Memorial: Carol Kennedy

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our friend and colleague,
Carol Kennedy. Carol will stay in our hearts forever as an incredible person, a dedicated teacher and mentor who inspired so many of us.

Very early in her career, Carol was active in the Orthopaedic Division syllabus courses and the 3-month course. She quickly became an instructor and an examiner and then the chair of the Lead Examiners of the Orthopaedic Division. Her hunger for innovation challenged us to make changes and look to the future of the profession. She was so supportive of her colleagues and cheered them on as they took on new opportunities and challenges. Her wisdom and reflections guided many of us through our professional careers.

Carol was passionate about being an effective educator and took great pride in many of the courses that she developed and taught across the country. When we think of Carol, we think of her expertise in the cervical spine and cervical exercise prescription. So many Orthopaedic Division members have been fortunate to have been taught by Carol and exposed to her amazing clinical reasoning approaches and clinical pearls. The orthopaedic community is truly mourning the loss of this extraordinary person and it will take us time, but she would want us to continue advocating for our profession and be strong mentors and leaders.

One of her greatest accomplishments was establishing the GCOMPT program at UBC – that was a dream of hers and she made it a reality. She put her heart and soul into setting up the program and the curriculum.

In 2022, Carol was the recipient of the Enid Graham Memorial Lecture Award, the most prestigious honour granted by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. In addition, as a testament to her excellence in teaching, the Carol Kennedy Excellence in Teaching Award was established in 2022 by the Orthopaedic Division.

Carol was kind, compassionate, a friend like no other. She enjoyed life, and spending time with her family and friends. She was truly a transformational leader. Carol had great insight, used reflection constantly to re-evaluate her beliefs, was continually curious, and inspired many physios to be better and to be mentors to others. She loved being a manual/ musculoskeletal physiotherapist and advocated strongly for manual therapy and “hands-on” never losing sight of the “bio” in the biopsychosocial framework.

Carol will be deeply missed. She has left her mark on us as individuals and as a profession. Her shoes will not be easily filled.

I feel fortunate that my classmates and I were part of the last GCOMPT cohort to share that experience with Carol. She was a masterful and patient teacher. We all learned so much from her and this is a profound loss.
— Katie MacFarlane

Carol was always so kind and generous with her time and knowledge and was such an inspiration with her passion for the profession and how she demonstrated that. She was always wholehearted in her teaching and would never turn away or diminish even the most trivial of questions. Even when she was fighting through a noticeable amount of pain and restriction to her mobility, she still insisted on arranging for a session one evening on her own time to help prepare a group of us for the Advanced Exam. This is just one of many personal examples of Carol’s selflessness and love for the profession, and one of many more I’m sure others will share of how Carol has touched their lives and made them the better for it. Carol will be dearly missed and sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones.
— Gordon Seow

Carol was a dear colleague, friend, teacher and mentor to so many of us in the physiotherapy community across the country and beyond. Her endless giving and enthusiasm for teaching and patient care will live on in all of those she touched as we strive to pass on the kindness to others that she showed to us. She will be dearly missed.
— Erdem Huner

It is difficult to accept that a colleague is no longer with us. I am at a loss for words. I will always admire her.
–Bahram Jam

Carol was an inspiration and role model to so many of us. Her kind, warm and caring nature lives on in the hearts of the many students she taught. Her amazing skill, talent and knowledge has been a guiding light for not only me, but also for my colleagues and the entire orthopaedic division. We miss her humble nature and amazing intellect. Peace.
— Stephen Barclay

Carol was an amazing mentor during my GCOMPT program. She helped my career and skills develop and I am thankful for the chance to have gotten to know her. She will be greatly missed.
— Michelle Cojulun

So sad to hear this news. I first took a course form Carol and Jan in 1996 and it changed the way I practice from then on. Carol was so brilliant, knowledgeable and always a patient teacher. She was a calming presence as the chief examiner when I arrived to do my advanced exam. We have lost an amazing leader and mentor to so many. Condolences to Carol’s family and friends.
— Monica Clarke

