A physiotherapist is now working in Vanderhoof, filling a health posting that had been vacant for more than six years.
Kaley Hopps earned her masters of physical therapy degree in November, graduating from the first Northern and Rural Cohort of the University of British Columbia's program.
Hopps is now working at St. John Hospital and Stuart Nechako Manor.
"The recruitment of Kaley Hopps is great news for Vanderhoof and area residents, said John Rustad, Nechako Lakes MLA. Physiotherapist positions have been difficult to recruit in many rural areas across the province, including the north. Kaleys arrival provides increased and more accessible services for our regions patients.
The Northern and Rural Cohort was designed for those interested in becoming physiotherapists to think about working in northern B.C.
As part of the training, students get instruction at the University of Northern B.C.'s Physiotherapy Plinth Lab located at the Prince George campus. They do their clinical training in northern and rural communities across the province.
One of 16 students in the first cohort, Hopps, who grew up in Port Alberni, attended the University of Alaska, earning a bachelor of science in physical education before deciding to become a physiotherapist.
I had my mind set on working in a smaller community setting and have been really enjoying my time here so far," said Hopps in a news release. "The support from my co-workers has been great. My husband Jesse and I have met so many wonderful people and weve already started volunteering for various local organizations. Its a whole new area to explore for us, which was a big draw for me.
