Experienced Physiotherapist
Educator & Mentor
PhD(c) Wilson Centre, Toronto, ON in Health Professions Education Research Assistant Profession, Teaching Stream in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto 2025 Recipient of the Lynn Chapman Mentorship Award from the Orthopedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association 2025 Recipient of the Education Exceptional Achievement Award from the Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto
Entrepreneur
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A little about me...

I grew up in Ottawa, Ontario and following high school I headed east to Halifax where I graduated with an Honours Bachelor fo Science degree in Kinesiology (HBScKIN) from Dalhousie University. I returned to Ontario for physio school, completing a Masters in Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) from the University of Toronto. Four years into clinical practice I decided to advance my training my obtaining a Masters in Clinical Science Manipulative Therapy (MClSc MT) from Western University. I was extremely proud to become a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual and Manipulative Physical Therapists (FCAMPT) in 2009. I have a passion for teaching, and am deeply invested in teaching and mentoring at the University entry-level Physiotherapy program, and at the post graduate level. I am an Assistant Professor, teaching stream, co-leading the Advanced Musculoskeletal Unit in the Masters of Science, Physical Therapy program, MScPT, in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. I teach and mentor within both the Orthopedic Divisions’ Advanced Integrated Manual (AIM) program and Western University’s post-graduate Advanced Health Care Practice Graduate Program (ACHP) within the CMP Field. I am also part of the teaching team for Integrated Dry Needling, a dry needling couse developed by Canadian Physiotherapists, for Canadian Physiotherapists. When I am not in the clinic or classroom, I can be found with my family riding bikes, climbing indoors or cross country skiing.

Founding Strive Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine

Driven to build a team of like-minded and highly skilled and compassionate practitioners, and to serve the Yonge and Eglinton community, Melanie founded Strive Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine in 2020. Melanie is dedicated to supporting the professional development of her Strive team, through regular teaching and mentoring. She is also proud to be able to offer a flexible work environment that allows the Strive team members to pursue their own teaching and research roles and continue to be able to work clinically.

Recent Podcast Appearances:

Fall 2026: Prep Course for the Orthopedic Division Intermediate Exam in Spring 2027

🎯 Preparing for the Orthopaedic Division Intermediate Exam in Spring 2027? Take your preparation beyond studying and develop the clinical reasoning, practical skills, and clinical confidence that examiners are looking for. Join our Intermediate Exam Prep Course, designed specifically for physiotherapists seeking structured support, mentorship hours, and opportunities to refine their orthopaedic assessment and treatment skills through hands-on practice, case-based learning, and guided discussion. This is not simply a review course—it is an opportunity to strengthen the clinical thinking and practical decision-making skills that support both exam success and excellence in clinical practice. Program Leadership: Lead Instructors Euson Yeung, PhD, MEd, BScPT, FCAMPT Melanie MacKinnon, PhD (Student) HPER, MClSc (Manip), MScPT, HBScKin, FCAMPT Co-Leads Patrick Quimio, FCAMPT Mujeeb Duranai, FCAMPT Our instructors are FCAMPT physiotherapists actively involved in both entry-level and postgraduate physiotherapy education, including the AIM Program as examiners, instructors, and mentors. The curriculum will review practical skills from AIM Levels 1–3 while integrating current evidence, theoretical knowledge, and clinical reasoning frameworks. Participants will have opportunities to apply concepts to patient cases, refine assessment and treatment techniques, and develop their clinical reasoning skills. Eligibility: Participants must have completed: • Level 2 Upper Quadrant • Level 2 Lower Quadrant • Level 3 Upper Quadrant • Level 3 Lower Quadrant by December 31, 2026. Location: Sessions will be held at Strive Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine, in midtown Toronto. Schedule: Sessions will be held on select Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM between September 2026 and March 2027. In-Person Mentorship Sessions (32 Hours) • September 12, 2026 • October 3, 2026 • October 24, 2026 • November 7, 2026 • November 28, 2026 • December 19, 2026 • January 16, 2027 • January 30, 2027 Online Case-Based Learning (4 Hours) • Two x2hr virtual sessions focused on clinical reasoning and case discussion. Individual Mentorship (2 Hours) • Two one-on-one mentoring sessions tailored to your learning goals and exam preparation needs. Total Pre-Application Deadline Preparation: ✅ 38 Hours of Guided Mentorship and Preparation Mock Exam Preparation (8 Additional Hours) • February 27, 2027 • March 27, 2027 These sessions will focus on mock practical examinations, feedback, and exam-day preparedness. Fees: $1,800 + HST = $2,034 Payment Schedule • A $200 deposit is required to reserve your spot. • The remaining balance is due by September 1, 2026. Cancellation Policy • No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after September 1, 2026. Registration is Now Open! Spaces are intentionally limited to ensure a high-quality mentorship experience. • Minimum: 6 participants • Maximum: 12 participants • Mentor-to-participant ratio: 1:4 To register, please contact: 📧 Melanie MacKinnon melanie.mackinnon@striveto.ca You will receive: • A registration link • An intake questionnaire • Consent forms • E-transfer payment instructions Once registration and payment have been received, participants will be provided access to the course Google Classroom and preparatory materials. We look forward to supporting your journey toward the Orthopaedic Division Intermediate Exam and enhancing your clinical skills. The Intermediate Prep Course Mentorship Team
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1604-2300 Yonge Street Toronto, ON, Canada
416-486-4776
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