Hospital & Rehab Archives - Page 4 of 9 - Ontario Physiotherapy Association

OPA Staff Updates

We wanted to share with you recent OPA staff team updates.

Wishing Farewell to Amy Hondronicols, Director, Practice, Policy & Member Services

We bid farewell to Amy Hondronicols, Director of Practice, Policy and Member Services, who has made extraordinary contributions to the OPA over the past two years. Amy has been key in advancing our practice and policy work, engaging extensively with members and stakeholders across the physiotherapy community, and supporting countless initiatives that have strengthened our profession. We are excited for Amy in her new role as Director of Clinical Education at McMaster University. We wish her the very best in this new role and thank her for all that she has done for the profession.

Welcome to Emily Stevenson, new Director of Practice & Policy

Emily is an accomplished health care leader and Registered Physiotherapist with over 20 years of cross sectoral experience advancing physiotherapy and rehabilitation. She brings a combination of clinical expertise, health system leadership, and policy development to the role of Director of Practice and Policy. Her prior experience has focused on strategy, quality improvement, and the design and delivery of innovative programs that improve access and health outcomes.

Emily holds a MSc in Physiotherapy from McMaster University and a BSc/BPHE from Queen’s University. She is the recipient of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association’s Advocacy and Leadership Award (2024) and McMaster University’s Distinguished Alumni Award (2019). Contact Emily at estevenson@opa.on.ca beginning October 6.

Welcome to Janine Framst, new Manager of Marketing & Communications

Janine Framst is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with extensive experience in healthcare and member-based organizations. Before joining the Ontario Physiotherapy Association in June, she led marketing initiatives at the George Hull Centre Institute of Childhood Trauma and Attachment, significantly increasing digital engagement. Her past consulting work with a physiotherapy clinic deepened her appreciation for the profession’s role in improving health outcomes. Janine brings a strategic mindset, a collaborative approach, and a strong commitment to equity and continuous improvement. Contact Janine at jframst@opa.on.ca.

Welcome to Prerna Tawde, new Membership Coordinator

We are delighted to welcome Prerna to the team at OPA. Prerna joined us in early August as our new Membership Coordinator. Prerna is a Healthcare Management professional with a strong background in project management and physiotherapy. She has worked at UHN, where she supported virtual education programs for healthcare providers.

She was trained in India as a physiotherapist where she worked at a multispecialty hospital in Mumbai. With a Master’s in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Postgraduate diploma in Project Management and Healthcare Management, she brings a great combination of skills and experience to our team. Contact Prerna at ptawde@opa.on.ca.

View all OPA Staff

Member Spotlight – Interprofessional Collaboration for More Effective Treatment Care

September 12, 2025

We are excited to feature four members who contributed to the article “Working with Physiotherapists: Tips for Effective Collaboration” in the Registered Massage Therapist Association of Ontario’s Massage Therapy Today magazine.

Marcos Rodrigues, Adam A. Saporta, Raj Suppiah, and Kyle Whaley share their perspectives on the benefits of interprofessional collaboration with massage therapists.

Whether it is meeting with clients jointly as health care professionals, coordinating efforts by exchanging observations, developing an effective treatment plan collaboratively or considering the changing client goals together, learn from all the authors about the ways to effectively communicate and collaborate with RMTs in this article.

Read the article

Hear from four members in this article:

“Through their combined expertise, RMTs and physiotherapists not only address the mechanical aspects of recovery but also support the sensory, emotional, and psychological dimensions of healing.” – Marcos Rodrigues, PT, MSc, MBA

“Clients feel more supported when they see their therapy team working together, speaking the same language, and reinforcing each other’s interventions with consistency.” – Adam A. Saporta PT, MScPT, PTS

“As a team, physiotherapists and massage therapists must provide their clients with realistic expectations and timelines. Research has shown that treatment planning and effective communication of the plan is as important as the treatment itself. “- Raj Suppiah, BHScHons, MScPT, Cert. MDT, Cert. Sport PT

“By aligning treatment to the patient’s rehab phase—and explicitly linking it to the patient’s rehabilitation goals—RMTs and physiotherapists position themselves as the most effective team in a patient’s recovery.”- Kyle Whaley, BScPT, BSc, BPHE, CAFCI

OPA Calls for Improvements in Integrating Physiotherapy into ICHSCs

OPA recently sent a letter to the Ministry of Health with important feedback about the integration of physiotherapy in the Call for Applications for Integrated Community Health Services Centres (ICHSCs). We thank members who provided feedback which helped inform our letter.

