A female-dominated field
Rehabilitation has a largely female face: approximately 77% of physiotherapists are women (Government of Canada, 2025), and this proportion exceeds 92% in occupational therapy in Quebec (Government of Quebec, 2023). This is even more true within our organization, as Groupe PhysioExtra is made up of approximately 75% women across all disciplines (June 2025), many of whom hold management positions.
Yet historically, few of them held leadership, research, or scientific editorial roles - a gap that is fortunately narrowing over time.
Historical pioneers and builders
The first decades of the 20th century saw the emergence of rehabilitation professions in Quebec, often driven by visionary women.
Enid Gordon Graham
Born in Montreal, Enid Gordon Graham is recognized as one of the founding figures of physiotherapy in Canada. In 1920, she helped establish the professional association that would become the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, contributing to the development of national standards for education and professional practice. In 1929, she also played a key role in launching the University of Toronto’s university-level physiotherapy program. During the Second World War, her commitment supported the development of rehabilitation services that assisted thousands of injured soldiers (Government of Canada, 2017).
Françoise Savard-Goulet
In 1955, Françoise Savard-Goulet became the first French-speaking graduate to earn a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy and occupational therapy in Canada. She was one of the founders of Physiothérapie inc., now the OPPQ. After completing an internship in England, she brought innovations back to Quebec, applying them in clinical practice and later teaching at the Université de Montréal, where she instilled rigor and a commitment to excellence in the next generation (Université de Montréal).
Contemporary leaders and recent contributions
Over time, many women have taken the lead in clinical practice, education, research, and management, building on the legacy of the pioneers.
Carol Lillian Richards
An internationally renowned researcher, Carol L. Richards is a pioneer in rehabilitation research in Quebec. She helped structure evidence-based education and practice and founded the Provincial Rehabilitation Research Network (REPAR). Professor Richards’ research focuses on motor functions, particularly walking ability, as well as the social integration of individuals living with neurological disorders. She has contributed to 196 scientific articles and book chapters and has participated in more than 200 conferences worldwide (Université Laval).
Today, receiving the Carol L. Richards Award from the OPPQ is a mark of distinction recognizing an exceptional professional career.
Sylvie Nadeau
Physiotherapist and full professor, Sylvie Nadeau has distinguished herself as a leader in teaching and research, particularly in pathokinesiology, with significant influence on the profession, notably as Director of the Physiotherapy Programs at the Université de Montréal. She greatly contributes to the advancement and visibility of Quebec physiotherapy (OPPQ, 2020).
Nathalie Desmarais
Nathalie Desmarais is a clinical physiotherapist recognized for her expertise in manual therapy and orthopedic rehabilitation. She earned the title of Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT). Since 2013, she has also shared her expertise as a clinical instructor in the physiotherapy program at the Université de Sherbrooke and as a trainer with the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec, helping train the next generation of clinicians (OPPQ).
Chantal Besner
Chantal Besner played a key role in the evolution of physiotherapy education in Quebec as Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor. She notably contributed to the creation of the bachelor’s-master’s continuum in physiotherapy, the implementation of a graduate microprogram in perineal and pelvic rehabilitation, and the development of a qualification program for internationally trained physiotherapists (Université de Montréal).
Hélène M. Perrault
Exercise physiologist and professor, Hélène M. Perrault has distinguished herself in the academic field of kinesiology through her leadership and commitment to advancing physical activity sciences in Quebec. She notably co-founded the Quebec Association of Physical Activity Sciences (AQSAP), held university leadership roles, and contributed to advancing knowledge in adapted physical activity.
Annie Bélanger
Physiotherapy technologist, Annie Bélanger stands out for her sustained commitment to accessibility and quality of rehabilitation care. Active both clinically and in mentoring future professionals, she contributes to highlighting the essential role of physiotherapy technologists within interdisciplinary teams. Through her involvement in practice development and her constant focus on patient-centered care, she contributes to the evolution and recognition of the profession in Quebec (OPPQ).
Monique Lefebvre
Monique Lefebvre dedicated her career to promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities through sport and recreation. In 1984, she founded the Défi sportif des athlètes handicapés, now known as Défi sportif AlterGo, and led the organization for several decades. Through her commitment, she helped promote universal accessibility and transform social perceptions of disability by showcasing the talents and abilities of individuals (Altergo).
Élaine Maheu
In physiotherapy, Élaine Maheu distinguished herself through her sustained commitment to education and professional development, particularly in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Through her contributions to teaching and continuing education, she fostered knowledge sharing and enhanced the profession’s visibility within the professional community (AQPMA).
Sonia Lupien
In mental health, Sonia Lupien stands out for her work on human stress and its effects, as well as for her research leadership. Through her leadership roles and commitment to knowledge mobilization, she has contributed to a better understanding of the impact of stress on health and to disseminating this knowledge to scientific, clinical, and public audiences (Université de Montréal).
Influential women in perineal and pelvic rehabilitation, and pediatrics
In areas of expertise such as perineal and pelvic rehabilitation, pediatric physiotherapy, and pediatric occupational therapy, many women have shaped practices through clinical innovation, research, and education.
Chantale Dumoulin
Full professor at the Université de Montréal, Chantale Dumoulin plays a central role in the development of perineal and pelvic rehabilitation in Quebec. She directs a graduate microprogram dedicated to this specialty and founded a laboratory focused on women’s health and aging. Through her research on pelvic floor disorders, she actively contributes to advancing evidence-based clinical practice (Université de Montréal).
Annette Majnemer
Trained as an occupational therapist, Annette Majnemer has had a major influence on pediatric rehabilitation through her academic and scientific leadership. Her work focuses on child development, family-centered approaches, and children at risk or living with disabilities. Through her ability to mobilize interdisciplinary teams and partners, she has helped advance innovation in pediatric rehabilitation care and research (McGill University).
Francine Ferland
In pediatric occupational therapy, Francine Ferland highlighted the central role of play in child development and rehabilitation. She developed an intervention approach that uses play as a driver of motivation and progress, while widely disseminating her knowledge through books and clinical tools that have become key references for professionals and families (CHU Sainte-Justine).
Recognizing the legacy and inspiring the next generation
From research laboratories to hospitals, university classrooms, private clinics, professional organizations, and sports fields, women have played and continue to play a central role in rehabilitation in Quebec. Their achievements are measured in clinical innovations, scientific advances, developed services, and improved lives.
On this International Women’s Day, recognizing these journeys means acknowledging the progress made and the inspiration they provide for the future, as we continue building a more humane, more effective, and more equitable system.
