Hands-on healing: Waterloo students drive change at First Markham Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
By: Christie Zeb
At First Markham Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, co-op students provide hands-on patient care, assist practitioners and contribute to digital projects that expand the clinic’s reach.
Waterloo alumnus, Dr. Clement Liu (BSc ’02) opened First Markham Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in 2010 with a fellow Kinesiology graduate to better serve the growing older adult population in Markham.
The clinic offers multidisciplinary care through a team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists.
Dr. Liu began hiring Waterloo co-op students in 2012, after a few years of hosting volunteers from various universities. Since then, he’s never looked back.
It’s important to share our knowledge with the next generation. But it's also a win-win situation, students get clinical experience, and we get to learn from them too. They bring in new research, new ideas and a lot of energy to the clinic.
Dr. Clement Liu, founder, First Markham Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Company snapshot
Industry: Health and wellness
Location: Markham, Ontario
Years of operation: 15
Years as a co-op employer: 13
Student roles: Kinesiology and rehabilitation assistants
Supporting rehabilitation and recovery
At First Markham Physio and Rehab, co-op students are immersed in the day-to-day operations of a busy clinic, not from behind a desk, but right alongside practitioners. They learn by doing, gaining exposure to both the clinical and human sides of rehabilitation.
Students help to:
- Assist physiotherapists and chiropractors in patient care
- Prepare treatment areas and guide patients through prescribed exercises
- Monitor patient progress
Christopher Wong (BSc ’22), physiotherapist and former co-op student at First Markham guiding an elderly patient to exercise
Claire Shen (BSc ’24), kinesiologist and former co-op student at First Markham checking a patient's knee
Co-op students at First Markham Physio and Rehab also play a key role in helping the clinic evolve beyond its traditional services. Over the years, students have undertaken digital and creative projects that expand the clinic’s reach in the community.
“Some of our students have helped with marketing projects, creating brochures, updating our website and even helping me start a YouTube channel,” says Dr. Liu. “One student filmed and edited exercise videos for patients and helped me launch online health coaching. They’ve really taught me a lot.”
Nicolas Chang, Kinesiology co-op student
For Nicholas Chang, a fourth-year Kinesiology student, working at First Markham Physio and Rehab was more than a learning opportunity; it was a confidence-builder.
Throughout his term, Nicholas assisted practitioners with implementing individualized rehabilitation programs and worked directly with patients.
“I recorded patient progress, helped modify exercise programs and contributed to maintaining a safe, organized clinic environment,” Chang says.
“Beyond clinical tasks, I worked closely with older adult and post-operative patients, helping them regain mobility, balance and strength.”
The ripple effect
Hiring Waterloo co-op students has had a lasting impact not just on the clinic, but on the people who pass through it. Many of Dr. Liu’s current staff members began as co-op students, and several alumni return as guest professionals to mentor new students.
“Most of the people working here now were my students before,” Dr. Liu says. “Some are physiotherapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists or medical doctors. We keep in touch, and every few months, we host grand rounds where they come back to teach current students.”
The mentorship culture at First Markham Physio and Rehab also ensures that learning doesn’t end when a co-op term does. New students are trained by outgoing ones, creating a cycle of peer learning and professional connection.
Building on this culture of continuous learning, each term includes goal setting, midterm check-ins and a final research presentation.
“First Markham Physio and Rehab creates an environment where Kinesiology students can take on real responsibility, learn from experienced practitioners and contribute meaningfully to patient care,” says Hazel Craig, co-op account manager at the University of Waterloo.
The takeaway
For Dr. Liu, hiring Waterloo co-op students is more than a staffing decision; it’s an investment in the future of health care.