Michelle O'Brien - Physiotherapist

Michelle O’Brien’s career in pediatric physiotherapy from 2008 to 2015 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, was marked by her commitment to clinical excellence and professional leadership. During this time, she contributed to several pivotal institutions, including Partners in Rehab, George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, and Integrated Services for Northern Children, where she made a lasting impact on patient care and physiotherapy education.

Michelle’s journey began with Partners in Rehab, where she managed the  individualized rehabilitation for the school health program and provided the necessary school an home exercise programs.  

At George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, Michelle advanced to a leadership position as the Professional Practice Lead for Physiotherapy. In this role, she oversaw clinical standards for the physiotherapy team. Her clinical responsibilities included assessing and treating a wide range of pediatric conditions, developing therapeutic exercise programs, and managing specialized equipment prescriptions for children. She also trained and supervised physiotherapy assistants, empowering them to deliver high-quality support to patients and families.

Michelle’s role with Integrated Services for Northern Children extended her expertise across Northern Ontario, where she provided essential physiotherapy services to underserved communities. Working with interdisciplinary teams, she developed innovative care solutions tailored to the unique needs of children in remote areas, ensuring equitable access to high-quality care.

In 2018, Michelle’s career took on an international dimension when she joined Sidra Medicine in Doha, Qatar, as a Physiotherapy Supervisor in Clinical Education. This role broadened her scope, allowing her to combine clinical leadership with education on a global scale. At Sidra, she supervised junior physiotherapists, coordinated student placements in collaboration with the medical education team, and implemented a streamlined charting procedure that integrated with insurance billing protocols, enhancing efficiency and compliance within the women’s health physiotherapy department.

Michelle’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her professional accomplishments. She holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto, where she graduated in 2006 with notable accolades, including the Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award and an Award of Merit for her dedication to patient care and student leadership. Prior to that, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University, which solidified her interest in physical rehabilitation and the science of movement. In 2021, Michelle furthered her expertise with a Master of Education in Health Professions Education from the University of Ottawa, focusing on curriculum development and adult learning in health sciences, which has informed her roles in clinical education and mentoring.

Michelle’s experience and education reflect a career dedicated to advancing physiotherapy practice, supporting emerging professionals, and fostering access to quality care both locally and internationally. Through her leadership roles and clinical work, she has left an indelible mark on pediatric physiotherapy, shaping the future of care for children and healthcare professionals alike.

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Welcome to RAW Michelle!!