Meet the MScPT Class of 2027!
Five students (including twins!) share what inspired them to pursue physical therapy and what they are most looking forward to over the next two years.
Anna Roper
What did you do before coming to the physical therapy program?
I graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science (honours) in kinesiology. Here, I had the opportunity to be an athletic therapy student trainer for the varsity men’s volleyball team. I was also fortunate to engage in sport psychology research, where I examined coach leadership behaviours in youth figure skating.
Each summer, I returned to my hometown of Ottawa, where I continued to gain physical therapy experience and grew increasingly passionate about the profession.
What made you interested in pursuing physical therapy?
Physical therapy was introduced to me early in life, as I experienced significant gross motor delays when I immigrated to Canada as an infant. The physical therapist who treated me not only helped me reach important developmental milestones but also fostered my love for physical activity and movement. I will always be grateful for the way that physical therapy has impacted my life, and I hope to harness this gratitude by empowering others to engage in the activities they find meaningful.
What are you most looking forward to over the next two years?
Over the next two years, I am looking forward to embracing the many opportunities to grow as a clinician, student and person. I am excited to connect with and learn from individuals across the physical therapy field, while exploring a new city and becoming part of a renowned program.
What do you like to do outside of school?
Outside of school, I enjoy running, going to the gym, spending time with friends and visiting coffee shops. As a former figure skater, I love both skating and coaching skaters of all ages!
Ethan Kean
What did you do before coming to the physical therapy program?
Before coming to U of T, I completed my undergraduate degree in kinesiology at Memorial University in Newfoundland. During my time there, I worked and volunteered in different roles, including providing injury care to athletes as a student athletic trainer, organizing exercise classes for seniors in rural areas and teaching kids how to ride a bike at a camp.
These experiences strengthened my passion for using movement to help improve the lives of others.
What made you interested in pursuing physical therapy?
Exercise has always been a large part of my life as my mother owns the gym in my hometown. I am fascinated with how people move and respond to exercise. But I truly knew physical therapy was my path when my grandfather started coming to the gym with me. He has Parkinson’s disease so many everyday tasks, like getting all your groceries in one trip, are more difficult for him. When he started coming to train with me, I saw improvement in his performance with everyday tasks and his quality of life improved.
This experience cemented my interest in pursuing physical therapy as it combines my fascination with the body and passion for helping others and making their lives a little bit easier.
What are you most looking forward to over the next two years?
I am looking forward to meeting my classmates, who all bring unique qualities to the profession. I am also excited to dive into learning so I can eventually take the knowledge I gain here back to Newfoundland to help provide quality care to rural communities.
What do you like to do outside of school?
I love being outdoors and being active. Growing up in Newfoundland meant that being outside was non-negotiable. Whether it was hiking, snowmobiling or swimming in the pond, we did it all. I also love training Judo, Jiu Jitsu, weightlifting and riding my bike.
Taylor and Lauren Wilcox
What did you do before coming to the physical therapy program?
Lauren: I recently completed my Bachelor of Kinesiology and Physical Education at U of T. I had many valuable experiences, like working as a Clinical Research Assistant at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. I also worked as a student physical therapist at the David L. MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic, and a research student in the Centre for Sport-Related Concussion Research, Innovation and Knowledge. I volunteer as a coach with the Toronto Beaches Lacross Team, mentoring young female athletes.
Taylor: I also completed my undergraduate degree in kinesiology and physical education here at U of T. During that time, I worked as a student physical therapist with the Varsity Blues, conducted research on sex-based differences in metabolism in the Exercise Physiology Lab, and worked as a Patient Experience Manager at Cadence Physiotherapy with my sister.
In my community, my sister and I volunteer with the Toronto Beaches Lacrosse Club, where we coach and mentor youth girls’ lacrosse teams, helping build confidence through sport and promoting women’s health through physical activity.
What made you interested in pursuing physical therapy?
Taylor: I am interested in physical therapy because it helps people move, heal and return to the activities that matter most to them. As a Varsity Lacrosse athlete, I experienced this first-hand after tearing my ACL during a game and spending a year in physical therapy. That experience inspired me to help others overcome mobility and functional challenges so they can live their happiest, most fulfilling lives.
Lauren: From an early age, I have been fascinated by the complexities of the human body and how its systems work together to move, adapt and heal. This inspired me to pursue a career where I can help others regain function, improve their quality of life and achieve their goals.
Like my sister, I also needed ACL surgery during my time as a Varsity Lacrosse athlete. My experience with physical therapy while recovering from surgery was pivotal. It helped me to rebuild confidence and return to the sport I love. This solidified my passion for this field!
What are you most looking forward to over the next two years?
Taylor: Over the next two years, I am most looking forward to working with my peers to explore the musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological systems, and applying that knowledge in our clinical placements and discovering which setting excites me most. I am looking forward to learning alongside a motivated group of future physical therapists and supporting each other as we grow throughout the program.
Lauren: I am most looking forward to diving into a variety of physical therapy settings and gaining hands-on experience through the many incredible clinical placements at U of T. I am also excited to be part of a supportive, close-knit community where I can learn from others and make the most of this two-year journey.
What do you like to do outside of school?
Lauren: Outside of school, I love hanging out with friends and family, experimenting in the kitchen, and hunting down the best local cafés and new matcha spots! I also enjoy weekend walks by the water, playing volleyball and lacrosse, and cheering on Toronto sports teams, especially the Toronto Sceptres.
Taylor: Outside of school, I love playing and coaching lacrosse, trying out new recipes and baking with my family, and exploring nature and visiting local coffee or matcha spots.
Rumi Dolmaya
What did you do before coming to the physical therapy program?
Before starting the program, I studied kinesiology as part of my undergraduate degree. Alongside my studies, I explored different areas of rehabilitation through volunteer work at the National Ballet School, Campfire Circle (a camp for children with cancer and serious illnesses), and in private clinics. I also worked at SickKids Hospital where I gained insight into the physical and emotional experiences of patients.
What made you interested in pursuing physical therapy?
I became interested in rehabilitation as a competitive dancer, where I was drawn to understanding injury and recovery. My passion grew when I began working with paediatric rehabilitation patients and seeing the barriers children with disabilities face. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in physical therapy with a focus on paediatric and prosthetic care.
What are you most looking forward to over the next two years?
I am looking forward to developing hands-on clinical skills and learning from patients to deepen my knowledge of meaningful care. I am also looking forward to building connections with classmates and faculty who share a passion for rehabilitation. I hope to discover how my interests in paediatric and prosthetic care can make the greatest impact, while staying open to exploring other areas of physical therapy.
What do you like to do outside of school?
Outside of school, I enjoy reading novels, particularly contemporary fiction and mystery, and staying active through dance and fitness. I enjoy creative projects, whether through volunteering or exploring new hobbies that let me learn and create. I also love diving into true crime podcasts; it is strangely compelling to be scared while doing laundry!