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To put it simply, my experience abroad was phenomenal. The seven weeks were full of learning and growth. During the day, I was privileged to work with world-renowned British healthcare providers in the UK’s NHS system. In the afternoons and weekends, I enjoyed playing tourist and immersing myself in England’s rich culture and history.

My seven weeks at the Evelina Children’s Hospital in the UK helped shape me into a more well-rounded physiotherapist. It opened my eyes to the differences in the scope of physiotherapy globally. I specifically chose the UK for its well-established advanced practice of physiotherapy. At Evelina, I was fortunate to observe several settings of physiotherapy. That included intensive care units, inpatient wards, and outpatient clinics. Moreover, in outpatient clinics, l completed rounds in niche subspecialties such as rheumatology, neurology, chronic pain management, and rare genetic disorders like achondroplasia and hemophilia.

This diverse experience throughout the continuum of care was pivotal in my learning. It taught me how care is best transitioned as pediatric patients progress through their rehab journeys. Additionally, it opened my eyes to new ways of managing resources and advocating for patients. In parallel to gaining such clinical expertise, I honed my collaborative and communicative skills. The dedicated team at Evelina and the NHS worked in a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, doctors, occupational therapists, and community teams. Taking part in such a holistic team approach along with my Canadian schooling and clinical experience was foundational in helping me cultivate my treatment approach.

Moreover, embarking on an international placement was such a surreal experience as it empowered me to exchange my Canadian perspective with the British healthcare providers I collaborate with. I found it priceless when they shared with me how insightful my suggestions were. One of the most memorable experience in the UK was being invited to CITI’s executive meeting to share the Canadian student perspective in bridging the gap between pediatric and adult care to facilitate a patient-centered transition of care. Similarly, I was overjoyed by the wealth of knowledge I acquired in these few weeks.

My international placement deepened my appreciation for the importance of diversifying education and the unique learning opportunities and doors it opens. As I enter the profession as a Canadian-trained physiotherapist, I plan to integrate what l learned in England into my practice. As a clinician, my goal is to provide my patients and my community with holistic and diverse care, and my national and international placements equipped me well to do so. Additionally, as a leader, l plan to advocate for the Canadian physiotherapy scope of practice  – to encompass advanced practices so that we are well equipped to deliver as I witnessed in our British counterparts.