Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine

Latest News

Physiotherapy - Jaclyn Szkwara

15 March 2008

It wasn’t just getting away from the cold climate of her Canadian homeland that enticed Jaclyn Szkwara to Australia.

The Kinesiology Graduate learned about the Doctor of Physiotherapy course at Bond and liked the sound of what it offered, especially the clinical training.

“I chose Bond because of the “smallness” of the course, which gives you a lot more ability to learn from your professors about what you should be doing,” Jaclyn said.

A pilates instructor at Fluent Pilates in Burleigh Heads, Jaclyn is finding the “hands-on” and holistic philosophy of her course suits her own style of learning.

“I was doing some rehabilitation work at home and there, you have to stand off a little bit. In Australia it’s just so much more hands-on and I’m getting so much more experience in manual techniques and handling clients.

“Bond is just so different to other universities – it’s so much more realistic. You know, it’s like ‘life exists!’ Jaclyn commented.

“They understand that everything needs to be practical and hands on, so you’re not just learning text book style – you’re actually learning real life.”

Jaclyn is doing the clinical placement part of her degree at Artius Health Care in Oxenford and is seeing a diverse range of clients.

“I’m seeing elderly people with typical problems, to teenagers with sport injuries to stunt performers, who work at the theme parks,” she explained.

The Artius practice handles workplace assessments for Movie World and the Australian Outback Spectacular.

In Canada, Jaclyn completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology at McMaster University as well as gaining a certification as a STOTT Pilates Instructor.

She has a keen interest in spinal cord injury patients, having worked with them in a cardiovascular training program, examining the impact of treadmill training to help decrease the effects of muscle atrophy and to increase overall physical and psychological wellbeing.

Once she completes her postgraduate degree, Jaclyn plans to stay in Australia for a few more years.

“I’m not sure how long my Mum will last without me!” she laughed, “but I would like to stay on and work for awhile.”

Back to 2008 News Archive