2024 Directors Reoffering

Amy Publicover

Background

Amy is originally from Halifax, NS. She completed a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University in 1999 and went on to complete a B.Sc.PT at Queen's University in 2002. Amy started as a PT at Erinoak Children's Treatment Centre in 2002. In 2004 Amy traveled to Dubai, UAE to work at the Dubai Centre for Special Needs. She returned to NS in 2006 and began working at IWK Health. Amy's roles have included working with the Community and School Team, Infant and Preschool Team, Rehab Clinic and various in-patient teams. Currently Amy's role is with Rehab Clinic as the sole PTs responsible for the care of a wide range of rehab patients. Amy has expertise in CP and developmental medicine, neuromuscular conditions, limb deficiency, advanced orthopaedic care of complex patients and pediatric gait analysis. Amy completed specialized training and work with Biogen in the assessment and care of children with SMA being treated with Spinraza.

Why does the nominee want to participate as a director on the board?

Amy has worked with various boards and professional groups over the years. As a clinician with more than 20 years of experience she is keen to explore greater involvement with NSCP and contribute to a legacy that continues to support the profound work of PTs in this province. Amy strives to both elevate and hold this incredible profession to the highest standard.

What does the Nominee bring to the position?

Vast experience in paediatric practice as well as tremendous experience working for a provincial health authority. Sound clinical skills and decision making abilities. A love and enthusiasm for this profession and a desire to support the ongoing development of PT practices within the province and beyond. A sincere recognition that PTs are a valuable resource and must be held to an exacting standard for the benefit of all.

Please describe 1-3 examples of times or roles the nominee demonstrated any of these competencies (independent thinking, personal integrity, strong analytical and decision-making skills, sound judgment, effective communication skills; and ability to work as a member of a team):

Amy has worked with a talented interdisciplinary team at the IWK. Amy relies on her ability to synthesize findings and assessment results to help contribute to the care and management of our patients. This requires being able to independently determine in certain circumstance the best care plan for a particular patient. For example Amy is integral in assessing a patient's candidacy for botox injects to manage hypertonia. Should the patient not be a suitable candidate she is responsible for offering and developing a treatment plan that supports their goals. If they are, in fact a good candidate for botox injections Amy would then be responsible for helping decide which specific muscle groups will be targeted and any adjunct interventions like serial casting and bracing. This requires independent thinking, analytical and decision-making skills, sound judgement and teamwork. Our team regularly meets to evaluate patients for gait correction surgery. Amy is responsible for completing the gait assessment and written documentation as well as presenting the findings to our group for review. It can be an imposing group made up of physicians, surgeons, other PTs, OTs, social workers and psychologists to name a few and there are many perspectives to consider. It is important to have integrity and good judgement when working with such a talented group of people to help ensure balanced decisions are made that stay aligned with the patient and family goals. Paediatric care is profoundly rewarding but also profoundly challenging. Amy is often dealing with parents at some of the most challenging times in their lives. This is a huge burden of responsibility and Amy always aims to treat that with respect. Part of that involves ensuring her words and what is being communicated is clear, accurate, kind and relevant so families can process the information with greater ease. This can be a difficult task as often there is a tremendous amount of info to be shared. Amy ensures it is provided in multiple modes, like verbally and in written format. Amy strives to make sure patients and families feel free and empowered to ask questions or have conversations multiple times to aid their comprehension.

Alissa Decker

Background

Alissa graduates from Dalhousie in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. Since graduation, Alissa has worked in a variety of clinical settings and with varying patient populations but primarily has practiced in the public health setting in Nova Scotia, with some time worked in both Newfoundland and in the UK. Alissa has practiced in the acute care, rehabilitation, and community settings and for the past 13+ years has primarily practiced in a leadership/administrative role and is currently the Health Services Director of the Neurosciences, Orthopedics and Spine portfolio in the Central Zone of Nova Scotia Health. In this role, Alissa works in a co-leadership model with the respective physician leads to ensure the operational planning, management, and leadership of specialized medical and surgical services to ensure care is integrated and reflects best practice and evidence-based care. This includes ensuring these services/programs meet clinical research and teaching mandates and comply with established standards and regulations. In his role, Alissa has shared accountability for setting priorities and implementing strategies that support high quality, safe, cost-effective, person-centred care. Alissa completed her master’s in health administration from Dalhousie in 2016 and earned her certified health executive from the Canadian College of Health Leaders in 2017. Alissa also completed the EXTRA program in 2019 and earned a fellowship with the Canadian Foundation for Health Improvement. Alissa is currently finishing a two- year term on the Board of NSCP and is hoping to continue. Alissa has previously served on the board of NSPA as well.