The Impact

We recognize the impact that ICHSCs will have in all sectors where physiotherapists work, and in particular, the direct impact that will be imposed upon physiotherapists working in the private sector and those who currently operate within the Community Physiotherapy Clinic (CPC) Program.

Several significant points we made include:

Insufficient Compensation

Compensation for physiotherapists serving patients within the ICHSC model remains unclear. We are very concerned that insufficient funding that is not based on current market rates for physiotherapists will not result in a sustainable program.

OPA has previously expressed concerns with the existing Bundled Care program and the distribution of funds within the bundle that has resulted in underpayment of physiotherapy services. Given the Ministry’s goal of improving access to community-based surgery for hip and knee replacements, our concerns have escalated about the ability of the public to access rehabilitation before and after surgery if there are not appropriate resources and funding available for community physiotherapy partners.

Complexity of Patients

It is essential that funding for physiotherapy services reflects the rehabilitation complexity of the patient regardless of where they have surgery. Physiotherapy should NOT be discounted in the community because they are considered low risk from just a surgical perspective.

Navigation

As noted in OPA’s ongoing communications with the Bundled Care team at the Ministry of Health, there have been increasing challenges in system navigation of services for patients as the hospital role in navigation has eroded over time. OPA maintains the position that patient choice continues to be a priority. Currently, patients who undergo surgery at a hospital can choose where they access post-operative physiotherapy services, and the hospital bundle-holder is responsible for reimbursing the clinic of choice. This model has not been presented as a feature of the ICHSC program and has the potential to adversely impact accessibility and care outcomes.

Communication

OPA asks that the current communication issues be addressed that exist in the Bundled Care program prior to ICHSCs opening. Communication to and from bundled care holders to the patient and to physiotherapists are all needing to be addressed.

Why this is Critical for our Profession

Insufficient Compensation Impacts all Physiotherapists

A compensation model that is both underfunded and shifts the risk to physiotherapists for rehabilitation outcomes not only impacts physiotherapy clinics providing care for ICHSC patients but erodes the value and compensation of physiotherapists in all sectors.

Current Status

This is an important issue for the profession and we commit to communicating any response we receive from the Ministry that responds to the concerns we have identified.

Advocacy is Continuous

Advocating with the Ministry and government will be ongoing until we believe that needed program changes are in place and are communicated to the profession. We know that rehabilitation for patients is critical to support good surgical outcomes. The service model needs to be built on a fair and transparent framework so that our members can participate knowing that they will be equitably treated at fair market rates. Read more news related to ICHSCs linked below.

We encourage all members of the physiotherapy community to email the Ministry of Health and share your concerns. Use content from our letter and contact us for any additional resources at physiomail@opa.on.ca.

Read our letter

Annual Fee Guideline Review: We Want Your Input!

Nearly one year has passed since OPA published the 2024 Physiotherapy Fee Guideline, and we’re continuing our commitment to annual reviews that keep pace with the evolving private practice landscape.

Supporting Your Practice Success

The Annual Fee Guideline Review ensures that physiotherapists have access to current, relevant fee guidance. This review process examines market trends, practice realities, and member needs, to deliver a tool that serves our profession.

This resource is designed for all physiotherapists, with particular focus on those in private practice who face daily decisions about fee structures while striving to deliver exceptional patient care and maintain sustainable businesses.

Addressing Real Practice Challenges

We know you’re navigating an increasingly complex practice environment. Economic pressures, changing patient expectations, insurance considerations, and evolving service delivery models all impact how you structure your fees. Without current guidance, it becomes challenging to make confident decisions that balance patient accessibility with practice sustainability.

The private practice landscape doesn’t stand still, and neither should the resources that support your success.

How Your Input Drives Meaningful Updates

Our annual review process is built on member engagement. We’re seeking your insights through a survey that explores your current fees, fee models, and experiences using the Fee Guideline as an advocacy tool in your practice.

This data collection allows us to continue to evolve and modify the Guideline with your real-world experience as the foundation.

The Value You Receive

By participating in this annual review, you gain:

Evidence-based fee guidance that reflects current market conditions

A powerful advocacy tool to support conversations with patients, insurance providers, and other stakeholders

Professional confidence in your fee decisions, backed by peer input

Practice sustainability support that helps balance patient care with business viability

Community connection through shared insights and collective professional growth

Your Participation Matters

The survey takes just minutes to complete but provides invaluable insights that strengthen our entire profession. Your responses help us understand emerging trends, identify challenges, and ensure the Fee Guideline remains practically relevant for diverse practice settings across Ontario.

