Amanda Thirtle
Santa Barbara,CA
Summary
Dynamic clinical specialist with over 20 years of rehabilitation experience and more than 15 years of collaboration with plastic and orthopedic surgeons in acute and outpatient settings. Proven expertise in fostering strong surgeon partnerships, delivering comprehensive product education, and seamlessly integrating workflows to enhance patient outcomes. Committed to optimizing processes within complex healthcare environments while ensuring the highest standards of care and efficiency. Results-driven professional dedicated to advancing clinical practices and improving patient experiences.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Hand Therapist & Physical Therapist
Lions Gate Hospital
North Vancouver, BC
01.2013 - 01.2024
- Partnered with plastic and orthopedic surgeons to implement post-operative protocols aligned with surgical intent.
- Served as clinical liaison between OR teams and outpatient services, ensuring seamless transitions and protocol adherence.
- Delivered structured device education and orthotic fabrication support to optimize surgical outcomes.
- Provided real-time troubleshooting to protect procedural integrity and improve recovery timelines.
- Prepared detailed WorkSafe BC reports supporting return-to-work decision-making.
- Participated in interdisciplinary rounds to enhance efficiency and patient throughput.
Physical Therapist (Acute & Specialty Units)
Lions Gate Hospital
North Vancouver, BC
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Delivered care across ER, ICU, Orthopedics, PAR, Long-Term Care, and Outpatient Orthopedics.
- Supported pre-operative orthopedic clinics for total joint replacements.
- Collaborated closely with surgeons and multidisciplinary teams to optimize functional outcomes.
Occupational Rehabilitation & Functional Evaluation Specialist
Back in Motion
Surrey, BC
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Delivered occupational rehabilitation programs for WorkSafe BC clients.
- Completed comprehensive assessments, progress reports and discharge summaries for WorkSafe BC.
- Delivered return-to-work recommendations based on objective clinical data.
Physical Therapist
Physical Evaluation Systems (PES)
Reading, UK
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Completed workplace assessments and medico-legal documentation.
- Completed functional capacity evaluations for insurers and employers.
Education
Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation - Physical Therapy
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba CanadaBachelor of Arts - undefined
University of Manitoba
Skills
- Surgeon & Hospital Management relationship development
- Clinical Education, In-Services and product training delivery
- Orthotics & Device Application guidance and troubleshooting
- Upper Extremity and Post Surgical Pathway experience
- Evidence-based protocol development
- Return-to-Work & Insurance Reporting (WorkSafe BC)
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Cross-functional coordination with OR, outpatient and administrative teams
Certification
- Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
- Registered Physical Therapist
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- BC Hand Society Annual Meeting (2011–2024)
- ASHT Hands-On Orthotics Intensive, Kansas City, MO (2024)
- ASHT Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX (2018)
- ASHT Virtual Conference (2020)
Timeline
Certified Hand Therapist & Physical Therapist
Lions Gate Hospital
01.2013 - 01.2024
Physical Therapist (Acute & Specialty Units)
Lions Gate Hospital
01.2007 - 01.2013
Occupational Rehabilitation & Functional Evaluation Specialist
Back in Motion
01.2006 - 01.2007
Physical Therapist
Physical Evaluation Systems (PES)
01.2004 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
University of Manitoba
Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation - Physical Therapy
University of Manitoba