Why does the nominee want to participate as a director on the board?

I am finishing a two year term on NSCP and have enjoyed my time back on the board and looking to continue for another term. There are a lot of exciting developments happening in Nova Scotia in terms of regulation and investment in the health care system and would like to continue to support this work to help to ensure safe, effective and high-quality physiotherapy care for Nova Scotians. We continue to be in a unique time in healthcare, with rapid change and investment and feel my diverse clinical background, combined with proven leadership skills and experience with complex systems and issues continues to make me a well-suited candidate to continue as a director on the board of NSCP.

What does the Nominee bring to the position?

Over 20 years of clinical experience as a physiotherapist in a variety of practice settings (Orthopedics, neuro, cardiorespiratory, acute and critical care, rehab, community care, outpatients, etc.) 13+ years in a formal leadership position with proven track record of implementing practice changes, program development, program and clinical evaluation, patient/family/community engagement, policy development, developing clinical practice guidelines, experience dealing with concerns/complaints, experience with quality improvement projects, etc. Formal education in health administration (Masters of Health Administration from Dalhousie completed in 2016) including finance, epidemiology, governance, health law and ethics, health policy, change management, human resources, statistics, economics, labor relations, etc. Previous experience as a board of director with both NSCP and NSPA, most recently served a two-year term as Board Member, NSCP and hoping to continue. Currently chair and member of NSCP Practice Standards Committee.

Please describe 1-3 examples of times or roles the nominee demonstrated any of these competencies (independent thinking, personal integrity, strong analytical and decision-making skills, sound judgment, effective communication skills; and ability to work as a member of a team):

Alissa demonstrates all of these competencies in her day-to-day role as a Program Manager within Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health with most recent examples include: helping to effectively manage COVID response to current Omicron wave in Nova Scotia that involved realigning resources to support acute/critical care, ramping down services in ambulatory care, working collaboratively with Ortho surgeons and an inter-professional team (Nursing, PT, OT, SW in OAC/Prehab, acute care, pre and peri-op program, anesthesia, etc.) to establish an outpatient joint replacement program in Central Zone of NSH. Alissa has presented to the public and the physiotherapy community on a number of occasions regarding the hip and knee action plan in Nova Scotia since 2019.

Brendon Samson

Background

Following my Human Kinetics degree at STFX University, I completed my MscPT at Dalhousie University in 2013. After qualifying, I worked a year in the Annapolis Valley before moving internationally to Cardiff, Wales. While there, I practised at a growing multidisciplinary clinic specializing in sport and performance, as well as a private care facility serving those with dementia and acquired brain injuries. I returned home to Nova Scotia in 2016, and have been settled in Bridgewater, working in private practice and serving a wide variety of ages and abilities.

Why does the nominee want to participate as a director on the board?

I want to get a better understanding of how the College operates, and help do my part to make sure that Physiotherapists are operating safely and doing our best to serve the public. I am a strong believer in the importance of continuing education, and with the current slew of online options available, I want to make sure Physiotherapists are thinking critically about what they choose. Most of these courses aren't vetted by the hosts, so it's important that Physiotherapists are making sure it's within their scope, evidence based, and pertinent to their area of practice.

What does the Nominee bring to the position?

I believe I bring an unbiased, analytical outlook to the board. I am not afraid to take on the responsibility and commit my time to the role. I also feel privileged to be a Physiotherapist serving the public, and feel we should be doing what we can to provide access to best practice services through professional development. Next, I feel I might be able bring a different perspective to the board, having worked abroad, under the regulation of the Health and Care Professions Council. Lastly, I feel that I bring perspectives from different areas of Physiotherapy. As well as private practice and inpatient care, I've also published educational articles for the public in print and online.

Please describe 1-3 examples of times or roles the nominee demonstrated any of these competencies (independent thinking, personal integrity, strong analytical and decision-making skills, sound judgment, effective communication skills; and ability to work as a member of a team):

As part of my time working in Wales, I worked as the sole Physiotherapist in a multidisciplinary setting at a care facility for those with dementia and acquired brain injuries. I worked closely with a variety of health care providers including a Psychologist, Dietitian, and Occupational Therapist. We worked closely as a team with the residents to form and execute care plans, communicating closely with one another. While in Wales I also worked at a start up private practice. As part of the growing process, I had to be flexible and help with several roles within the business including administration, logistics, and marketing. Goal setting and execution was very important in being successful in that role. I've also done pitch-side/ court-side Physiotherapy coverage for several different sporting clubs and multi-sport events which required independent thinking and quick, sound decision making quite often.