Ermin Pahtakhan
B. G. S (KINESIOLOGY & HUMANITIES), 2007.
Current Position: Manager and Certified Pedorthist at Kintec Orthotics + Footwear in Port Moody, BC
What are your work responsibilities?
Clinically, I have to perform biomechanical assessments and gait analysis on patients in order to determine a treatment plan and solutions that may include custom foot orthotics, footwear, and bracing products; as the manager, I have led my team to run the day to day tasks of the store and take care of the overall business side of the store.
How did you become interested in your field?
I always knew that I wanted a profession where I could help people. I knew that Kinesiology and Humanities would help me get there, but I didn’t know where there would be until I learned more about pedorthics in my co-op placement at Kintec.
What led you to this position?
Working closely with the Certified Pedorthist during my co-op opened my eyes to how this field could really help people, specifically Pedorthics, and from that point on I knew this was what I wanted to do.
What do you enjoy most about your current career position?
I get to interact with people, from my patients to doctors, physios, and my team. The best part is interacting with my patients. Being able to make a difference in their lives is what makes coming into work every day worthwhile.
What have been the biggest challenges in your career?
I didn’t find any big challenges along the way. I had lots of support from my friends and family. I also had the support of Kintec through the apprentice program and examination process to get certified.
Why did you choose Simon Fraser University and BPK to pursue your education?
SFU had a great reputation for its BPK (Kinesiology when I took it) program. I started out at Douglas College but had my focus on the transfer program from Douglas College to SFU after a couple years of figuring out what I wanted to do.
How did your education at SFU and BPK influence your career?
My education steered me towards the things I liked which was biomechanics, anatomy, physiology; while steering me away from the things that I wasn’t too interested in. And the co-op program was the biggest influence because it allowed me to see how my education could be applied in real life situations. It brought the theory into practice.
Who do you think make a difference at SFU or BPK, or who do you remember the most from the department?
There were a lot of memorable people, and I feel like I learned a lot from each and every one I interacted with, but the two that made the most difference for me would be Penny Deck and Steven Brown.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishments (both personally and professionally)?
Professionally: Graduating from SFU and becoming a Certified Pedorthists and Clinic Manager. Personally: Getting married and having the two most beautiful kids in the world. My son and my daughter are my everything.
What advice would you give to current students at BPK?
Follow your passion, explore many options, and enjoy what you do. Quoting Tim Duncan, “Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best.”
What do you enjoy doing with your free time?
When I’m not spending time with the family and kids, I like to run (half marathons to ultramarathon distances), play basketball, enjoy a round of golf, and eat whenever I can.