Summer 2019 Faculty Profile
Anne has studied sitting, the posture and the activity of the seated person but she herself has never sat for long. She is a multitasker, a very able administrator, a ‘master mariner’ who has ably steered the school, promoted the careers of faculty members, and enlarged the research capacity of the school. With innovation and creativity she brought into fruition the idea of a physiotherapy clinic at Dal. Anne will leave an indelible mark on the school.
~ Dr. Joan Walker, SoPT Professor Emeritus & Adjunct
Role model, fierce leader, outstanding individual...
It has been an honour, a pleasure and a period of growth and development for not only the School, but those who call it home during business hours!
~Joanne Tortola, Former Administrative Manager, School of Physiotherapy
The list of Anne Fenety’s contributions to Dalhousie University and the School of Physiotherapy is far too long to summarize in a single quote. She was a true leader who has the unique ability to captivate an entire audience, whether it be small or large, while simultaneously making every individual feel as if she was speaking to them directly. She used this ability to help shape the minds of physiotherapy students attentively listening to her every word. When entering a room, she had a way of making you feel at ease which ignited participation and knowledge transferring amongst students. Anne had a passion for what she did and it seemed like she never stopped moving. I suppose it’s fitting she seemed this way as she would say to her students “your best posture is your next posture” and she lived by her word. Thank you Anne Fenety, for all you taught myself and so many others. You were a role model in how to be a great physiotherapist, a fierce leader and, most of all, an outstanding individual.
~Andrew Archibald, Class of 2018
When asked to say something about Dr. Fenety, the word that came to mind is compassion: "Every student deserves a champion – a person who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." Quote by Rita Pierson
~ thought from Brandon Warren, Class of 2017
Dr. Fenety has been an integral part of the School of Physiotherapy for many years. She encourages students to become involved with the university and the local physiotherapy community. Her leadership and passion will be missed.
~Kaitlyn Higgins, Class of 2019
I’ve always appreciated Anne for her leadership and openness. She had been a great contact for the students to confide with and she always gives great advice in regards to the profession, the program or life advice. We will miss seeing her around the Forrest building.
~Tyler Parmiter, Class of 2019
I have really enjoyed getting to know Anne during my time at the school. She has been extremely supportive and really cares about the students’ well being.
~Kayla Toner, Class of 2019
Anne is a fantastic leader. Whenever she had any concerns, she would personally address the class. We always appreciated her treating us as colleagues rather than as students. She will be missed!
~Carolyn Crane, Class of 2019
Anne’s energy and enthusiasm helped shape the School of Physiotherapy for the future. A consensus-builder and collaborator, Anne was able to engage the entire community around ensuring the place of the School of PT in the health landscape in Nova Scotia. She will be missed. ~ Dr. Alice Aiken
Dr Anne Fenety was not a stranger to the School of Physiotherapy (SoPT) when she came on board as an assistant professor in July of 1994. As a graduate student in the Faculty of Medicine, Anne taught anatomy to PT and OT students in the classes of ‘92 and ‘93. Anne remembers the School being well run under the Directorship of Dr Joan Walker, and she thoroughly enjoyed her interaction with faculty and students during this time. When offered the assistant professor position at the SoPT in July of 1994, Anne was excited to share her expertise in the instruction of musculoskeletal health and ergonomic research.
In 2012, Anne took on the role of Acting Director for the School, going on to become Director in 2013 and stepping down in June, 2018. During her term, Anne rallied together faculty and staff to accomplish some pretty amazing things. As Anne was finishing her administrative leave, she took a moment to answer a few questions for this Faculty Profile feature.
About Leadership...
During your term as Director, you identified your leadership style as “participative” with a focus on listening and empowering people to be their best. Why do you suppose this approach was so important to you?
My leadership style came from a place of personal gratitude. People saw in me something I could not see in myself. This allowed me to grow in unexpected ways. I believe that is the most important thing a leader does, and I wanted to hand that empowerment to those who I worked along-side and the students who were enrolled in our physiotherapy programs.
Being the SoPT Director is not without its challenges. How did you manage situations that involved difficult decisions with no easy answers?
A Director’s role could be a bit overwhelming at times. There were many tasks to deliver on, that required answers that weren’t always readily available. I realized that I may not find the answer the same day, but I would find the answer. As I walked home at the end of each work day, I thought about the toughest thing about the day and strategized in my mind how I would deal with it the next day. I would then think of the best thing that happened that day. What was the joy? What should be celebrated? Once I reflected on the good of the day, I was ready to open the door to my home.
About Change and Progress...
How do you think the student learning experience at the School is changing?
When the Physiotherapy Program was a 3-year course, the students were taught less, but they had more time for reflection and more time to solidify the concepts being taught. Now that the course is completed in 2 years, it is a much more demanding program. Students entering the program must be up for the challenge. The expectations are high and full focus is mandatory for a successful outcome.
What do you think will be the opportunities available to, and the challenges facing, new graduates as they enter the work place?
The Health Care System in the Maritimes is under stress. Physiotherapists are being recognized for their ability of getting people healthy and back into the workplace. Because of this, they stand to play an expanded role in providing successful health outcomes in our region. The primary health care model for advance care, like knee and hip surgery, is becoming more and more collaborative and physiotherapists have the opportunity to take a leadership role in this emerging health care model. The challenge remains the time lag of change, which is markedly slower in the Maritimes compared to the rest of the country. However, unlike larger provinces, in Nova Scotia (and other Atlantic Provinces) we can interact with governments and participate in health planning.
Achievement…
A lot of things were accomplished during your 6 years as Director at the School of Physiotherapy. The development and launch of the Dalhousie Physiotherapy Clinic, the design and construction of two world class research suites, strategic planning, curriculum development and the expanded celebration of our alumni are just a few of the accomplishments. Is there an accomplishment during your time as Director that you are most proud of?
I feel good about the creation of a respectful and collegial workplace. I had a quote taped to the wall in my office that said, “A great workplace is one where people trust the people they work for, take pride in what they do, and enjoy the people they work with.”* These words acted as a reminder of what a healthy work environment should be. I was delighted to have a great working relationship with faculty and staff. Advancements in the School over the last 6 years could not have happened without the engagement of faculty and staff working together as a team to make it happen. I am also proud we established an eat-in kitchen during our last major renovation. We should never underestimate the power of creating shared ideas during shared, collegial meals.
What I will miss the most as I retire, is meeting with students. Whether good times or challenging times, I understood they needed a voice – and that voice deserved to be heard. I enjoyed establishing a relationship of listening and caring with the students – an unexpected plus of the job.
Well wishes...
Dr. Anne Fenety may not be seen climbing the stairs of the Forrest Building quite as often, as she reclaims time for travel and exploring her creative side, but her innovative ideas and their impact will resonate in the future of the School and in the professional success and leadership traits of the students she inspired.
"The Faculty, Staff and students would like to thank Dr. Fenety for her dedication to physiotherapy and our School and we wish her all the best in her retirement."
~Dr. Derek Rutherford, Interim Director
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*Burchell & Robin: The Great Workplace. How to build it, how to keep it, and why it matters. Jossey-Bass, 2010
Interviewed by Lil Crump