By participating, you are actively contributing to a resource that supports thousands of physiotherapists in delivering quality care while maintaining sustainable practices.

Looking Forward

Stay tuned for updates this fall as we compile insights, analyze trends, and prepare the updated guideline. This collaborative approach ensures the Fee Guideline continues evolving as a relevant, practical tool that serves our growing professional community.

Supporting Your Professional Journey

This annual review exemplifies why OPA exists: to provide physiotherapists with the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in all practice settings. Whether you’re establishing fees for a new service, advocating with insurance providers, or simply ensuring your practice remains sustainable, the Fee Guideline serves as your professional foundation.

Ready to contribute? Complete the survey today and help shape the resource that supports our profession’s future.

InterACTION in 2026 and CPA Congress Call for Submissions

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association has opened the Call for Presentations for abstracts to be considered for Congress 2026, hosted in Halifax, Nova Scotia from May 28-30, 2026. The Call for Presentations is open from July 2 until October 9, 2025.

For 2026, OPA has decided to promote participation by Ontario members to both submit proposals for Congress and attend in Halifax in May. By facilitating attendance in alternating years at Congress and OPA’s InterACTION, there is an opportunity to create events with robust discussions from members of the physiotherapy community across the country.

This decision will also enable OPA to imagine and host different types of events in 2026. Stay tuned for details about these innovative offerings throughout 2026. We will be planning to offer our next InterACTION Conference in 2027.

Congress 2026 Submission Requirements

Submissions for CPA Congress 2026 must:

Apply to one of the 18 themes or practice areas identified in the call

Be evidence-informed and directly related to physiotherapy practice

Showcase best practices and innovation

Prioritize engagement and practical application

Congress is an excellent opportunity for Ontario physiotherapists to share their expertise, research, and innovative practices with colleagues from across Canada while contributing to the advancement of the profession nationally.

OPA encourages members to submitting proposals that highlight the outstanding work being done by physiotherapists across Ontario. Your participation helps ensure that Ontario’s voice and expertise are well-represented at this national gathering.

For full details and a submission guide, please visit CPA’s Call for Presentations.

Submission Deadline: October 9, 2025

Surgical Centres

August 15, 2025

Surgical Centres

As previously announced, the Government of Ontario is moving forward with a plan to provide insured orthopaedic services, specifically hip and knee joint replacements, in community-based settings.

The Call for Applications to propose an Integrated Community Health Service Centre (ICHSC) that includes orthopaedic services has opened, with applications due August 27, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST.

OPA continues to advocate for increased clarity and transparency on the requirements and the bundled facility fee that funds rehab care for patients related to their surgery. A major concern is that these bundled fees are lower than the current fees for hospital-based surgeries, and it is not clear how this change will impact the financial sustainability of essential rehab services. ICHSC applicants need to understand the value of physiotherapy care that is included in the bundled fee. Physiotherapy clinics cannot afford to provide services to patients below market rates. Ensuring that physiotherapy remains appropriately integrated and publicly-funded as a core component of care in these centres is vital for maintaining health system quality and equity across Ontario.

As part of the application process, prospective licensees are required to demonstrate partnerships with rehabilitation providers, which may include physiotherapists.

For more information on the Call for Applications, please visit the Government of Ontario’s website.

How You Can Support OPA’s Advocacy

Your input will help OPA continue to advocate effectively for the integration and appropriate compensation of physiotherapy services in this evolving healthcare landscape and ensure that patients receive comprehensive care throughout their orthopaedic surgical journey.

OPA would like to hear from you about your participation in the application process. We will inform our advocacy by understanding how physiotherapy services are represented in the applications, which may include details about reimbursement rates or how an episode of care is defined. Please share your feedback below.

OPA will continue to monitor developments and provide updates to members as this initiative progresses.

Physiotherapists Part of Team Improving Stroke Care in Sudbury

August 5, 2025

Innovative Stroke Care Model Launched

Venkadesan Rajendran, District President of the Northern Ontario District of OPA, is the project lead for a new innovative stroke care model called MOTIVE in Sudbury.

The project brings an expert team, which includes stroke neurologists/stroke physicians, an advanced practice physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a stroke nurse, a speech-language pathologist and a reactivation worker, to the patients directly. They conduct an early assessment, coordinate treatment planning and streamline access to rehab. MOTIVE stands for MObile TIA and Stroke with AdaptiVE Workflow.

