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When it came to Toddy Feng’s fourth and final physiotherapy placement, he was searching for something specific: he wanted to learn how to be a great leader.

A student in his second year of the Master of Physical Therapy program at Western, Feng is an aspiring clinic owner, hoping to one day open a practice of his very own.

After voicing these entrepreneurial ambitions, Samantha Doralp, assistant professor and academic coordinator of clinical education in the school of physical therapy, was keen to find him a learning experience where he could visualize just that.

Building tomorrow’s health leaders is fundamental to the Faculty of Health Sciences, which is why Doralp was so excited to facilitate Feng’s growth beyond the lecture hall.

“We’re constantly pushing them to think differently, be innovative and use their learnings to further the profession. There’s a lot that can be done to change things, and it starts with students going out into the healthcare system to learn firsthand,” she emphasizes.

This hopeful belief is mirrored by John Abellanida, clinic director at Preferred Rehab, who enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to mentor Feng, and give him direct insight into healthcare management that’s often kept behind the curtain.

Preferred Rehab is a multidisciplinary clinic in London, Ontario, set up to treat a myriad of conditions, from acute injuries all the way to vestibular issues. Running a team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and more, Abellanida was thrilled to pass down his knowledge to the next generation of health pioneers.

“It’s vital for students to develop the attributes of a good leader,” he explains. “Leadership isn’t just about managing a clinic or supporting your teammates - it begins with leading and empowering your patients toward a better quality of life. That’s an important mindset for any aspiring clinician to develop early in their career.”

Under his wing, Feng has learned the intricacies of management, from healthcare financial models, to facilitating a positive work culture among clinicians. He’s learned how to delegate tasks, organize staff, take accountability, and juggle business demands with patient care.

But more than that, and most valuable to Feng, he’s been taught how leadership really starts - something that’s often forgotten in a rushed world.

“Leadership starts with the individual. Before you can improve the world, you need to look inward first,” says Abellanida. “Know what your strengths and weaknesses are, and how you can improve. When you do that, it becomes clear how you can uniquely contribute to society.”

Having the opportunity to observe the clinic at Preferred Rehab, and work with Abellanida to figure out what type of leader he hopes to become, Feng feels this placement has given him the modest confidence that can only be brought through real-world experience.

“I’m going to be benefiting from this throughout my whole career,” he says.

Had he never had the chance to receive this close mentorship, he’d likely run into big roadblocks later in his career, he warns. “If no one had ever probed me, asked me how I’m going to implement these values when things get tough, I wouldn’t have been prepared. Now, I have a better sense of how I’m going to build the future I want.”

Health Leaders Start Here

Preparing Feng to think as an innovator didn’t start with this placement alone – the quality itself is hardwired into the school of physical therapy from day one.

“In the very first clinical education class we have with them, we discuss how they’ll act as pioneers in their future,” explains professor Doralp.” How are they going to take initiative? What are their ideas for innovation and quality improvement? By the end of their time here, they’re already envisioning themselves as global leaders, and advocators for patient care.”

The approach is something Feng knows well, and consistently pulls back to. “Every physiotherapist is a leader,” he states.

“The values of a successful leader are the same ones you should display as a healthcare professional. How you treat your patients and fellow clinicians, how you ensure everyone is heard and cared for,” are qualities Feng says he heard early on in his education at Western, and can be emanated by any young person.

“People sometimes think leadership needs to look big, but it doesn’t,” reinforces Doralp. “Maybe it looks like starting an exercise class in an underfunded community, or setting up a clinic to help overworked physicians. That’s the special thing about Western, you have the opportunity to lead and make an impact in your own community.”