2026 Winter Convocation Spotlight

2026 Grad Stephanie Elanik, MScPT

For Stephanie Elanik, the road to becoming a physiotherapist began in a clinic in her hometown of Yellowknife — where, as a young patient recovering from recurring knee dislocations, she found a career that perfectly married her love of movement with her passion for helping others.

Now graduating from the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program at the University of Alberta's Calgary satellite campus, Stephanie leaves the program having made a meaningful mark beyond the classroom. Alongside a close friend and fellow classmate, she led an audit of Indigenous content within the MScPT curriculum — meeting with faculty to strengthen cultural safety throughout the program and advocate for more inclusive, culturally informed care for Indigenous Peoples in healthcare.

As an Inuvialuit woman, that work was deeply personal. And in a fitting full-circle moment, Stephanie has already returned home to Yellowknife — stepping into her first role as an outpatient physiotherapist in the community that shaped her.

Congratulations Stephanie!

Which faculty, program and department are you graduating from?

The Masters of Science in Physical Therapy program in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. 

What led you to choose this area of study?

Growing up in Yellowknife, I experienced several knee dislocations that required ongoing treatment at my local public physiotherapy clinic. Spending time there as a patient introduced me to a part of the healthcare system that combined two things I’ve always valued: helping others and staying active through movement and fitness. Physiotherapy showed me a career path where I could support people in regaining independence and returning to the activities that matter most to them. I’m honoured to be part of the 2026 MScPT cohort at the University of Alberta and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to greater Indigenous representation within the healthcare field.

What is your favourite memory from your time at the faculty?

It’s hard to choose just one memory! As a student at the Calgary satellite campus of the University of Alberta, one of the highlights was the strong sense of community we built within our small class. The smaller cohort meant more one-on-one time with professors and a lot of hands-on learning, including working with cadavers in anatomy lab, which was both fascinating and incredibly valuable for understanding the human body. Outside the classroom, we made the most of being close to the mountains with group hikes, recreational sports, and post-exam celebrations. Sharing our graduation banquet with classmates from both campuses was a special moment and a wonderful way to celebrate everything we experienced together.

Did you take on any leadership or volunteer roles while you were a student? If so, please share your experiences.

During my time in the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program at the University of Alberta, I had the opportunity to participate in an audit of Indigenous-focused content within the curriculum alongside my peer and close friend, Anne Drew Potter. We met with many faculty members across the program to discuss opportunities to introduce or strengthen Indigenous perspectives within course material. Our goal was to help encourage current and future cohorts to approach physiotherapy practice through a lens of cultural safety. As an Inuvialuit woman, I was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to conversations that support more culturally safe care for Indigenous Peoples within the healthcare system.

Did you face any significant challenges while you were a student, and if so, how did you respond?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was adjusting to the demanding course load of the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program at the University of Alberta. It required me to develop new ways of studying and thinking in order to keep up with the pace and depth of the material. Like many students, I also experienced moments of imposter syndrome, but over time I learned to give myself grace and recognize that healthcare is a lifelong learning journey. Embracing that mindset helped me stay focused on becoming a client-centred, evidence-informed practitioner while also learning to maintain a healthier balance between academic and personal life.

What advice do you have for current or future students?

My advice to current and future students is to take a moment to look around you. Some of the most valuable resources you will carry forward in your career are the people sitting beside you in the classroom, as well as the professors and volunteers who support your learning every day. Take the time to build strong relationships, ask questions, and learn from one another. Those connections often become an important source of support, collaboration, and growth throughout your career.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

I haven’t planned a big celebration yet, as I started working right away after finishing the program. However, I’m looking forward to spending time with classmates and colleagues while we’re all back in the city for convocation at the University of Alberta. It will be a great opportunity to reconnect and celebrate everything we accomplished together. After my current work term is complete, I’m also hoping to take some time to travel and reflect on this milestone.

What's next after graduation?

In January, I accepted a position as an outpatient physiotherapist in my hometown of Yellowknife. I feel incredibly honoured to be able to return and give back to the community that raised me. Starting my career alongside such a supportive team is a meaningful way to begin my journey as a new graduate physiotherapist, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the people in my community.