“Health Science North (HSN) indicates that it allows for faster access to care and fewer hospital admissions for patients in the Sudbury area.” says Venkadesan Rajendran in Sudbury.com.

Rajendran also said that HSN supported the initial development of Advanced Practice Physiotherapy in stroke care a few years ago. He is grateful to Dr. Ravinder-Jeet Singh, Stroke Neurologist, Lisa Zeman, Clinical Manager, and Lisa Smith, VP of Nursing services who supported the development of the role.

Benefits to Interprofessional Care

MOTIVE demonstrates how including physiotherapy in interprofessional stroke care contributes to more effective care for patients in Ontario. As Venkadesan Rajendran remarks “Instead of waiting for patients to be transferred to the designated stroke unit, we bring the care to them. We’re reducing the time lost due to system inefficiencies.”

Since its launch in February 2025, the program has seen 109 patients so far and saved roughly 70 inpatient bed days. Currently supported by one-time funding through the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Innovative Model of Care Fund, the aim is to sustain the model over time said Chantal Liddard, the Director of the Medicine Program at HSN.

About Stroke in Canada

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability with nearly 1 million people in Canada currently living with stroke. Furthermore, the number of people in Canada living with stroke has steadily increased over the past 20 years due to the aging population, and because younger people are having more strokes.

Physiotherapist Leader, Advocate, and Award Winner

OPA applauds Venkadesan Rajendran for his commendable leadership in physiotherapy – as the Northern Ontario District President of OPA, through his research, and as the Project Lead for MOTIVE. Venkadesan also won OPA’s Innovation and Advancement Award in 2023.

Read HSN news release

Read Sudbury Star article

Read article on Sudbury.com

OPA is Hiring: Director – Practice and Policy

The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) is searching for a strategic and experienced professional to join our team as Director – Practice and Policy. This permanent, full-time position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of physiotherapy practice across Ontario while advancing the profession through policy development, advocacy, and member services.

Job Description

Director – Practice and Policy – Permanent Full Time Position

The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) is a dynamic professional non-profit organization with over 5,500 physiotherapist, physiotherapist assistant and student members across the province. We are committed to the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome those who will help us increase our capacity for diversity. OPA welcomes all qualified applicants and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Black, Indigenous and other racialized persons, and persons with disabilities.

The Director, Practice and Policy, is the Association’s primary contact with and resource to staff, members, volunteers and the public in the areas of practice and policy related to physiotherapy in Ontario. They are responsible for activities that contribute to the achievement of OPA’s strategic goals in member services, professional practice issues and resources, advocacy, policy and strategic partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Manage internal and external environmental scanning and analysis of existing and emerging legislation and policy pertaining to physiotherapy in Ontario.
Identify and research emerging issues related to the practice of physiotherapy and recommend and implement strategies.
Develop policy and advocacy positions on behalf of OPA members.
Provide support to the Board of Directors, Advisory Committees and other governance groups related to the work of the Association.
Contribute to the development of the Strategic and Operational Plans, monitors and reports on the progress of annual objectives of the Association.
Develop and/or coordinate content related to areas of responsibility for association communication vehicles including newsletter, website and social media.
Lead and manage the education portfolio, including the OPA conference.
Oversee all aspects of members services, including evaluation of current programs and services and recommending and developing new member services to enhance the value of membership.
Participate in the hiring process of staff; responsible for the supervision and development of staff in the practice and policy area.
Acts as senior manager in the absence of the CEO and supports the CEO as a member of senior management.

Requirements

Knowledge:

Knowledge and experience with provincial/regional health systems and health system policy

Graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. public relations, political science, health policy, public or business administration) an asset

Masters of Science in Physical Therapy – plus current registration with a Canadian regulatory College of Physiotherapists (in good standing)

Experience:

5+ years of progressive leadership experience
Policy & Advocacy experience
Experience working with volunteers in a not-for-profit environment an asset

Skillsets:

5+ years of progressive leadership experience
Policy & Advocacy experience
Experience working with volunteers in a not-for-profit environment an asset
Skillsets:
Excellent interpersonal skills including team building, mentoring, networking and leadership
Strong analytical, facilitation, presentation and communication, including written, skills
Ability to search for and synthesize information and research
Solid time management, organizational and coordination skills
Strong problem-solving skills combined with effective risk management skills

Location
Hybrid – this position is a combination of work from home and in-person at our office location at 110 Sheppard Ave East, Toronto. The successful candidate will need to be available to work regular hours and occasional evenings and weekends.

