Claire Compagna
Physiotherapist
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my role is empowering individuals to optimize their physical function and engage in activities that bring them meaning and joy. It’s truly an honor to be a part of their rehabilitation journeys and help them return to the pursuits that matter most to them.
What is a common misconception about your work?
A common misconception is that physiotherapy solely focuses on the physical body, overlooking the broader factors that may influence a person’s pain experience. In reality, non-physical elements—such as mental health, social environment, and emotional well-being—play a significant role in how someone experiences and copes with pain. Addressing these factors can lead to more comprehensive and impactful treatment.
Was there anything challenging or unexpected when you became a physiotherapist?
One challenge that became apparent early on is the gray area within the profession. People’s pain doesn’t always fit into neat categories, as it’s influenced by a range of physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Identifying the primary drivers of pain in such complex situations can be challenging, but it’s also what makes the work so dynamic and intellectually stimulating. I enjoy the “detective work” involved in uncovering the root causes.
Tell us about your experience working in research with the Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the privilege of contributing as a research assistant with the Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN). Initially, our focus was to develop clinical decision-making rules to assist emergency department physicians in managing patients presenting to hospitals across Canada with COVID-19. Over time, the project evolved to include the creation of a comprehensive national database of over 200,000 COVID-19 patients, enabling researchers to address critical questions about this rapidly evolving condition. Being involved in such impactful research during a global health crisis was an incredible opportunity to contribute to an urgent, real-time need.
You’ve gained experience in several areas within physiotherapy—acute care, pediatrics, orthopedics, and chronic disease management. Which area had the most significant impact on you?
Each area of physiotherapy I’ve worked in has been immensely rewarding, but one experience that truly surprised me was my work in pediatrics. Providing physiotherapy services to children who needed it was both challenging and deeply gratifying. Additionally, working in outpatient care in smaller communities exposed me to a diverse range of conditions and acuity levels, which accelerated my growth and understanding of the breadth of physiotherapy.
What did you appreciate the most about the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program and studying at UBC?
The most valuable aspect of the MPT program at UBC was the community I became a part of. My peers were highly supportive and equally committed to becoming well-rounded, competent physiotherapists. Despite the program’s challenges, the collaborative environment and shared dedication made the experience both enriching and rewarding.
What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
When I was 18, I walked the Camino de Santiago, a famous European pilgrimage. I chose the route from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, which was almost 300km and took about 10 days. I would love to go back and walk a different Camino route someday!