We have lost a giant in the Canadian orthopaedic PT landscape. There really is not enough that can be said of the wonderful teacher, mentor, leader, colleague and friend that Carol was to so many of us. She has left her mark on the educational program of the orthopaedic division and the program at UBC to name but a few of her incredible accomplishments. The benefits of these programs and her knowledge that has shaped many clinicians who are now teaching, will continue to be realized by generations of therapists. Her legacy will live on, and to refer to what others have already written, we will speak often of her kindness, her amazing intellect, passion and dedication. My condolences to Carol’s family and all of her physio colleagues that I know are deeply saddened.
— Lisa Carlesso

Carol was a true leader in our profession. I am grateful to have been mentored by her. She was passionate about teaching and a huge advocate for manual therapy. She always took the time to “check in” and ask about me and my family as she genuinely cared about her fellow colleagues and students. My sincerest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. She will be missed but not forgotten.
— Christine Bridle

Carol’s impact on my life and career far exceeds the time I was actually able to spend with her. She made such a difference to our profession and to so many individuals. From the first time I met her, til I was lucky enough to sit around some leadership tables with her, I enjoyed her passionate but light, funny but peaceful and always-so-kind take on issues big and small. How do you combine all those approaches into one person? No one but Carol could. She will be so missed. I will continue to strive to be more like Carol.
— Andrea McAllister

I have experienced so many feelings since Carol’s diagnosis several months ago. It is not easy to write this acknowledgment . It is so hard to believe Carol is gone but will never be forgotten. We knew each other for over 30 years initially as peers within the Orthopaedic Division and eventually as colleagues developing curriculum and standards across Canada. Her ability to work within our close knit team was only one of her many qualities . I miss you my dear friend.
— Bev Padfield

Missing our mentor, teacher, colleague, friend. Grateful for her example, legacy, leadership, foresight and generosity of spirit. Deepest condolences to her Family.
— May Nolan

Carol was a wonderful mentor who was patient, kind and encouraging. Her enthusiasm for our profession was always really exciting to feel. We were lucky in London to have her join us in the MClScPT program, where she took time to help us refine some newly taught skills. Her generosity with time and calm nature made learning easy. I will miss seeing her and will remember these qualities when working with peers.
— Cheryl Richardson

Carol was an inspiration to us all in the Physiotherapy world. She was a kind, loving, compassionate and generous person. I am extremely sad to know she will no longer be with us. She made an impact on my physiotherapy career and I will always be grateful to have had the opportunity to learning from her.
She was truly amazing!!! 💕💕💕💕💕💕
— Jill Irvine

I feel honoured to have been taught by Carol, treated by Carol, and gotten to know her. She was not only an amazing physio with great skills, insight, and teaching ability, she was also a great person. Such a positive influence on all those around her, and constantly striving for herself and all of us to be better. I cannot believe she is gone, and know that her shoes will never be filled. Such a great loss…
— Paige Larson

What a shock to hear about the loss of a great physio so young! Carol had aspired so many people to strive for their best in all walks of life. She was indeed a role model for all of us, especially in orthopaedic manual physiotherapy. What a legacy of accomplishments!
— Andy Wang

Carol was an inspiration to me since I started as a physio. Besides her obvious talents of teaching, and clinical work, she was always curious, humble and overly generous with her time. I will always miss her and be grateful of the times she offered me advice both professionally, and in life. She will forever be the person I think of when people ask me what it means to be a great healthcare provider.
— Darin Cohen

I echo so much of what has already been said in tribute of Carol. She was a very special person and elevated our profession, both within and outside of us. To me, everything she touched had a mark of hard work and excellence and yet she was always so approachable, kind and encouraging. I feel grateful to have known her. My deep condolences to her friends and family.
— Nadine Plotnikoff

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Carol. I have know her for many decades as a teacher, examiner, and part of the Clinical Specialist program. I was always impressed with not only her brilliance and compassion, but also her humility. thank you for everything you have taught us Carol.
— Leigh Garvie

My career as a physiotherapist was richer because of Carol. She mentored, inspired and encouraged us to never stop learning. To have passion for our profession. She often shared stories of her family whom she cherished and obviously her love ran deep. Carol always took the time to check in with her students and peers, asking about their families because she truly cared. Thank you so much Carol for all you have done for our profession. I will miss you, but will continue to be inspired by you. Deepest condolences to her dear family and friends.
— Judy Sturgeon

