THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST OF INS QUÉBEC GET HONOURS FOR FELLOW NOMINATION

Interview with a woman passionnate about High-Performance Sport

The Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) awarded the new honorary title “Fellow” to 23 physiotherapy professionals at its annual general meeting last month. Among this cohort, Josiane Roberge, Lead, Physiotherapist at INS Québec.

This new title was introduced to highlight notable achievements and to recognize the involvement of physiotherapy professionals with more than 15 years of experience in various aspects of their work. This nomination also recognizes the sustained commitment of many members who have distinguished themselves through their professionalism and their desire to advance and promote the discipline.

Interview with Josiane Roberge

Tell us about your accomplishments that earned you this title?

“Since graduating in 1993, I have been actively involved in mentoring and teaching kinesiologists and physiotherapists at both the university and continuing education levels. For the past few years, I have also been teaching coaches in the Advanced Coaching Diploma offered by INS Québec. I have also participated in several committees at the provincial and national levels in the field of orthopedic and sports physiotherapy.

Which projects implemented in recent years make you proud?

“I was part of the first group of physiotherapists hired by the SAAQ’s consulting service. This position made it possible to delegate some of the tasks reserved for medical advisors to physiotherapists in order to issue medical opinions in the files of injured persons.

“I am also proud to have been a major player in the “Lab 12-17” pilot project that was carried out at INS Quebec, in collaboration with several specialists in sport and health sciences and that was submitted to the MEQ/MES. The purpose of this project was to draw a portrait of athletes identified in sports that require specialization at a young age and to make observations on the bio-psycho-social aspects. The goal was to eventually move towards a longitudinal research project. The daily work with athletes, whether in injury prevention or rehabilitation, in collaboration and integration with other specialists, makes me very proud.

How would you describe your commitment and involvement in your profession?

“I strongly believe that physiotherapy can play an important role in the prevention of injury and illness, in maintaining and improving health. In order to improve my knowledge and skills, mainly in the musculoskeletal and sports fields, I have pursued my professional development throughout my career and obtained various diplomas recognized by national and international organizations. I am still driven by the desire to constantly deepen my professional knowledge. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Medicine at the University of Western Ontario.

In your work at INS Québec, what specifics are you looking for in your team of physiotherapists?

“I am looking for physiotherapists who are passionate and committed. Flexibility and adaptability are also essential qualities that allow physiotherapists to respond to the different needs of high performance sport clients. In addition, sound clinical reasoning, technical and manual skills as well as knowledge of sports physiotherapy, field intervention and exercise prescription are also prerequisites.”

What are the differences between physical therapy for High-Performance athletes and physical therapy for a more traditional clientele?

“The context is different and the aspects to consider are not the same. The high performance environment is very demanding. You have to be able to react quickly, to make decisions in conditions that are not always easy. The expectations for professionals are as high as what is required of athletes, which is the quest for excellence.”

What distinguishes the physiotherapy at INS Québec from other clinics?

“We favour a global and integrated management of athletes, which means that the physiotherapist never works alone, but rather in concert with other specialists such as coaches, physical trainers, exercise physiologists and all other disciplines that are part of the integrated support team. In addition, physiotherapists must have a thorough knowledge of the sports they are involved with.

Yves Hamelin, Vice President, Performance Services at INS Québec, says Josiane Roberge is a key person in her field. “Josiane does an incredible job in coaching and coordinating the team of therapists within the organization. She is a mentor for her team at the clinic. INS Québec congratulates Josiane Roberge on this honorary distinction and thanks her for her collaboration with the scientific and medical services.”

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About the OPPQ

The Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec was founded in 1973. The primary role of the Ordre is to protect the public by ensuring the quality of services offered by its members.

For more information: https://oppq.qc.ca/