The Yukon is one of the world’s great destinations for road trips. The territory has amazing natural scenery with more than 50 road-accessible campgrounds.
Today we meet someone who has made travelling their career.
Charla is a physiotherapist. Her role takes her across the Yukon’s communities where she visits and helps people with physical aliments.
Sometimes she even gets to travel with her camper van.
We asked Charla about her role and how her work keeps her in motion.
When did you decide to go into physiotherapy?
I became interested in high school. I had an ankle injury from soccer and went to a local physiotherapist to do rehab. I thought it was quite fun and interesting to learn about. Later our high school did a career day and I spent the day with my physiotherapist.
From there I completed my undergrad degree in kinesiology from Acadia University and my masters degree in physiotherapy at Western University.
How did you come to work in the Yukon?
I came to visit the Yukon in 2017 on a road trip with my husband. We really loved it. It was always in the back of my mind that I could come here to work someday. We came back to the Yukon for another road trip in 2023 and I saw a job posting.
While we were here I decided to apply for the job and see if there was an opportunity. And it turns out there was.
What are your working arrangements?
I spend part of my time on Vancouver Island and part of my time doing this role in the Yukon. The goal is to complete 3 physiotherapy clinics per year in each of the Yukon communities. I work out of the community health centres and meet with anyone that needs physiotherapy. I often receive referrals from local doctors and nurses, but any community member can refer themselves or a family member.
Can you tell me more about the travel?
I have been to Old Crow, Mayo, Carmacks, Teslin, Haines Junction, and most of the other communities as well! In the winter I travel in a government fleet vehicle and I stay in accommodations in the community, as well as rent a room in Whitehorse for the weekends. But in the summer I travel with my camper van and get to explore the amazing outdoors in my free time!
Travelling in the winter is something you are always monitoring. The Yukon Government has safety rules in place so we don’t travel if it’s too cold or too snowy. When we have to cancel people don’t get upset. They understand. It’s part of life here. People appreciate that weather dictates your life in the winter. You just have to roll with the punches.
Who do you see? What kinds of issues do people have?
So far I’ve work with community members from age 10 to 85 years old. There are all sorts of injuries as well – both acute and chronic.
One thing that is unique to the Yukon is that a lot of people have to haul and carry their own firewood.
That activity is vital in the winter months. While I can tell people to take a break from other activities I cannot advise them not to get firewood. There is balance between helping someone with their injuries, but also understanding that life goes on and chores need to be done!
What makes for a good day at work?
It is always a good day at work when I get the opportunity to help someone! Especially in these communities where physiotherapy services are limited. If I can provide an exercise or education that helps someone have pain relief or better function, then I have had a good day!
Plus, I have the privilege to meet and learn from people all over the Yukon! That is extra special!