Compensation
Salary Range: $90,000 to $115,000. Offer commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive Benefit Package.

Contact Information
Interested individuals are directed to forward a letter of interest and resume by Friday, August 22nd 2025.
Send your application to the attention of:
Sarah Hutchison, CEO
sh utchison@opa.on.ca
Please also send electronically to:
apply@opa.on.ca

Another Successful 2025 Donate Your Kicks Campaign!

The Windsor District of OPA has organized a Donate Your Kicks Campaign in their district for several years during National Physiotherapy Month in May. The campaign involves collecting used, but in good shape, footwear, so that more patients get the footwear they need to support their mobility needs.

Each year, Amy Doiron, PT and Windsor District Executive member, coordinates the campaign, ensuring the physiotherapy community in the area is aware of the initiative. She also facilitates the pick-up and delivery of donated shoes.

On behalf of the Windsor District, Amy would like to thank all the staff, volunteers and donors who made the 2025 Donate you Kicks Campaign another successful year.

150 pairs of running shoes were collected!

These 150 shoes will be dispersed throughout Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare to patients in need of good footwear. Several physiotherapy clinics participated and we thank them for their support:

Erie Shores Rehabilitation

Loaring Physiotherapy

Kristy Ireland manager from the Running Factory

The Windsor District would also like to thank the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare volunteers who helped clean and organize all of the shoes:

Dominic, Simona and Olivia. Without you, this would not have been possible.

The Impact of OPA District Volunteers

District volunteers are essential to OPA’s advocacy, governance, and ability to build local community. We are grateful to amazing volunteers like Amy Doiron who continue to make an impact in their communities and demonstrate how much physiotherapists care about patients in their local areas.

Interested in volunteering? Check out all the ways you can get involved.

Volunteer today

OPA Campaign Wins Awards

July 17, 2025

OPA currently partners with SalesLoop, a marketing agency, on projects that elevate the profession and the Association and to increase our reach. Based on our strategic plan, OPA determines each year what strategies may require the investment of valuable membership dollars into our campaigns.

Silver from Telly Awards (2025)

In 2024, we launched a campaign “New Voices, New Ideas & New Opportunities” highlighting our change in leadership with our new CEO, Sarah Hutchison, and President, Courtney Bean and how we continue to evolve to meet the needs of the physiotherapy community. We also showcased our Board of Directors and the value we continue to bring to our members.

SalesLoop entered our campaign into the Telly Awards competition, and we won a Silver Award! By winning a Silver, our project was recognized as an exclusive group of work that meets higher than average standards. Watch the award winning video below.

Campaign Also Wins 3 Gold Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards (2024)

This same campaign, “New Voices, New Ideas & New Opportunities” also won three gold Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards for our campaign emails, microsite and video.

Why Does This Matter?

Winning awards not only feels great but demonstrates that we are investing your membership dollars into campaigns that are effective in meeting our goals and elevating the profession. We have partnered with SalesLoop since 2016 and they continue to go above and beyond. They ensure that our objectives are thoughtfully considered so that we can determine together the best and most cost-effective ways to meet our goals.

About the Telly Awards (2025)

The Tellys honour excellence in video and television across all screens. The Telly Awards recognize work in Branded Content, Commercials & Marketing, Immersive & Mixed Reality, Non-Broadcast, Online and Television Series, Shows & Segments, Social Video, and Film & Shorts.

The competition received over 13,000 entries globally from six continents and all 50 U.S. states.

Entries were judged by a council of over 250 industry experts from organizations such as Netflix, Adobe, PlutoTV, Gymnasium, RunwayML, and more

Gold Telly Award is the highest honour, awarded exclusively to the top 3% of winning entries, representing the highest marker of excellence.

Silver Telly Award is awarded to entries that meet a high standard of creative distinction but do not reach the Gold level.

Bronze Telly Award recognizes commendable work that meets the entry criteria but scores lower than Silver and Gold.

Learn more

About the Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards (2024)

The Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards recognizes the best healthcare websites, digital content, electronic communications, mobile media and social media.

This national competition began its efforts to recognize the field of healthcare marketing and advertising in the pioneering area of digital marketing.

OPA was won 3 of the 190 awards issued in 2024

Gold (102), Silver (48), Bronze (24), and Merit (16)

A total of 62 institutions were awarded

Learn more