A physical therapy student says his work placement in Red Lake has been an eye-opener.
Javier Porras Gil says he’s enjoying his seven-week stint in the community.
He has been placed by the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority.
He says one of things he’s most proud of is introducing salsa dancing lessons in his down time.
“It’s a more open and flexible way of moving,” explains Porras Gil.
“I’ve been really trying to get to know my students. I know people that have just come out of surgery. I know people that are just trying it out because they saw the ad on Facebook. So, all of these different backgrounds. I’ve been really trying to adapt my lessons so it’s fun.”
He adds that there a real shortage for his specialized service on remote First Nations in the region.
“There’s quite a need for physiotherapists. I’ve done my undergrad and my master’s at the University of Ottawa and what really motivated me to come up north was to see the inequities that exist in health care and physiotherapy.”
He says he’s been able to participate in a number of events in the community, including coming in first this past weekend in the Red Lake Triathlon.
