Rehabilitation has a largely female face: approximately 77% of physiotherapists are women (Government of Canada, 2025<\/a>), and this proportion exceeds 92% in occupational therapy in Quebec (Government of Quebec, 2023<\/a>). 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.<\/p>\n Yet historically, few of them held leadership, research, or scientific editorial roles - a gap that is fortunately narrowing over time.<\/p>\n The first decades of the 20th century saw the emergence of rehabilitation professions in Quebec, often driven by visionary women.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, 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\u2019s 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<\/a>).<\/p>\n In 1955, Fran\u00e7oise Savard-Goulet became the first French-speaking graduate to earn a bachelor\u2019s degree in physiotherapy and occupational therapy in Canada. She was one of the founders of Physioth\u00e9rapie inc., now the OPPQ<\/a>. After completing an internship in England, she brought innovations back to Quebec, applying them in clinical practice and later teaching at the Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al, where she instilled rigor and a commitment to excellence in the next generation (Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al<\/a>).<\/p>\n Over time, many women have taken the lead in clinical practice, education, research, and management, building on the legacy of the pioneers.<\/p>\n 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\u2019 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 (Universit\u00e9 Laval<\/a>).<\/p>\n Today, receiving the Carol L. Richards Award from the OPPQ is a mark of distinction recognizing an exceptional professional career.<\/p>\n 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 Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al. She greatly contributes to the advancement and visibility of Quebec physiotherapy (OPPQ, 2020<\/a>).<\/p>\n 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 Universit\u00e9 de Sherbrooke and as a trainer with the Ordre professionnel de la physioth\u00e9rapie du Qu\u00e9bec, helping train the next generation of clinicians (OPPQ<\/a>).<\/p>\n 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\u2019s-master\u2019s 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 (Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al<\/a>).<\/p>\n Exercise physiologist and professor, H\u00e9l\u00e8ne 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<\/a> (AQSAP), held university leadership roles, and contributed to advancing knowledge in adapted physical activity.<\/p>\n Physiotherapy technologist, Annie B\u00e9langer 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<\/a>).<\/p>\n Monique Lefebvre dedicated her career to promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities through sport and recreation. In 1984, she founded the D\u00e9fi sportif des athl\u00e8tes handicap\u00e9s, now known as D\u00e9fi sportif AlterGo<\/a>, 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<\/a>).<\/p>\n In physiotherapy, \u00c9laine 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\u2019s visibility within the professional community (AQPMA<\/a>).<\/p>\n 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 (Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al<\/a>).<\/p>\n In areas of expertise such as perineal and pelvic rehabilitation<\/a>, pediatric physiotherapy<\/a>, and pediatric occupational therapy<\/a>, many women have shaped practices through clinical innovation, research, and education.<\/p>\n Full professor at the Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al, 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\u2019s health and aging. Through her research on pelvic floor disorders, she actively contributes to advancing evidence-based clinical practice (Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al<\/a>).<\/p>\n 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<\/a>).<\/p>\nHistorical pioneers and builders<\/h2>\n
Enid Gordon Graham<\/h3>\n
Fran\u00e7oise Savard-Goulet<\/h3>\n
Contemporary leaders and recent contributions<\/h2>\n
Carol Lillian Richards<\/h3>\n
Sylvie Nadeau<\/h3>\n
Nathalie Desmarais<\/h3>\n
Chantal Besner<\/h3>\n
H\u00e9l\u00e8ne M. Perrault<\/h3>\n
Annie B\u00e9langer<\/h3>\n
Monique Lefebvre<\/h3>\n
\u00c9laine Maheu<\/h3>\n
Sonia Lupien<\/h3>\n
Influential women in perineal and pelvic rehabilitation, and pediatrics<\/h2>\n
Chantale Dumoulin<\/h3>\n
Annette Majnemer<\/h3>\n
Francine Ferland<\/h3>\n