During Black History Month, the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy is highlighting the achievements of Black members of our community. In this article, we meet Shona Harvey, a Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Physical Therapy (PT) graduate who mentors current Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ PT students. Ms. Harvey shares her experiences and reflections on her path, why mentoring matters to her, and her hopes for more inclusive health care.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was first drawn to the profession in high school, after sustaining a terrible injury during a semi-final basketball game that required surgery for a torn ACL and meniscus. During my recovery, I was lucky to meet an exceptional physical therapist named Judith. She not only treated me, but explained in detail, with joy and enthusiasm, exactly what she was doing. This was my first real introduction to physical therapy; an encounter that piqued my interest and would eventually lead me to this profession. Prior to that I had no idea what physical therapy was!
I have now worked in the field for 23 years and still very much enjoy it. Over the years I have worked in internal medicine, oncology, post-op, stroke, cardiology, and now in the out-patient department with orthopedic injuries, soft tissue and fractures.
Fun fact: I went on to play University rugby!
Why is it important to you to be a mentor for future Physical Therapists?
I am very proud to be a physical therapist and believe our profession plays an essential and highly valued role in the healthcare system. Giving back is important, not just personally but for the growth and strength of the profession, I can do this through mentorship and supervising physiotherapy students. Mentoring also keeps me on my toes, making sure that I stay up to date!
Why is it important to role model for both Black and non-Black students?
I love teaching and supporting students and new graduates as they develop and strengthen their skills in the clinical setting. When I first started, as a woman of Caribbean descent, I rarely saw physical therapists, or physical therapy students, in Montreal that looked like me. I believe having mentors you can identify with can often have a positive impact. I think it is important to let people know that anything is attainable, and that it is never too late to pursue goals with hard work. Today, I am grateful to see many young physical therapists that look like me.
What helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment in health care?
Living in Montreal means working with a wonderfully diverse clientele, each bringing unique cultural perspectives. This naturally creates opportunities for cultural exchange, where both patients and clinicians can feel comfortable being curious and learning from one another. Approaching care with this openness helps foster a more inclusive, supportive, and understanding healthcare environment.
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Shona Harvey pht., (’03) is a Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ alumna working in at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Quebec.
She regularly promotes the profession and delivers presentations on fall prevention to community groups, professional associations and at career fairs. She is a clinical supervisor for Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ physical therapy students, and a mentor for early- career physiotherapists.
