Chair's Message

Welcome to the Department of Physical Therapy.

It is an honour to be appointed as Interim Chair of this vibrant and innovative department, effective July 1, 2024. I am thrilled to join the Department of Physical Therapy’s established leadership team where I will be working with Prof. Brenda Mori, Vice-chair of Education and Director of Clinical Education & Community Affairs, and Prof. Sharon Switzer-McIntyre, Program Director of the Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapy Bridging Program. 

I began my career here in the department as a student in the first cohort of the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program. Since graduating, I have held several appointments across the University of Toronto, including Associate Professor (tenured) and Acting Associate Dean Research (September 2023 to February 2024) with the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, and have had a cross-appointment with the Department of Physical Therapy since 2021. 

I am joining the department at an exciting time as we are set to welcome 40 additional learners to our Master of Science in Physical Therapy program in September 2024. This enrolment expansion in concert with the eventual opening of the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH) to help address the critical need for physiotherapists in Ontario. 

Our outstanding students, faculty, staff, clinical and research partners contribute to our success as a leader in physical therapy education and research, nationally and internationally. 

I invite you to explore our website and learn more about our program and the exciting opportunities that await you here.  

Sara Guilcher, BSc, MScPT, MSc, PhD
Interim Chair