About Us

The London Orthopaedic Units mandate is to support and facilitate the development of physiotherapists in the London and surrounding area through the promotion of excellence in orthopaedic education, clinical practice, and research.

• Manual Therapy Steering Committee

Executive

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  Co-chair:
  Adam Mighton
  
  
  Adam currently resides in London, but was raised in small town Hanover, Ontario (about 2 hours north of London). He lived a very active childhood, participating in many sports and outdoor activities/hobbies. He left Hanover to further his education at Wilfred Laurier University, attaining a degree in Kinesiology, and then later on to UWO in London for a postgraduate degree in the MPT program. Since then, he has started a family life with his wife, 2 children, and black lab. During his MPT program, Adam completed a clinical placement at the out-patient orthopaedic clinic in Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital. The town of Strathroy grew on him, and he has practiced there ever since, at a small private out-patient clinic, Meridian Active Joint Physiotherapy. Adam continues to play competitive volleyball and baseball, and enjoys various outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. Music is another passion of Adam's, and he continues playing various instruments including guitar, piano, and drums. Adam recently completed the UWO Master of Clinical Science (MClSc) program in Manipulative physical therapy, graduating in 2011. Shortly thereafter, he took on an active role with the London Orthopaedic Unit, assisting with instruction various Level 2 and 3 courses, and accepting the nomination as the Co-Chair in 2012.
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  Co-chair:
  Erik Schmidt
  Email
  
  Erik Schmidt's career has taken him far and wide, but landed him back in London Ontario 2 years ago. Erik completed an MScPT in 2006 from Queen's University while also holding two undergraduate degrees in both Kinesiology and Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. In 2011, Erik completed the MClSc program locally at UWO.
  
  Erik has had many unique opportunities during his career, which he attributes to “having the good fortune of having great people believe in me”. Some opportunities have included working as a member of the Orthopaedic Division National Executive, becoming a faculty member at the Northern Ontario School Of Medicine and working with sports teams both nationally and abroad. Prior to physiotherapy, Erik spent time as an athletic therapist with various sports teams including the Ontario Women's Rugby Squad and Western's Men's Varsity Basketball Team. Erik's adventurous side has also taken him to the U.S. and as far as Capetown, South Africa where he had the opportunity to work with national calibre athletes competing in the Pan Am Games.
  
  Never one to be caught sitting still, Erik fills his time easily outside of work. With sports interests such as soccer and volleyball and outdoor interests such as fishing, climbing, biking and travel, Erik always seems to be on the move!
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  Past Chair/Advisor:
  Darryl Yardley
  Email
  
  Darryl has worked in private practice since he graduated with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Toronto in 2006. He went on to pursue a Master of Clinical Science (M.Cl.Sc.) in Manipulative Therapy from Western University and became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual and Manipulative Physical Therapists (FCAMPT) in 2009. Currently, he is the Director of Professional Development at pt Health. His role is to ensure pt Health clinicians are accountable for the delivery of high quality physiotherapy services within a patient-centered model of care. He also focuses on integrated care models, technology adoption, and creative strategies to improve communication within the continuum of care.
  
  Darryl dedicates time to educating and mentoring physiotherapists. He has a status-appointment at the University of Toronto where he contributes as a clinical facilitator and guest lecturer in the Business-stream of the program. He has received awards that acknowledge his service as a physiotherapist who provides excellent learning environments, guidance, supervision and inspiration to physiotherapy students. He also participates at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, on the Clinical Advisory Group at McMaster University. Darryl is an assistant within the London Orthopaedic Unit post-graduate orthopaedic curriculum and a clinical mentor for
  
  physiotherapists either completing the MClSc or working toward their fellowship in manipulative therapy through the Orthopaedic Division.
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  Treasurer:
  Wendi Smith
  
  
  I graduated with a Clinical Master in Manipulative Therapy from Western Ontario in 2011 and received my Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 2004. I doubled majored at the University of Maine in Presque Isle and received a Bachelor of Science in Education and Athletic Therapy in 2002. My Athletic Therapy internship hours were completed at Disney's Wide World of Sport in Orlando Florida. I completed my Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of New Brunswick in 1999. Since graduation in 2004 I have been working in the private practice setting in London and St. Thomas Ontario. I currently assist with the instruction of the London Orthopaedic level manipulative therapy post graduate courses as well as provide mentorship hours for CAMPT candidates. I have been the treasurer for the London Orthopaedic division since 2006.
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  Member-at-large:
  Troy Seely
  Email
  
  Orthopaedic Levels Instructed: Co-instructor status, Level 2 Upper and Lower courses.
  