25 years ago Carol started me appreciating the neck in a completely different way. Her contribution to my learning and to the profession will always be appreciated.
— Rochenda Howard

Carol was a wonderful mentor who was patient, kind and encouraging. Her enthusiasm for our profession was always really exciting to feel. We were lucky in London to have her join us in the MClScPT program, where she took time to help us refine some newly taught skills. Her generosity with time and calm nature made learning easy. I will miss seeing her and will remember these qualities when working with peers.
— Cheryl Richardson

Carol was an incredibly kind, inspiring, and knowledgeable mentor. She has helped shape many of us into the manual practitioners we are today. I am deeply saddened by her passing and pass on my condolences to her family and friends. She may be gone but never forgotten. Her spirit and strength will carry on through all of us.
— Cheryl McNeight

Carol was my teacher at UBC during my undergrad program and also within the ortho division after I graduated. She was amazing and I admired her so much. I remember her as being funny, wise, kind and always professional. We were so lucky to have her as a instructor and as a colleague. When I was an aspiring manual therapist, probably 20 years ago, she told me that I had “good hands” and I was so proud of myself that I have never forgotten! She was an inspiration to me and will be so missed by all that were lucky enough to know her!
— Cara Humphreys

I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Six months into my recovery from a TBI, I was lucky enough to be treated by Carol. Her extensive knowledge and her honest communication style were revelatory for me. My recovery was extremely lengthy and very difficult- I often could not envision how I would ever resume my active life. It was dark days. My relationship with Carol literally saved my life. Amazing treatment of course, but way more important for me was her constant encouragement, her sincere compassion and her ability to help me see myself not as an ex-athlete, but simply as an an athlete who was injured. I know her spirit will live on in so many people. She was a legend.
— Meegan Maultsaid

Hugs!! To All,
My heartfelt condolences to Roger, Krista, Adam and her family. What a HUGE loss and sad time for all of you. Lenerdene will have the biggest hole in her heart and will miss her best friend forever.
Lenerdene and Carol were an example of a TRUE friendship that some of us will never experience. We will try to walk with you Lenerdene and be there in your loneliness. Not many of us can know the extreme depth of sadness you have and will experience.
As I have vacationed in Mexico ( is that what they still call it when you are retired) I have thought lots of Carol and how unfair life is when our lives are so good.
Hopefully you have all marvelled at Jupiter and Venus in the sky as they were so bright and moved closer to together. Venus the brighter planet reminded me of Carol. She was the brightness and the role model of who most of us tried to or wanted to be. She INSPIRED all of us with her knowledge, teaching excellence and charisma.
Last night as I walked back from dinner I marvelled at the sunset and thought about Carol. The sunshine coming through the dark clouds so reminded me of the brightness we had in our lives as her family were in image0.jpegsadness and darkness represented by the dark clouds.
When I found out she had passed away my thought was like Jill that she must have been bringing her joy and brightness to the heavens.
Thanks for the pic Terry. It reminded me of how all those memories will help us through our sorrows.
Looking forward to seeing a few of you in April for some needed hugs and tears.
Thinking of all of you with a sad heart,
— Murray MacHutchon

Dear friends, family, and colleagues,
With a heavy heart to honour the life and legacy of my dear mentor and professor, Carol Kennedy. She was a remarkable woman, who had a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally.
Carol was a gifted physiotherapist, and she possessed a wealth of knowledge that she graciously shared with me and many others. She taught me manual techniques that I still use to this day, and she helped me to improve my understanding of physiotherapy. But more than that, she was a true mentor. She encouraged me, challenged me, and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
Through her guidance, I became a better physiotherapist, and I was able to help more patients than I ever thought possible. Her influence extended beyond the classroom or the clinic, as she imparted life lessons that I will carry with me forever. She taught me the importance of compassion, humility, and kindness, and she showed me how to lead with integrity and grace.
Carol was taken from us too soon, and her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. It is hard to imagine a world without Carol. Her passing is a profound loss, not just for me, but for the physiotherapy community, and all those whose lives she touched.
But as we gather the beautiful memories we shared with her, and the profound impact she had on us. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, the patients she helped, and the physiotherapists she inspired.
Carol, you will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will never forget the impact you had on my life. You were a true inspiration, and I feel blessed to have known you.
Carol, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit and memory will always be with us. Rest in peace, dear friend and mentor.
— Ghasem Sokhanvar

