Meet Aman!

You may recognize Aman Bassi, Interim Physiotherapist, from his time with us in the spring. Aman has officially joined our team, bringing a wealth of knowledge from his Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology at SFU (just watch him and Devon get really excited about microtubules!) and his Master in Physical Therapy from UBC. He has a passion for science and evidence-based approaches and loves a good soccer game. Learn more about Aman below including why he will fight you for the remote on Sunday mornings…

What is something totally random that people won’t know about you?

Something totally random about me is that I have a collection of 4K-Blu Ray movies and am constantly adding to my ever growing collection of super high definition movies.

When did you decide you wanted to be a physiotherapist?

Studying cellular biology, I learned that life itself is an amazing phenomenon. Being in a profession where I can help people get back to their everyday lives, while also being in a field that relies on science to progress, gives me a reason to get up in the morning.

Which sports are you into?

Football (European and American) – Big Manchester United Fan who also will sit in front of the television all day for NFL Sunday.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Surrey!  

What is your favourite orthopaedic condition to treat?

Post Surgical Rotator Cuffs because it allows me to use a wide variety of exercises and manual therapy techniques to treat it.

What makes you happiest?

A cup of coffee in my hand in the morning watching Manchester United beat Liverpool.

LIGHTNING ROUND!!!!!

Cats or dogs? Dogs!

Favourite food? I am a very simple man, pizza and chicken wings.

Favourite dessert: strawberry cheesecake

Favourite Junk food: CHIPS (I consider myself a potato chip connoisseur)

Beach or mountains: Mountains

Favourite colour: A deep purple

Favourite music: Vivaldi’s Spring 1 recomposed by Max Richter

Favorite day of the week? Saturday

Nickname? My Last name Bassi would be the name my friends use

Would you rather be able to speak every language in the world or be able to talk to animals? Talk to animals because I can’t google translate a bark

Favorite holiday? Christmas!

How long does it take you to get ready? To put my clothes on? 47 seconds. To decide what to wear? 47 days.

Invisibility or super strength? Invisibility

Is it wrong for a vegetarian to eat animal crackers? Yes

Dawn or dusk? The quiet of dawn

Do you snore? Thankfully not

Place you most want to travel? Petra, Jordan (because they shot Indiana jones there). Also Hogwarts.

Last Halloween costume? It’s been a while. I think a clown?

Favorite number? #4

Have you ever worn socks with sandals? Yes but they have to be slides

Would you rather cuddle with a baby panda or a baby penguin? Penguin because I grew up with Pingu

Would you want to live forever? No, what makes moments great sometimes, is the fact that we never get them back again.

What's for dinner tonight? Chicken and Vegetables (like I said, I am a simple man)

Meet Chan!

If you didn’t see Chantal Simak, Interim Physiotherapist, running around the clinic in the spring, you missed out! Chan joins our team next week, bringing their effervescent and enthusiastic energy to the clinic. Their passion for all things rehab is obvious to anyone watching and we are so excited to have them! Learn more about Chan below including why we all should be trying to get to their house for dinner…

What is something totally random that people won’t know about you?

I wouldn’t say this is totally random; however, being a part of the LGBTQIA2+ community is a very important aspect of my life. I deeply care about helping and learning how to encourage more conversations about ways to create a more inclusive healthcare environment. I aspire to build a community, collaborating with like-minded allied healthcare professionals who are ready to be active advocates for the LGBTQIA2+ community.

When did you decide you wanted to be a physiotherapist?

I had a mentor who was my soccer coach for the last 2 years of high school.  He was a brilliant Kinesiologist, who weaved his knowledge of exercise physiology and anatomy into the game of soccer. I not only became a better player and teammate because of these interconnections, but I also gained an appreciation for human anatomy and physiology. From then on, I shadowed some highly regarded physiotherapists in the area and quickly realized that physiotherapy is a profession where I can shine. I would have the opportunity to socialize all day, build meaningful relationships and cheer people on for every single accomplishment they make, just as my mentor did for me. I crossed the high school graduation stage with a clear picture of the career I was striving for, but little did I know that the announcer would slip up and say I aspire to be a “psychotherapist,” this had my family rolling with laughter in their seats. I was certain in that moment that nothing other than a physiotherapist was what I was to become!

It is a full circle moment, as it turns out I picked the perfect career. I have the flexibility to continue to explore the world, I get to learn every day and I have the most meaningful, heartfelt conversations with some truly amazing people. I am privileged to be able to serve the community and I hope to lead with inclusion as I actively support clients through every accomplishment and milestone, helping clients build both a strong body and mind. 

Which sports are you into?

My type of self-care often involves facing a fear and in doing so I am eager to continue backpacking, rock climbing, slacklining, road and mountain biking, surfing and backcountry split boarding.  

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Vancouver until I was 10, then moved out to Langley, BC, back then, much of the city was farmland, a very fun environment to be in as a kid!

What is your favourite orthopaedic condition to treat?

I have many! I think shoulders are my favourite followed by knees, and ankles, all of which I, myself, have had problems with in the past.

What makes you happiest?

Surrounded by my nearest and dearest family and friends. My fondest memories are around a fire on the beach, catching a sunset at my favourite spot at Jericho Beach, stargazing in the mountains or simply relaxing in the backyard having a BBQ with some great tunes, company, and belly laughs.

LIGHTNING ROUND!!!!!

Cats or dogs? Dogs

Favourite food? Seafood

Favourite dessert: Salted caramel brownie with vanilla bean ice cream

Favourite Junk food: Anything 70% dark chocolate

Beach or mountains: Mountains

Favourite colour: Rainbow

Favourite music: Last year’s Spotify wrapped says Indie-Pop, but R&B too!

Favorite day of the week? Saturday

Nickname? Too many, here are the less embarrassing Chan, ChanChan, Chanana, Chanterelle

Would you rather be able to speak every language in the world or be able to talk to animals? Talk to animals

Favorite holiday? New Year’s Day

How long does it take you to get ready? 20 minutes tops

Invisibility or super strength? Super strength

Is it wrong for a vegetarian to eat animal crackers? Absolutely not

Dawn or dusk? Dusk

Do you snore? Hah. Hah, ask my partner and her sleep headphones

Place you most want to travel? Peru, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand

Last Halloween costume? Finn from Adventure Time

Favorite number? 2

Have you ever worn socks with sandals? If it’s warm absolutely not; however, follow up question, who doesn’t wear socks with sandals when it is chilly out?

Would you rather cuddle with a baby panda or a baby penguin? Baby pandas don’t peck.

Would you want to live forever? If my partner gets to, too.

What's for dinner tonight? Barbequed maple syrup and garlic glazed salmon with lemon, sundried tomatoes, pan-fried onions, mushrooms, Bok choy and Jasmine rice. (Editor’s note - am I invited?)