  Universities Attended: Dalhousie, University of Western Ontario
  Background: East Coaster who came for the education at Western; fell in love, made many great fiends, and enjoyed London so much decided to stay.
  
  Clinical Experience: 11 years
  Areas of Practice: Private Practice - BodyMechanics, Educator at The University of Western Ontario
  
  Hobbies: Singing, Dancing, Martial arts, Video games.
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  Secretary:
  Kari Tunks
  
  
  Kari completed her Kinesiology and Physical Therapy degrees at the University of Western Ontario, graduating in 2005. She is a Level 3 manual therapist and has completed Level 1 acupuncture through AFCI. Kari currently practices in Bright's Grove, ON where she lives with her family.
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  Communications:
  Todd Taylor
  Email
  
  I graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2002 with an Honours degree in Kinesiology. I then completed his Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 2004. I have been working in out patient physiotherapy since graduation. I completed by Intermediate Credentials in 2008 and my Advanced Credentials in 2011. I am actively involved with the London Orthopaedic Unit. I began assisting in the Orthopaedic level system in 2012.

Instructors

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  Jackie Sadi, BSc(PT), MSc, FCAMPT, Clinical Specialist in MSK PT
  Orthopaedic Levels Instructed: Examiner Status, Level 1-5
  
  

  Universities Attended: University of Western Ontario

  Background: Jackie is teaching in the first University based manipulative therapy program in Canada. This program was a collaboration of efforts from the University of Western Ontario (Jayne Garland), the executive of the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) and the Education Committee executive of the Orthopaedic Division. Under the guidance of Beverly Padfield this program began in September 2007 and is currently in its third full year. Jackie is a teacher and examiner in both the University of Western Ontario Manipulative Therapy Program and the CPA Orthopaedic Division Manipulative Therapy Program. Jackie was instrumental in developing national guidelines for mentors in both Canadian manipulative therapy programs. She is past vice-chair of the CPA Orthopaedic division and her interests continue to be manual therapy and occupational health. Further, Jackie is one of the only physiotherapists to have completed her orthopaedic specialization designation (2012).

  Clinical Experience: >20 years Clinically, >15 years teaching, >4 years as a full time educator at the University of Western Ontario.

  Areas of Practice: Orthopaedic Private Practice, Teaching, Research, Program Development

  Hobbies: Skiing, Surfing, and Travelling...everywhere!!!

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  Heather Gillis, BScPT, MSc Anat., FCAMPT
  Orthopaedic Levels Instructed: Examiner Status, Level 1-5.
  
  

  Universities Attended: University of Western Ontario

  Background: Heather Gillis is an owner of Physiotherapy Alliance. She works at the Stratford and New Hamburg locations. She is a national examiner, senior instructor and syllabus chair with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and a professor at the University of Western Ontario. Heather graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a professional degree in Physiotherapy and completed her Masters in Clinical Anatomy in 2010. Heather also completed her Diploma in Manipulative Therapy in 1999 and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. She volunteers her time and clinical insights to physiotherapists looking to advance their skills and is actively involved in various community events.

  Clinical Experience: >20 years clinically, >15 year teaching

  Areas of Practice: Orthopaedic Private Practice, Teaching, Research

  Hobbies: In her spare time Heather enjoys spending time with her two young daughters and participating in Canadian stepdancing and clogging.

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  Marty Chisholm, BSc(EXCI), BSc(PT), MSc(PT), CAT(c), FCAMT
  Orthopaedic Levels Instructed: Instructor Status, Level 1-4.
  