I will remember Carol as a kind, thoughtful, and inspiring clinician, mentor, and friend. She had an amazing energy and was always open to new opportunities and to supporting the physiotherapy profession. I feel privileged to have learned from and worked with her over the years. She will be truly missed, but not forgotten, as she has she impacted so many in our community.
— Allison Ezzat

I first met Carol when I was referred to her for a cervical injury. As a physiotherapist, she was gentle and kind and very effective. At this time I decided I wanted to become a physio and she encouraged me and later became one of my instructors. I am very grateful to have crossed her path. Sending love to her family and friends.
— Natalie Sagle

Carol, we were friend since we completed our Master together 12 years ago! You were a true leader, a true mentor in teaching, a good friend of mine and of a lot of my close NOD friends. Our community will miss you Carol! You were a special person! Everyone that I know in the NOD community have good words for you. You were so appreciated! You are and always will be a model for all of us. Rest in peace Carol!
— Pierre Langevin

Carol was exceptional in every way. She was such a role model and someone to strive to be as a physio, educator, clinic owner and person. I was fortunate to have her as an instructor in the ortho division and mentor for many small group sessions. She always made me feel comfortable to ask questions and get feedback. She always made an effort to ask about how things were going in our lives. She motivated us all to try to strive for excellence in our manual skills, our thinking, and our client centered care— of course leading by example. And while I only knew her for a handful of years, her exceptional kindness and sincere care for my learning and development has had such a profound impact on my career and personal life.
— Midori Lam

Carol was an amazing mentor to me in the short time I worked with her in the MClSc. Her expertise in the neck was tremendous and the lessons she taught me allowed me to help many people. Carol will be greatly missed, but her legacy lives on. My condolences to all those close with her.
— Michael Wonderham

We will miss you as a physiotherapy community and friend. Thank you for your leadership excellence as an educator, professional, innovator, and scholar. Carol thank you … our blessings go out to you and your loved ones.
— Anita Gross

I was deeply saddened to hear the news last week. I am incredibly grateful to have learned from Carol in the Ortho Div courses, had her assistance on a research project at UBC and also had the pleasure to work for her and the Team at Treloar Physiotherapy for several years. She was an incredible teacher, very approachable and willing to share her knowledge to make our profession stronger. Her legacy will live on through those she has mentored and thankful to have been taught by her. Sending my condolences to her friends and family.
— Stephanie McCann

It has been a tough week since hearing the saddest of news. I have reflected on how Carol has touched my life and career and thus also touched so many of my patients and those that I have mentored. As I have read all these tributes I can see that Carol made so many of us feel like we were skilled respected colleagues rather than wannabes trying to glean any of her amazing pearls that she so selflessly shared. Carol shared so much and worked so hard to keep advancing her practice, without ego, because she was truly dedicated to her profession and her patients and because as a professional, sharing and mentoring is just what you do. She never commodified her teachings, she just continually evolved and strived for excellence and answered our call to give up one more of her weekends or evenings to allow us another precious moment of her presence and guidance. I can’t not think of what she must of given up to make herself so available and I thank her family for putting up with this. I am sure there were times when they wished she wasn’t the SuperPhysio that always had to leave or go and read another article or prepare for another course. As I have experienced my strong feelings of sadness and loss I can not imagine the hole that she has left in the hearts of her family and those that were lucky to have spent more time with her over the years including Kate, Robin, Penny, Deb, Bill, Curtis, JP, Christine, May, Jan, Lenerdene and so many others. Thank you Carol. We can only strive to be a bit like you while being the best version of ourselves that you could always see.
— John Howick

