Role: Clinical Assistant Professor
Department: Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Location: Vancouver
Dr. Kaila Holtz was first drawn to a career in musculoskeletal medicine as a North Vancouver high school athlete. Her love of sport led her to a career in softball, first as an Olympic athlete, competing as part of the Canadian National Softball team, and later as a coach at both the collegiate and youth levels.
After retiring from softball, Dr. Holtz joined UBC to pursue medicine and residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). Shortly after completing her residency, she was back as a clinical assistant professor — extending her passion for coaching and teaching in her new field.
Alongside her work as a practicing physiatrist, Dr. Holtz regularly trains family medicine, physiatry and sports medicine residents, and teaches clinical sessions at UBC family medicine training sites across the Lower Mainland. Her commitment to teaching was recognized with the Faculty’s 2023 Excellence in Clinical Teaching (early career) award.
Outside of UBC, Dr. Holtz has continued her connection with softball, having served on the Executive Board for Softball Canada while creating a certification for pitching coaches recognized by the National Coaching Certification Program of Canada. More recently she has published several articles with international group of experts advancing softball research.
What do you enjoy most about teaching and mentoring?
The best thing about teaching and mentoring is seeing students gain confidence, as they inch closer and closer to their full potential — both as a physicians and as a humans.
I also enjoy sharing pearls about the business of practicing medicine, and the non-clinical aspects students should consider in their environment and workflow.
How does the Faculty’s vision Transforming Health for Everyone guide your approach to teaching?
Core values are everything. The Faculty’s vision is a demonstration of leadership in action, and true healthcare transformation requires commitment from all stakeholders, both clinical and non-clinical. I find it encouraging to see the Faculty set such a strong positive example.
In my clinical teaching, I support the values of equity, inclusion and leadership through clear communication with learners about expectations, ensuring patients’ consent to residents being involved in their care, and teaching them to consider both socioeconomic and psychodynamic factors in management plans.
What is the best piece of teaching advice you received from a fellow clinical faculty member?
When I was a graduate student studying kinesiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a respected faculty member advised me to always make time for my passion outside the lab.
Staying plugged into my passions allows me to have small wins on days that are tough. I encourage everyone to have activities that bring them joy. Having fun is a form of self-love.
Describe one of your favourite hidden gems in your local community?
Vancouver is such a great place to live and work. I love to get some movement into my day, and one of my favourite ways to get a quick workout in is power walking the loop around Douglas Park or False Creek. And all physicians need coffee (and cookies). I love the walnut and chocolate chip cookies at Elysian. I may even see you there!