  

  Universities Attended: University of Western Ontario

  Background: Originally from Montreal, Martin first graduated from Concordia University's Exercise Science programme specializing in Athletic Therapy in 1990.While at Concordia he was a team therapist with the Volleyball and Football programmes.He was also fortunate enough to work with the Montreal Expos Baseball Club as a student trainer. He worked extensively with Quebec's Provincial Basketball programme as a team therapist from 1988 to 1990, including the 1989 Canada Games with the men's team.He came to London in 1990 to study Physical Therapy at U.W.O. from which he graduated in 1993.He has worked in the London area since then and has been at our GoodLife Fitness Club location since it opened in 1997.He has actively pursued continuing education within Physical Therapy.He holds a Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.He is now an instructor of continuing education courses and has written a chapter (the knee) for the present teaching manual for Canada.He is presently pursuing his Masters of Science degree at U.W.O. on a part-time basis.Always active, Martin's sporting interests have evolved over time from volleyball and basketball to mountain biking and now running.He has "raced" all distances from 5km to the marathon.

  Clinical Experience: 20 years Private and Sport Orthopaedics, >15 years Teaching/Lecturing (University, Orthodiv, Abroad)

  Areas of Practice: Sport, Orthopaedics, Education

  Hobbies: Running, Downhill Skiing, Cycling.

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  Corinne Roos, BSc.PT, FCAMPT, Dip.Manip.PT
  Orthopaedic Levels Instructed: Instructor Status, Level 2-4.
  
  

  Universities Attended: University of Western Ontario

  Background: I graduated UWO 1989 and began teaching/assisting in the level system of courses in 1997. I am currently involved in teaching in the level system, as well as within the Masters of Clinical Science in Manipulative Therapy at UWO. I will be taking a North America Certification program in Vestibular Therapy in July 2013.

  Clinical Experience: 23 Years

  Areas of Practice: Private Practice, Vestibular Rehab - Lifemark

  Hobbies: My passion outside of work is keeping the rubber side down on my bike.

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  Greg Alcock, MSc (PT) CHSc (PT) BAS Hons (PE) FCAMT, Clinical and Research
  Orthopaedic Levels Instructed: Instructor Status, Level 2
  
  

  Universities Attended: University of Western Ontario

  Background: Greg Alcock has a Physical Education degree from the University of Western Ontario, a Physiotherapy Degree at McMaster University and returned to the University of Western Ontario to do a fellowship and Masters degree in Physiotherapy.

  He is the clinical and Research Coordinator for the Physiotherapy Department at the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual Therapists and an instructor in the Orthopaedic Division level system, he has served various positions on the National Executive for the Orthopaedic Division of CPA. His current role is divisional research representative to the Physiotherapy Research Advisory Consortium; a national strategy for physiotherapy research in Canada. He is a manuscript reviewer for Physical Therapy Canada and currently sits on an advisory committee for outcome measure utilization for the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

  He has published articles, and presented nationally on lower extremity outcome measures. He has an ongoing research interest in foot and ankle related pathology and functional rehabilitation. Greg is also involved with teaching and graduate student supervision in the faculties of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy.

  Clinical Experience: 15 years in Private and Sport Orthopaedics, >15 years Teaching/Lecturing (University, Orthodiv, Abroad), >10 years clinical researcher.

  Areas of Practice: Sport, Orthopaedics, Clinical Research, Education

  Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Spending quality time outdoors with my family and re-defining what it means to be a meataterian.

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  Rob Werstine, BA, BScPT, DIP. SPORT, DIP. MANIP, FCAMT
  Orthopaedic Levels Instructed: Instructor Status, Level 1-3.
  
  

  Universities Attended: University of Western Ontario

  Background: Senior Therapist for Fowler-Kennedy Clinic and the Head Therapist for Varsity Athletics at Fanshawe College. He teaches in the Fitness and Health Promotion program at Fanshawe and holds an adjunct teaching appointment in the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Western Ontario. Current President of the CPA.