I am forever grateful that I had the great privilege of being able to work with Carol, while doing locums at Treloar in the early 2000’s. I will never forget how she was attentive, patient and supportive of me (and all of her colleagues). Her contribution to our profession is enormous and such is the feeling of loss. My heart goes out to her family, and her Treloar family.
— Anne Whittaker

Everyone was so sad to hear the news of Carol. It was a privilege to collaborate and learn from Carol over the years. She was a talented, inspirational force for manual therapy in the country. Her teachings were her gift to pass on her knowledge. Carol will be missed.
— Lorraine LeBlanc Hendry

It is deeply saddening to hear of the loss of such a great leader in our profession. I had the pleasure of attending one of Carol’s courses and her intelligence and wit were inspiring. My heart goes out to her family, friends and the whole physiotherapy community.
— Monica MacDonald

I feel so privileged to have benefitted from Carol’s brilliance, kindness and generosity. She was so humble and approachable and had a knack for making complex topics feel possible, and for helping us fumbling learners learn to trust our hands. While her impact on our profession was massive, her impact in one-to-one interactions was equally as profound. Her death has left me with a heavy heart, but has also stirred up great memories and a great sense of gratitude.
— Nadine Nembhard

I was fortunate enough to take a weekend course on the treatment of the neck with Carol. She was a patient and kind instructor. What she imparted through that weekend and through her manuals on cervical spine, changed my practice and results I have with my clients. I thank her for her contribution to our profession and for sharing her knowledge. She has made a difference and her work will live on! My deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
— Karen Tausendfreund

Dearest Carol,
Your legacy is just the beginning, and it will be etched in stone forever, as your profound contribution to our profession is immeasurable. You are missed, may you have found peace. Love you dearly. 💕
— Hilary Reese

I was so fortunate to take the 2014 Exercise for Cervical Spine Dysfunction Course in Toronto taught by Carol. I still use these techniques to this day and often refer to my course manual. It was one of those courses where you have a few “ahha” moments. She effortlessly blended evidence based medicine with practical clinical experience as she guided us through the course material. She was an impressive teacher. My deepest condolences to Carol’s family for their loss. I extend my sympathy to her colleagues and friends at this time for their hearts must be heavy.
— Colleen McPhee

I am truly saddened to hear of Carol’s passing. She was such a wonderful woman, an example of the mentor/ instructor that we all aspired to be. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family and friends.
— Anne Edgell-Kennedy

I met Carol when I worked as her locum for my very first physio job on arriving in Canada. Little did I know at the time what skilled hands I was trying to replace. Over the years I had the privilege of learning from her in many courses and study groups, and found she always had the time to answer questions and make you feel confident in your ability to learn new techniques. Such a caring, genuine person who gave so much to the profession and her patients. She will be missed by many.
— Lynda Lawrence

I was incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from Carol in the Ortho Div courses, as well as a couple small group mentoring sessions. It was apparent from the beginning, Carol’s passion for Physiotherapy and her skill as a educator and mentor. She was very kind, supportive and always encouraged questions, no matter how small! My condolences to her loved ones.
— Melanie Soer

Carol was one of those special people, one that so many of us had the privilege to be touched by. I will always treasure the memory of her welcoming and encouraging manner as a therapist, mentor, educator and friend. Carol has helped shape the excellent physiotherapy profession in Canada. Carol was the person to welcome and offer me my first position in Canada in 1993. I gratefully interacted with Carol on many occasions, even from afar, while overseas. My respect for Carol is enormous. My sincerest condolences to her family and her closest people.
— Edwina Rigby

Carol was a trailblazer and a true leader in the profession, but she blazed with kindness and humility. A leader that motivated others to lead. I was grateful to have interacted with and learn from Carol on many occasions. She provided me with opportunities to grow, to reflect, and to listen, and for that, I am forever thankful. I recall on my last meeting as Chair of Ortho Div, I became emotional and Carol messaged in the chat, that ‘she always cried at these things too’ …. She was so supportive and passionate about her profession. Despite the force that she was, she had such a kind heart. I hope she was aware of the impact she had on so many. We will continue to stand on the shoulders of giants, and Carol is one of those giants. She leaves an inspiring legacy behind and one that will live through all of the individuals and the profession she has helped shape.
— Jasdeep Dhir