Physiotherapy
PCN Physiotherapy services are for patients with mild to moderate mobility or physical conditions.
This service is for those with mild to moderate mobility or physical conditions who have been identified as needing services and do not have access to physiotherapy through other means, including services that are subsidized. Referrals are made by Primary Care Providers.
Given the criteria of the program we expect our patient demographics to be shifted towards seniors and low income patients with chronic disease or pain. For services, we expect more emphasis on assessments and mobility consults, and exercise programs (rather than technology based interventions/techniques).
Our Allied Health professionals can offer services in a variety of languages and have access to interpreter services in over 150 languages.
Eligibility
- Patient is attached to a Burnaby Family Physician of Nurse Practitioner
- Patient is 19 years or older
- Patient cannot access service through other means (e.g. private pay, extended health benefits, Home Health, WCB, ICBC)
Please speak with your Burnaby-based Primary Care Provider to see if you are eligible for this service.
Meet Our Physiotherapists
Dee Porter, BSc, MScPT
PCN Physiotherapist
Primary Neighbourhood: Hastings-Brentwood
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Qualifications: Bachelor of Science, Masters of Physiotherapy, exercise prescription, advanced diploma in manual therapy
Experience: Dee has 15 years of experience as a physiotherapist. She has worked for 10 years in private practice, and for 5+ years with VCH/Fraser Health, focusing her time on inpatient orthotrauma, with Home Health, and as an MSK clinical resource therapist. She has also spent time as a PT at Children’s Hospital, and in Assisted Living facilities. Dee offers assessment and treatment of mild to moderate MSK injuries, general deconditioning (relating to hospital admissions or other), and conditions that result in MSK-related pain, impaired strength, or compromised mobility. Her approach is client-centred, educational, and empowering, and includes manual therapy when appropriate.
Fun Fact: Dee grew up in Whitehorse (Yukon), toured with a jump rope team in elementary school, and LOVES travelling the world.
Marina Ren, BA, MPT
PCN Physiotherapist
Primary Neighbourhood: Edmonds
Other Language: Mandarin (conversational)
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Qualifications: Masters of Physical Therapy, Calibrate Comprehensive Clinical Pilates Training, ACCDN
Experience: Marina started off in Fraser Health in the acute care sector, covering multiple wards at Burnaby Hospital as a float. She has also spent time in the Outpatient Physiotherapy Department at both Burnaby Hospital and Eagle Ridge Hospital. She concurrently holds a position in private practice and is going on 6 years of experience. Marina’s approach to care is primarily grounded in movement-based therapy and exercise prescription. She aims to provide clients with strategies to integrate changes into their everyday movements and empower them to build healthy habits.
Fun Fact: Marina can do 8 pull-ups!
Michelle Labandelo, BScPT, BEd
PCN Physiotherapist
Primary Neighbourhood: Edmonds
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Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (UBC), and Bachelor of Education (UBC), and a postgraduate certificate at the University of Alberta. Michelle is currently completing a Masters in Clinical Science through Western University.
Experience: Michelle has worked in a variety of settings within the Fraser Health Authority and, with her OT colleague, established the first comprehensive Hand Therapy Program at Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre in 2011 which she left to join the PCN. Michelle also coordinates case-based integration course within UBC MPT Program. She aims to provide evidence-based, culturally safe care to her clients and engages in continuing professional development whenever possible.
Fun Fact: Michelle is a lifelong Burnabarian
Tamara Roughead, MPT, BKIN
PCN Physiotherapist
Primary Neighbourhood: Metrotown
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Qualifications: Master of Physical Therapy, Bachelor of Kinesiology
Experience: Tamara has experience working in both public and private practice settings, assessing and treating a wide range of conditions. She aims to provide client-centered and evidence-based services to help clients achieve their individual goals. She strives to empower clients to actively participate in their care.
Fun Fact: Tamara enjoys the outdoors – hiking, biking and running
Paulina Undurraga, BScPT
PCN Physiotherapist
Primary Neighbourhood: Hastings-Brentwood
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Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Certified Chair Yoga Teacher, Hand Therapist
Experience: Paulina Undurraga is a UBC graduate of the Physical Therapy Program and has a Certificate in Hand Therapy. She has been working as a clinician in Metro Vancouver for 20 + years. Paulina has worked in both private practice and public health in the areas of musculoskeletal, hand therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and chronic pain. Since 2011 Paulina has provided mentorship to UBC’s physiotherapy students through tutoring and lecturing. Her interests include health education, exercise prescription, group guided movement classes and promotion of mind-body practices.
Fun Fact: In the spring of 2023, Paulina completed the Camino Ingles, one of Spain’s well-known pilgrimage walks.