would you give to applicants going through the specialty process?
Be organized, provide enough time to meet the objectives of each component of the evaluative process, be constructive in the self-reflection process, and use the information to consider changes in professional practice.
What impact has the specialization designation had on you and your career?
I have adjusted rates for assessment and treatment, so there may have been a slight monetary change.
How did you become interested in MSK?
Exposed to this field as a student athlete following an injury in high school, I was treated by a very skilled physiotherapist who helped me recover and this immediately sparked my interest in this area.
What made you choose physiotherapy as a lifelong career?
I had a special interest in wanting to help people.
Education
Bachelor of Science degree University of Toronto 1991; Masters of Science degree Lakehead University 1995; and Doctorate of Science degree Andrews University 2012
Certified by Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute 2009
Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists, Advanced Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy 2002
Current Work and Role
Associate Professor at Lakehead University in the School of Kinesiology and Northern Ontario School of Medicine; and Director and Physiotherapist at Active Potential Rehabilitation Services.
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