Passion to professional fulfilment: USask graduate recognized for his leadership

Growing up in small-town Saskatchewan, Frerichs credits his rural roots for reinforcing his belief that passion leads to professional fulfilment.

A high school injury sparked Carter Frerichs’ interest in physical therapy and started his path to the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program.

While he was a student in the School of Rehabilitation Science (SRS), Frerichs’ focus wasn't limited to the classroom. He served as a student co-president, focused on research, and improved the program's governance – all qualities that helped him stand out as a leader.

This leadership was recently recognized at the SRS graduation celebration where he received the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) Student Leadership award and the SRS V.J. Cottrell award. The SRS award was established in honour of former director Professor Victor Cottrell, and given by classmates to a student who has made an outstanding contribution to the school, student body and physical therapy profession.

We asked Frerichs about his time in the school and what he is most looking forward to as a new physical therapist.

Growing up in Muenster, Saskatchewan, I was heavily involved in sports and extracurricular activities. In a small school, everyone plays everything—if we wanted a soccer or volleyball team, we needed full participation.

My interest in physical therapy began in high school when I broke my ankle in the first few seconds of my senior soccer debut. Because my injury was managed conservatively, I spent time in physical therapy. I was diligent with my exercises, and my therapist discharged me after only two visits, confident I would self-manage. 

That experience underscored the impact physical therapy can have as I returned to sport quickly and have never had an issue with that ankle since. I was also largely influenced by my mom, who works as a nurse.

Watching the fulfillment she gets from helping others inspired me to pursue a career in health care. I felt there was something incredibly gratifying about dedicating your life’s work to helping others. Combined with my athletic background, physical therapy felt like the perfect fit.

I have developed a particular fascination with the shoulder. It’s a complex joint with many potential contributors to dysfunction, which means every case is its own unique puzzle. Having dealt with shoulder injuries myself while playing baseball, I’ve always had a personal interest. I was introduced to pain reprocessing therapy during a clinical placement, and seeing this emerging area of practice was exciting. As our profession continues to deepen its understanding of pain, I look forward to exploring new and evolving approaches throughout my career.

I was honoured to be selected for this award by my student colleagues. As co-president of the Physical Therapy Student Society (PTSS), I’d like to acknowledge my fellow co-president, Tyler, as we worked closely together throughout the course of the program. The role came with challenges, but it was incredibly rewarding.

We served as the primary liaison between MPT faculty, the College of Medicine, and members of the wider physical therapy community. We also assisted in organizing social events such as graduation, coordinated class meals, and supported various society initiatives.

Beyond the PTSS, I participated in several research projects and recently contributed to the development of student governance structures for the new Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology programs, ensuring a lasting impact on future cohorts.

Without question, the people. My classmates, faculty, and clinical educators have all played a role in my development. The program fosters a strong sense of community, and spending so much time together forms meaningful and lasting friendships. I will truly miss each and every one of my classmates.

For prospective students, pursue something you’re genuinely passionate about. Whether that’s physical therapy or another field entirely. My belief is that passion leads to professional fulfillment. If the MPT program is your goal, commit to it wholeheartedly.

Many applicants don’t get in on their first attempt, and that’s okay. I wasn’t accepted into the MPT program on my first attempt nor my second, which made me question my decision at the time. Looking back, the initial rejection was a valuable part of my journey. Reflect, grow, and work to build an application that stands out.

For those just starting the program, enjoy the process! You will grow tremendously over these two years. This is your time to learn, make mistakes, and improve because of them. The program goes by quickly, so be present, stay curious, and take advantage of every learning opportunity both in the classroom and during clinical placements.

I’m excited to continue learning. I was raised to believe that you never stop learning, and entering the physical therapy profession reinforces that philosophy. I feel privileged to join this field and look forward to growing as a clinician throughout my career.