We are so excited to have Stephanie Yip join our team! A graduate of UBC and a recent transplant to Ladner, Stephanie answers some of our most burning questions.
What is something totally random that people won’t know about you?
When I was in elementary and middle school, I was obsessed with writing and was convinced I wanted to be some form of novelist/screenwriter/journalist when I grew up. I spent all my time writing poems and short stories, and I even attempted a novel a few times. By the time I was 14, my writing had been published in half a dozen different magazines, and I was a resident book reviewer for two magazines (paid gig + free books = best job?) So crazy how things change, and now I just pour my old passion into writing patient charts.
When did you decide you wanted to be a physio?
Well y’all now know that I wanted to be a famous screenwriter up until the start of high school so how did I get from there to becoming a physio?! It was in grade 11 that I got hit with the “real world” with university applications coming around the corner with no clue what I wanted to do. I was trying to explain to my sister how to have better form while doing something in the gym, when she suddenly stopped me and basically shrieked that she knew what career would be perfect for me. She was like, “you always get so excited and animated when you’re explaining this stuff to me. You should be a physio!” Coincidentally, my brother, who was extremely injury prone, had been seeing a physio on and off since childhood, so I decided to tag along to a couple of his appointments and pick his physio’s brain. His physio was happy to explain everything he was seeing and what he was doing as he worked on my brother’s ankle and then his shoulder. I was hooked from that day on. I went to Western University for Kinesiology and spent as much time as I could at the physio clinic on campus, both as a volunteer and as an athletic trainer for the volleyball varsity team. It all paid off as I got to do my Master’s degree at UBC and start my physio career! Thank goodness, as I only took one English course in my undergrad and was so not prepped to be a professional writer!
Which sports are you into?
Growing up, my main sport was figure skating, but I also played softball in the summer and did cross country and soccer for school. When I started my undergrad degree, I discovered a newfound obsession with rock climbing, which quickly took over my life. Nowadays, I still enjoy climbing recreationally, and have also discovered a new love for paddleboarding.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Toronto, Ontario, although fun fact, I was actually born in Manitoba. I moved to London, Ontario for my undergrad degree and then to Vancouver for my Master’s degree. I have fallen utterly in love with the west coast so BC definitely feels like home now.
What is your favourite orthopaedic condition to treat?
It’s weird because feet can be stinky, but I absolutely love treating ankle conditions! From the simple sprain to chronic tendinopathies, it always brings me joy to see my patients get strong and back to doing what they love.
What makes you happiest?
Being completely surrounded by mountains, trees, and fresh air, whether that’s through hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, or just standing still.
LIGHTNING ROUND!!!!!
Cats or dogs? Dogs!
Favourite food? Bowls of any kind -> burrito bowls, poke bowls, buddha bowls…
Favourite dessert: Ice cream (in any form – cake, milkshake, sandwich..)
Favourite Junk food: Pizza! (is that a junk food?)
Beach or mountains: Mountains
Favourite colour: Orange
Favourite music: Acoustic
Favorite day of the week? Sunday
Nickname? Steph?
Would you rather be able to speak every language in the world or be able to talk to animals? This is super hard… I’m going to have to say talk to animals.
Favorite holiday? Christmas for sure, I love the whole month of December.
How long does it take you to get ready? 10-15min
Invisibility or super strength? Super strength – I could climb anything?!
Is it wrong for a vegetarian to eat animal crackers? Nah
Dawn or dusk? Dawn but I also spend an abnormal amount of time watching sunsets at the beach
Do you snore? No
Place you most want to travel? New Zealand
Last Halloween costume? Olaf from Frozen
Favorite number? 3
Have you ever worn socks with sandals? Hah definitely. No shame.
Would you rather cuddle with a baby panda or a baby penguin? Panda
Would you want to live forever? No
What's for dinner tonight? No clue, winging it.