Bobby McGugan

BScKin, MScPT
Bobby McGugan

About Bobby McGugan

Bobby grew up in the city of St. Albert, and has called the botanical arts city home since 1994. As an academically inclined high school athlete, a career in Physiotherapy ticked all the boxes on his “career checklist” back in 2008; solving problems, being on his feet, and having an impact…to name a few. His enthusiastic (and sometimes scattered) energy combined with his empathic demeanour aligned seamlessly with a career in rehabilitation. The fulfillment he derives from the success of those around him make the clinical atmosphere a place he genuinely enjoys, and it shows. Rarely found sitting still, the fun doesn’t stop when the “work day” ends. A keen pursuer of new activities and experiences, Bobby doesn’t say no to much…sometimes to a fault. If you’ve found a workaround to the 8 hours of sleep per night thing, let this guy know!

If you could only eat 1 meal for the rest of eternity, what would it be?
Costco hot dogs?! Sheesh, this is tough one but have to go with a Keg prime rib dinner (with a twice baked potato)…divine!

Favourite sport to play, favourite sport to watch?
Bobby is an avid Oilers fan; he may not watch a lot of shows/movies, but has watched every Oilers playoff since the late 90’s! He enjoys playing all sports, name one and he’s probably tried it! In the last year golf, squash, spike ball and running are getting the most hours. Maximizing snowboarding trip opportunities, and getting to the gym are also priorities.

Specialty dish in the kitchen?
Does bacon and eggs count?! Bobby is more of a BBQ specialist, but has “mastered” the handful of dishes he prepares on Sundays for weekly lunches; pork tenderloin, greek feta oregano chicken, chicken fried rice to name a few.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?
“If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together”

If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be?
Tough one. It’s a tie between being a master chef, attaining fluency in world languages and knowing how to skillfully navigate the settings on an iPhone.

Do you have any nicknames (from work, sports, friends)?
Naturally, Bobby often becomes Bob to friends and patients. His Saskatchewan birth certificate reads Robert, so unsurprisingly, Bobert has worked its way into the nickname rotation in some circles! Those who know, know.

Skills & Training

  • Physiotherapist
  • BScPT Kinesiology, University of Alberta, 2012
  • MScPT Physiotherapy, University of Alberta, 2015
  • Acupuncture Foundation of Canada: Foundations of Anatomical Acupuncture, 2015
  • Mulligan Concept: Mobilization with Movement, 2015
  • Biomedical Dry Needling, 2016
  • Complete Concussion Management Practitioner, 2016
  • Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy: Level II, 2017
  • Diagnostic Imaging in Physical Therapy Practice, 2020
  • The Spin on Vestibular Rehabilitation, 2023

Acumen

Academically, Bobby jumped right in at the University of Alberta with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. He completed his first degree in 2012 with distinction, and was admitted to the Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy program, also at the U of A, that same summer. By late 2014 he was working clinically and looking to quench his thirst for continuing education. Naturally, he continued expanding his knowledge base. He has secured certifications in biomedical dry needling, diplomas of advanced orthopaedic manual therapy, vestibular physiotherapy, concussion management, acupuncture, and other toolbox courses along the way! Lifelong learning is part of the job that Bobby embraces.

Professionally, Bobby likes to stay involved and give back. He began mentoring physiotherapists-in-training in 2015, bringing his first physio student under his wing! He is an affiliated clinical educator with the U of A Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and has mentored over a dozen students (but who’s counting). He has regularly volunteered with the admissions team at the U of A physiotherapy program as an interviewer for applicants. On the other end of the physiotherapy credentialling spectrum, he has served as an examiner for the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators to administer licensing exams to physiotherapy applicants. He is a sitting member on council of the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta; the provincial regulatory body for our profession in Alberta. Bobby appreciates the opportunity to make his contribution to the CPTA’s mission to safeguard and serve the public through effective regulation of the practice of physiotherapists in Alberta!