  Clinical Experience: 15 years in Private and Sport Orthopaedics, >10 years Teaching/Lecturing (University, Orthodiv)

  Areas of Practice: Private Practice - Fowler-Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic – Fanshawe College

  Hobbies: Rugby and Public speaking

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  Meg Smith, BSc, BHSc(PT), FCAMPT, CSCS, CAFCI
  Orthopaedic Levels Instructed: Instructor Status, Level 2.
  
  

  Universities Attended: University of Guelph, McMaster University

  Background: Meg Smith graduated from McMaster University's school of physiotherapy in 1999. She subsequently completed the fellowship in Sport Physiotherapy at the University of Western Ontario's Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic.

  Meg's areas of interest include orthopaedic and sports injury management, and she tries to embody the philosophy that “exercise is medicine”. To this end, Meg is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists, certified in acupuncture and credentialed as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Outside the clinic, Meg has worked as team physiotherapist for the Kitchener Hallman Twins senior men's fastball team, Softball Canada women's program and the Ontario Curling Association.

  Clinical Experience: 13 years in Private and Sport Orthopaedics, 7 years Teaching/Lecturing (University, Orthodiv)

  Areas of Practice: Private Orthopaedics

  Hobbies: Most sports but especially Nordic skiing, Ultimate Frisbee, Dragonboat racing and trying to share some of these activities with her husband and two children.

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  Troy Seely, BScPT, MScPT, FCAMPT
  Orthopaedic Levels Instructed: Co-Instructor Status, Level 2.
  
  

  Universities Attended: Dalhousie, University of Western Ontario

  Background: East Coaster who came for the education at Western; fell in love, made many great fiends,and enjoyed London so much decided to stay.

  Clinical Experience: 11 Years

  Areas of Practice: Private Practice - BodyMechanics, Educator at The University of Western Ontario

  Hobbies: Singing, Dancing, Martial arts, Video games.

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  Kate Pratley, BScPT, FCAMPT
  Orthopaedic Levels Instructed: Co-Instructor Status, Level 2.
  
  

  Universities Attended: University of Western Ontario

  Background: Kate Pratley has been teaching in the London Ortho Division level system since 2010, assisting on level 2 and 3 courses and co-instructing level 2. She has also been a clinical associate in the Western physiotherapy program. Kate completed her physiotherapy degree from Western in 2002 and achieved her advanced exam in 2009. Kate currently practices in an orthopedic and sports clinic in Burlington, she also has experience working in pediatric physiotherapy. In her spare time Kate enjoys participating in triathlons and has completed two Ironman events.

  Clinical Experience: 10 Years

  Areas of Practice: Orthopaedics, sports, pediatrics

  Hobbies: Triathlon, running

Bursaries and Awards

In past years, an Educational Bursary for $500 has been awarded to one successful applicant from the London Unit for the purpose of continuing education. In return, the recipient of this award is asked to provide a talk to London Unit members, or to assist at Member Appreciation Day.

This year, two additional awards will be made available to the London Unit members. An Outreach Educational Bursary also valued at $500 will be awarded to a successful candidate living in a rural area within the catchment of the London unit.

As well, an Academic Award will be given to a graduating UWO student from the PT program who receives top marks during their year three clinical orthopaedic placement. The winner of this award will receive a $500 certificate toward a syllabus or non-syllabus course offered by the London Unit.

Members interested in applying for either bursary should Email Us. No application process is necessary for students.

Manual Therapy Steering Committee

CPA's Manual Therapy Steering Committee (MTSC) works on your behalf to track and respond to issues in the manual therapy environment in Canada. For example, the committee has:

• Given support to every province experiencing legislative or legal challenges to scope of practice relating to manipulation
• Provided financial assistance to the College of Alberta's publication of Competencies Required to Safely Perform Spinal Manipulation as a Physical Therapy Intervention
• Provided support to COMTA towards expenses associated with an upcoming coroner's inquest

MTSC is funded primarily through member donations and CPA funds, and needs your continued support. Please contact Carol Miller for more information via Email or 1-613-564-5454 x224.

Please consider attending the London Ortho Unit Annual Member Appreciation Day. Proceeds from this event will benefit the MTSC.