Staff Spotlight
Caitlin Millham, Physiotherapist
Today we are pleased to highlight Caitlin Millham, a new graduate physiotherapist (PT) working at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH).
“I am currently working in the new grad rotation,” she says. “The part I enjoy the most is all the awesome people within VGH that I am fortunate to work with and learn from.”
Caitlin tells us that she was motivated to apply to Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) because the new grad rotation offers a unique opportunity to learn about many areas of the hospital. “I am passionate about supporting public practice. I believe that physiotherapy should be accessible to everyone no matter their socioeconomic status.”
The positive impacts of physiotherapy
In her role, Caitlin has witnessed an inspirational impact as a result of physiotherapy.
“Recently I helped advocate for a patient to be accepted to rehab after a very long hospital journey,” she says. “I first worked with this patient on a surgical floor. He was connected to every line imaginable, too weak to stand, and had a low mood. Months later I met him again on a medicine floor. With encouragement and lots of hard work, he was walking short distances, his mood was brighter, and he was looking forward to rehab. I am inspired by his perseverance and think this demonstrates the positive impact of physiotherapy.”
Caitlin tells us that she has felt supported in her role as a new grad PT. “Despite staffing shortages, I still receive support in many ways including from the interdisciplinary team and from other physiotherapists,” she says. “One of the most rewarding ways I’ve been supported is through reaching out to the Clinical Resource Therapists (CRTs). I’ve been fortunate to co-treat with each of the cardiorespiratory, neuro and orthopaedic CRTs. These opportunities allow me to learn new skills, develop my clinical reasoning and apply this to improve patient care in future interactions.”
VCH values
At VCH, we embrace the values We Care for Everyone, We Are Always Learning, and We Strive for Better Results. When Caitlin thinks of the value “We Care for Everyone,” she does her best to care for each patient the way she would want her family members to be cared for. “I was reminded of the importance of this earlier this year when my Grandpa was in the hospital with COVID pneumonia. Viewing healthcare from the patient’s side provided me with perspective on the importance of the work we do.”
Outside of work, Caitlin is a dog mom! 6 months ago, she adopted a dog from the SPCA. “His shelter name was Banana but renamed him, Cooper, after Special Agent Dale Cooper. He’s a very sweet boy.”
Join our team
Explore the current career opportunities for Physiotherapists at Vancouver Coastal Health.