MRU: Proud supporters of the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs

Story by: Keith Bradford
Photo by: MS Zach Barr, Canadian Armed Forces

There’s something about the way they walk.

The way they hold themselves.

Chin up, chest out, shoulders back, stomach in.

“They tend to be very down to earth. They are very respectful and humble when they come into the clinic and carry themselves differently,” said Francesca Simon, manager of the Health Services medical clinic and MRU Injury & Prevention Clinic at Mount Royal University.

“You can always tell, even when they’re not wearing their greens. They carry their responsibility with pride and respect. We want to support that – to keep them functional, so that when they get deployed, they’re healthy.”

MRU’s Injury & Prevention Clinic has had a special relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces for more than a decade. The clinic is part of a network of health care practitioners that members are authorized to see for injuries and other concerns. Since 2012, active service members have made more than 3,500 in-person visits to the clinic, with an additional 50-plus for veterans. Most come for physiotherapy, but chiropractic care and massage therapy are also popular.

“Because there is no military base in Calgary, any member of the Canadian Forces that is injured is treated by a civilian physio, like us at MRU. We treat active members, reservists and veterans,” explained Barb Taxbock, a senior physiotherapist at the clinic. 

“They all have different injuries, histories and needs. In some ways, not knowing the military well and not going in with preconceived ideas allows us as physios to be open minded and really gear the treatment to their specific needs.”

When members suffer injuries or have other physical issues, they may be placed on restricted duties and asked to pass tests before being cleared to return to full duty.

“In these cases, rehab and exercises are geared towards getting them back to a specific test, which involves, for example, a sandbag carry, sprinting or sled pull,” said Taxbock. “Sometimes the activity they're returning to is quite difficult, such as a multi-day ruck march while doing military exercises. Planning their rehab for these activities can be interesting.” 

There are some practical reasons why the partnership developed between the clinic and the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs makes it easier for members to access care and support.

“When they are sent here, they book an appointment and have forms to fill out,” said Simon, adding the fast-tracked process makes it easier and quicker to access care. “They complete them and we support them and book them in. We bill VA and Canadian Forces directly.”

Active members are asked to complete a Pre-Authorization for Offsite Health Care Services form that is available from the base’s clinic or medical officer. It must be brought to the first visit to receive coverage. Veterans Affairs members can ask their family physician to complete the same form. 

“It’s very seamless,” said Jerry Kalmakoff, who initially visited the clinic for physiotherapy as an active member and, more recently, as a veteran. “You just go to the MO (medical officer) and they hook you up with MRU. You don’t have to pay upfront.

“I’ve been doing my physio with Barb and she’s great. The quality of service is good and the team up front (at reception) has been awesome. When I was transitioning from active member to Veterans Affairs they handled that too.”

The special relationship the clinic has built with members of the forces and veterans is all part of MRU’s commitment to community.

“Mount Royal is a community-based university. We are meant to be responsive to community and we are,” said Simon. “The former base was right there at Currie Barracks and some of them just walk over. 

“For me, it has always been important that we recognize the service that our members of the CAF have provided for us as a nation. We are very proud supporters.”

Book an appointment with the team at MRU Injury & Prevention Clinic. Open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Appointments can be booked online or by calling 403.440.6917.

Story summary

1. What is the partnership between MRU’s Injury & Prevention Clinic and the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs?

The clinic has developed a longstanding relationship with CAF and VA that allows members and veterans to access care quickly and easily.

2. How many active members or veterans have used the clinic as part of the special agreement? Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces have made more than 3,500 in-person visits to the clinic since 2012, with an additional 50-plus for veterans.

3. How do active members or veterans access services?
Active members need to complete a Pre-Authorization for Offsite Health Care Services form, which is available from the base medical clinic or medical officer. The form must be completed, signed and brought to the first visit to receive coverage. Veterans Affairs members can ask their family physician to complete the same form. To make an appointment, call the clinic at 403-440-6917 or book online.