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Karen Nichol - Physiotherapist & Owner
Read along to learn more about Karen Nichol's 2023 highlights and career goals. Also, get the inside scoop on some of her fun holiday traditions and her new role with the NLL Vancouver Warriors!
Year in Review Questions:
1. What is your most memorable moment from 2023?
Tough to pick just one but finally getting back to Ireland to see my family was definitely very special for me. I had not been able to see everyone since 2019, so being able to reconnect and meet all the new little family members that had been born in the last 4 years was amazing! Was tough to leave everyone to come back again as in the back of my mind I worried about when I would get to see them all again. I think the silver lining of a pandemic is that it puts life in perspective. Spending time with my family overseas has always been very important but I cherish that time more than ever now! As well my cousin from England, that now lives in Vancouver, got married this past summer. Spending a beautiful weekend in Pemberton with my cousins, uncle, aunt & Mom was also truly memorable. Family time really is the best time!
2. What is your biggest takeaway or learning lesson from 2023?
Don’t sweat the small stuff! I know this may sound cliché but I think for so many of us life just seems overwhelming. When I feel myself become stressed by never-ending task lists, I really try to put things in perspective. These are just tasks! We all know of so many individuals and families that are going through really difficult times right now where they have very little control over their outcomes. I try to remember that many of the items that keep me busy daily are a result of amazing opportunities that allow me to lead a full life, be part of a thriving clinic and be surrounded by an amazing team. So instead in these moments, I try to be careful what I wish for, as the alternative to being busy may not be exactly what I hoped for.
3. What do you want to accomplish professionally in 2024?
This fall I came on board as the lead physiotherapist for the Vancouver Warriors, our local NLL team. Having the opportunity to work with this group of professional lacrosse players has been amazing already on so many levels. I truly enjoy working with athletes and I love the sport of lacrosse so it’s a win-win for me. The team is in a bit of a rebuilding phase and I’m excited to be a part of the new foundation as we move forward this season. Of course, as with any team, my main goal is to try to minimize injury time for each of our players as well as optimize their performances on the floor. Having a fantastic medical team around me really helps me achieve this goal. Group collaboration is key in ensuring each of our players receives the best care. Of course, achieving some nice WINS this season would be the icing on the cake!
Festive Questions:
1. If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would it be and why?
Ok so believe it or not The Holiday is one of my fave rom-com holiday movies. And being Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz), tucked away in a little cottage in a snowy part of England with Jude Law does not seem like the worst way to spend Christmas!
2. What is the one dish you can’t do without on the holiday dinner table?
Stuffing! Everything else you might have on its own at any time during the year, but I feel stuffing is unique to Christmas! When we were young, my Mom had some French- Canadian friends that would often spend Christmas with us in Prince George. They would have me help them make the most amazing stuffing ever and to this day I still make that recipe that I learned at 9 years old! So good!
3. If you had to receive all your Christmas gifts from one store, what would it be?
MEC of course! I feel like this could be a popular answer for a few of us at RCP as we all love the outdoors. But honestly, it just has everything I could want for hiking, biking, swimming, camping and more. Love this store!
4. If you could compete in any sport in the Winter Olympics, what sport would it be and why?
Snowboard cross! I switched to boarding from skiing at 18 years old and just love spending time on my board when I get the time. I feel like snowboard cross would be so much fun! Maybe I can take it up when I retire!? Ha ha!
Karen Nichol graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. She currently serves as the head physiotherapist for the NLL's Vancouver Warriors, the WLA’s Coquitlam Adanacs, and the Canadian National Indoor Lacrosse Team since 2007. She is also a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Physiotherapy Association of B.C. To book with Karen, please call Royal City Physio at 604-553-1203.