Features Research
from the editor: Winter 2011

This winter issue welcomes us all to a new year – as your editor, I would like to extend my wishes for good health, happiness and prosperity in 2011.

In the remainder of this note, however, you will find me wearing my massage therapist hat. I underwent a peer review / assessment this past year and I wanted to share my thoughts about the process, having recently experienced it.

 Although it is described as a review process carried out by one’s peers, all therapists – and I can safely speak for the Ontario group – who have gone through this procedure would agree that it can be anything from unnerving to downright intimidating. Prior to the experience, I felt as though I were scheduled to undergo something much like a job performance review, carrying with it all the impact of receiving a positive evaluation – or not.

Now that it is done, though, I must admit that, overall, I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the whole experience. My evaluator was both professional and respectful of my business, as well as of me, a fellow therapist. During the checklist-type inventory and professional questions, I quite enjoyed engaging in discussion regarding changes within the profession, both positive and negative, with my evaluator. This experience was a reinforcement of the importance of the quality assurance mandate we exercise as a profession; the connection we maintain with our governing body; and the open communication and discussion we engage in with fellow therapists.

Upon completion of the peer review, I am feeling both renewed as a massage therapist and proud to be a part of our profession.

Massage therapy as a profession – and especially in Ontario, British Columbia and Newfoundland where it is recognized as such – strives to be respected as one of several regulated health-care fields. Our regulatory bodies provide the structure and ongoing effort to accomplish that mandate. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those working, both through employment with the regulatory bodies and (especially) in a volunteer capacity, toward this continued goal.

Massage Therapy Canada magazine continues to support our profession through the presentation of relevant and educational materials. Please continue to use MTC as a method of communication, and service, to our profession through your suggestions and submissions.

Send your ideas and comments to jrogers@annexweb.com.