27/08/2021
Welcome to Episode 4 of “Meet our Members!” Introducing our featured member of the month: Linda McConnell.
“Tell us a little about yourself!"
I grew up in Terrace, BC which is in northwestern BC. I met Mark, now my husband, at University and when he joined the RCMP, we were posted in northern Saskatchewan, then the NWT/Nunavut (before the Territories divided in 1999), then Regina, then Whitehorse. We moved 10 times in 25 years, and I have a very strange-looking resume as I always found a job but it wasn't always in physiotherapy. Mark retired from the RCMP in 2012 and we moved back to Yellowknife, for the third time. We have been here since then and have no plans to move.
"What motivated you to become a physiotherapist?"
I have always loved sports, and I had an injury while I was in my first-year university, which was my introduction to physiotherapy. I was impressed by the physio I saw, with his knowledge of human anatomy and function and thought I would like to learn more.
"What do you enjoy about working in the North?"
Most of all I love the people. I am curious about the people who have always lived here and interested in knowing what brings new people to the North. I love that we live in an incredibly diverse community/region with cultures from across the globe represented in Yellowknife and the NWT. I have always liked hearing about the stories of different people, especially in the small communities. How are people connected to each other? Which ones are sisters, brothers, grandparents, etc. The more we build relationships with people who are different than us, the more you realize we aren't that different 🙂.
"What area of physiotherapy are you most interested in?"
This has varied over the years. I would say that I am most interested in providing client/patient-centred care, figuring out what each person needs to be able to self-manage. To be able to encourage patients and build confidence in their own abilities is a challenge at times, but I think in the long run, the payoff is worth it. I don't mind people feeling like they want me to help them, but I don't really want people to feel like they need me.
"What types of physical activity do you enjoy?"
Walking, running (more like slogging), paddleboarding.
"How have you kept busy/kept your mood up during COVID?"
Thankfully, I work with an amazing group of people who have helped immensely to get through the past 16 months (and before that, too). I just came back from 5 weeks of vacation, so that helped, too!!! I love to knit, and find it to be very calming, and to justify my tv watching in the evenings.
"Do you have a favourite food or drink?"
I pretty much like all food except for green peppers.....as Cygni would say, "its not my favourite".
"Are you a morning person or a night owl?"
Definitely morning.
Thanks Linda!
Cover photo: Hidden Lake, NWT
