Actualizing your best self

Fall Graduation 2019

As a personal trainer who had studied kinesiology, Jonathan Kim found himself eager to do more to help his clients who had been injured.

Now, as a recent graduate of the faculty of medicine’s Master of Physical Therapy program, he shares fond memories from his time at UBC, the lessons he will carry forward in his new career, and what a healthy community means to him.

Jonathan Kim is a graduate of the master of physical therapy program.

How did you become interested in studying physical therapy?

I became interested in physical therapy through a combination of my lifelong passion for movement, my undergraduate studies in kinesiology, and experiences with personal training.

With kinesiology I really enjoyed studying the human body and movement, and knew right away that I wanted to pursue a career that further explored these topics. As a personal trainer I enjoyed the one-on-one interactions with clients, but at times felt frustrated with the limited scope of training, especially when clients came in with injuries. Knowing that I could do a lot more in helping people actualize the best version of themselves played a big role in choosing physical therapy.

What did you enjoy most about studying physical therapy?

Aside from learning more about a field that I am passionate about, what I enjoyed most about studying physical therapy was the fact that I got to experience it all with some of the most intelligent, hardworking, and passionate people that I have ever met. The program is challenging, and the support network that we developed, and the care that we showed towards one another through thick and thin was definitely inspiring. Although two years isn’t a lot of time in the scheme of things, I will be coming out of it having made invaluable relationships and lifelong friends.

What advice would you give to students considering the master of physical therapy program?

The two years paradoxically feel like they go on for a long time, but at the same time it will be over before you know it. The best piece of advice I can give is to try and enjoy it all as best as you can. Never again will you be surrounded by seventy-nine other likeminded individuals day in and day out, so take it all in, study together, laugh together, work together, and send it together. Finally, at times you may feel overwhelmed but remember to take that little bit of time to do you, whether that’s meditating, going for a run, or chilling and watching Netflix. Keeping an eye on your own health and wellness goes a long way towards succeeding in the program.

What does a healthy community look like to you?

A healthy community is one that is inclusive, interconnected and supportive. It also fosters an environment of collaboration rather than competition. I was lucky to witness this first-hand with our cohort on numerous occasions. I believe that the support we showed each other definitely played a part in the overall success of our cohort.

What’s next for you?

I am finishing up a locum at the North Vancouver Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic. After that, you can find me at the brand new Myodetox Kitsilano location on West 4th, which will be opening early 2020! Although I’m finished the program, I am definitely not done with learning. I hope to maintain my student mindset and continue to learn throughout my career.