A leap of faith and ‘one of the best decisions I have ever made’

Graduating from any program is an incredible accomplishment; meet Rachel Donnelly (she/her), a bachelor of respiratory therapy grad who did so at the top of her class. She has earned the University Gold Medal- College of Rehabilitation Sciences, awarded for highest standing in an undergraduate faculty, school or college. As she begins an exciting new career, she carries with her everything she gained during her time at the University of Manitoba: knowledge, confidence and a commitment to fresh perspectives and bold ideas. 

Donnelly was working in Alzheimer’s research and at a group home during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic while trying to determine her next move. The previous UM grad with an honours degree in biological sciences took a leap of faith when she applied to the College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CoRS).  

“I had always wanted to pursue a career in health care but was unsure of where I would fit in the medical community,” she says.

After stumbling onto the CoRS webpage and reading about the respiratory therapy (RT) program, she wasn’t 100 per cent sure what the career would look like but took a chance and applied the same day. “It was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” she says.

During her degree, Donnelly was regularly inspired by her instructors’ passion for the RT profession, especially their advocacy around RTs practising at their full scope as part of primary care in Manitoba.

She also had the opportunity to go to Rwanda with a small group of RT students. There, the group shadowed health professionals in hospitals and learned more about the barriers to health care experienced by people in marginalized communities. Now, as she graduates and begins her career in respiratory therapy, having a positive impact on her community remains a key goal.

“One day, I hope to be an advocate for the career and to educate others on the importance of RTs in health care,” she says.  “Whether that means speaking in schools, working in primary care clinics or travelling abroad to help teach acute care life support courses, only time will tell!”

Her advice for her past self, and anyone embarking on their educational journey? “Keep going; it will all be worth it. And don’t worry about three years of school, it goes by fast!”