Careers at UHN

Departmental Profiles

Rehabilitation Services - Physiotherapy

Vision
To become an internationally recognized centre of excellence in the practice of Physiotherapy for clinical, teaching and research activities.

Mission
Physiotherapy shares the University Health Network's mission "to provide exemplary patient care and foster excellence in health care delivery, research and teaching". To accomplish this mission, Physiotherapy aims:

1. To be an international leader that delivers excellent, evidence-based care that is client-focused, cost-effective and efficient;
2. To be a leading centre for clinical education and educational research with staff who are fully integrated members of the University and hospital teaching community;
3. To be an innovative organization that fosters a proactive and positive approach to the changing healthcare environment;
4. To be a recognized research leader conducting excellent clinical research as a fully integrated member of the University and the University Health Network research community and whose staff approach clinical care from a scientific perspective;
5. To critically appraise health information and technology;
6. To work collaboratively with other disciplines to provide integrated services.

Programs receiving service from Physiotherapy

Neural and Sensory Sciences - Physiotherapists have the opportunity to practice within one of Canada's largest neurosciences programs based at Toronto Western Hospital. The neurosciences program is divided into a spinal program, which includes acute spinal cord injury and spinal surgery, neurosurgery, which includes management of tumors and vascular disorders, and neurology, which includes diverse neuromuscular disorders.

General Medicine - Physiotherapists have the opportunity to practice within several diverse programs that are part of the General Medicine Service, which is part of the Community and Population Health Program Grouping. These include the General Medicine units, Regional Geriatric Program, and acute stroke teams at both Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, nephrology unit at Toronto General Hospital, and the Regional Stroke Centre at Toronto Western Hospital.

Oncology and Blood Disorders - Physiotherapists have the opportunity to practice at Princess Margaret Hospital, The Ontario Center for Cancer Care Research and Education. They are part of the inpatient interdisciplinary teams at Princess Margaret Hospital. They have the opportunity to work on the solid tumor, hematology, short-stay, bone marrow transplant units and the outpatient breast clinic.

Cardio-respiratory Programs - Physiotherapists have the opportunity to practice in world renowned programs such as the Cardiac and Cardiovascular program, which is part of the Heart and Circulation Program Grouping, as well as in the Multi- Organ Transplant Program. The Lung Transplant program includes both in and outpatient rehabilitation of this patient population. We have the largest Vascular Program in Ontario and an expanding Surgical Oncology program in Thoracic, Head and Neck, and General Surgery.

There are three large acute intensive care units at the TGH site: Cardiovascular Surgery, Coronary Intensive Care Unit and Combined Surgical and Medical Intensive Care. At the Western Site there is a Surgical ICU and Neuro step down unit. Many of the services have Step down units on the floors. Staff members have the chance to work in dynamic multi-disciplinary teams in active dynamic programs striving for excellence in patient care.

Musculoskelatal Health and Arthritis Program - Toronto Western Hospital is a regional referral center for complex MSK disorders and injuries. Service is provided to complex orthopedic patients who are referred by orthopedic surgeons (spinal, sports medicine, fracture management and scoliosis). In addition, Toronto Western Hospital is a provincial referral centre for complex rheumatic diseases (RA, OA, FM, Sjogren, SLE, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis). Patient populations include inpatients and outpatients as well as provision of independent assessments for WSIB and MVA patients. A numbers of the therapists have completed part A and part B Manual Therapy levels.

Hand Program: The Hand Program at TWH is part of the Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis Program Grouping. Certified hand therapists, occupational and physical therapists work closely with orthopedic and plastic surgeons, treating complex hand and upper extremity problems (trauma, arthritis, WSIB, nerve injuries). Many of the therapists are certified hand therapists.

Community and Population Health/Health Connections Programs - There are a number of community-based programs supported by Physiotherapy including Senior's Wellness, Diabetes Education Centre and Chronic Pain Management programs.

Physiotherapy Assistants are an integral part of the physiotherapy service at the University Health Network and work within the Neurosciences, Transplant, Orthopedic and General Medicine programs. There are 4 FTE assistants across sites to cover these programs.

Qualifications
Rehabilitation Services

 

 

[back to top]