The Physical Therapy & Research Clinic (PTRC) experienced another successful year in 2024, demonstrating strong growth and impact across all areas. From student placements to community outreach, and the expansion of our clinical programs, we are proud of the progress we’ve made in providing high-quality patient care and creating invaluable learning opportunities.

This year, PTRC hosted 21 Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) students, including 2 international students, providing them with hands-on clinical training. Our team of students on placement and our UBC MPT alumni therapists have been instrumental in the success of the clinic, conducting a total of 4,554 appointments throughout the year.
We are pleased to report that 6 licensed therapists are now employed at the clinic, with plans to expand our team in the upcoming year to meet the growing demand for services. This increase in capacity will allow us to better serve our community while continuing to provide exceptional learning experiences for students.
In 2024, a total of 5,781 individuals (both new and repeat patients) walked through our doors, participating in both individual appointments and our expanding group class offerings. The popularity of our group exercise classes continues to grow as patients and clients seek out opportunities for rehabilitation and wellness. Our clinic conducted 84 FAME (Fitness and Mobility Exercise) classes, helping seniors and individuals with mobility challenges improve their health.
We are also proud of the continued success of our GLAD (Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark) program. In 2024, we held 81 in-person GLAD sessions, through 6 – 7-week sessions with 60 new participants, as well as 18 online sessions, bringing the total number of GLAD sessions to 99 for the year. This program provides individuals with osteoarthritis the tools they need to manage their symptoms and live healthier lives.
In total, the clinic conducted 183 group classes in 2024, further highlighting our commitment to providing diverse and inclusive services to support both rehabilitation and general wellness.
The PTRC continues to partner with the BC Brain Wellness Program (BCBWP), a collaboration that allows us to offer assessments to individuals with neurological conditions. This year, our student team continued to conduct assessments with the BCBWP, adding over 200 completed assessments to our growing total of over 1200 assessments since the program began. These assessments help residents of British Columbia access free exercise classes and mindfulness activities, supporting their cognitive health and overall well-being.
This year, PTRC formed a partnership with Student Health Services at UBC to develop a concussion protocol and referral pathway. This new protocol streamlines the process for students who experience concussions, ensuring they receive the appropriate care and rehabilitation.
The PTRC is excited to continue our growth into 2025. We remain committed to expanding our clinical capacity, increasing the number of licensed therapists on staff, and continuing to innovate in patient care, student education, and community outreach. With our ongoing partnerships, new initiatives, and dedication to excellence, we are confident that next year will be another year of growth and a successful chapter for the clinic.
We are incredibly grateful to all the patients, students, and partners who have contributed to our success, and we look forward to making an even greater impact in the year ahead.
Happy Holidays!
