Faculty Feature

Dr. Anne Fenety (Director), Ronald Renz (ACCE) and Gail Wainwright (right, outgoing ACCE)

By: Jocelyn Adams, Communications and Special Projects Assistant

Ronald Renz, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education

Education

• BSc Biology, Bogart College
  
• Physical Therapy, Columbia University
• Physical Therapy, MMSc, Emory University
  

The School of Physiotherapy is thrilled to welcome faculty member Ronald Renz as the new Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education. Renz’s clinical physiotherapy experiences have taken him across Canada and the United States. His knowledge of the profession from various perspectives creates a concrete foundation in physiotherapy. As the new ACCE, he offers an innovative vision for physiotherapy students.

Renz’ interest in wellness started at a young age.  “When I was a teenager I worked at a summer camp for children with disabilities. This is where I first became interested in how optimal movement function can contribute to overall wellness,” said Renz.

As a clinician, improving a patient’s quality of life is mutually beneficial. Renz received a degree in Biology (Bachelor of Science) from Bogart College, before receiving his certification in Physical Therapy from Columbia University. Early in his career, he worked as PT Aid in a Rehabilitation Centre. It was during this time he discovered a passion for helping his patients.

“As a PT Aid in the Rehabilitation Centre, I enjoyed working with spinal cord and stroke patients. Making a difference in someone’s life, contributing to their recovery created a mutual beneficial relationship,” said Renz.

Lifelong learning creates increased opportunities for physiotherapists. Following seven years in the profession, Renz returned to school to complete his MMSc in Physical Therapy from Atlanta’s Emory University.  He later worked as a Physical Therapist at Atlanta’s Back Clinic. As a Physical Therapist, he offered patients orthopaedic care and physical training utilizing manual therapy techniques and movement education before moving north to pursue his Canadian license.

Moving to Canada opened doors at Nova Scotia’s Community College.  In 2001, Renz moved to Nova Scotia to pursue his Canadian PT license. After he received his Canadian license, he assisted in the development of a new Occupational Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant program at NSCC.

“My clinical and working experience led to the opportunity to develop NSCC’s new OTA/PTA program,” said Renz.

A clinical and post-secondary background in physiotherapy develops a strong basis in clinical education. After five years with NSCC’s School of Health and Human Services, Renz accepted the role as Dal School of Physiotherapy's new Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity and making it a reflective experience. It’s critical to create a smooth transition between academic and clinical education. What I would like to do is to serve the students to ensure a strong clinical practice is met,” said Renz about his new position at Dalhousie.

Beyond his academic work, he is an avid volunteer in the community. He’s worked extensively as Chairperson of the Governance Council with Halifax Shambhala Centre and is a Community Member of the Restorative Justice Community.  Outside of his work, he’s a ‘culture vulture,’ who enjoys theatrical production. Over the summer, you can find him spending his time in the country hiking biking and kayaking.

Please join us in welcoming Ronald Renz to Dalhousie’s School of Physiotherapy!