What inspired you to become a physical therapist, and what motivates you to continue in the field?
I’ve always wanted to work with people in a medical sense, and I’ve also always been very active and have great appreciation for the ability to move. So what’s better than helping people stay active? What motivates me to continue is the ability to give someone hope that they can get better, to see someone reach their goals, and to empower someone to be know how to care for their body better overall. I also love the human connection that is made between myself and my patient, and all the friendships I’ve made along the way.
What sets you apart from other physical therapists? What is your unique approach or philosophy?
I try my best to empathize with each person, listen to their unique story, and truly understand where the pain/frustration/limitation is coming from and how it is affecting their lives. This allows me to best understand someone’s body and how they are using it, which allows me to provide a treatment that is truly individualized and appropriate for each person. I don’t believe that any treatment or protocol work as a “one size fits all” formula. I also try to understand a person’s whole lifestyle and develop treatment plans holistically and creatively, through understanding and compassion.
How do you stay current with the latest advancements and techniques in physical therapy? Are you learning anything new right now?
I am so lucky that Release PT emphasizes obtaining the most modern technology for enhancing healing. We are also striving to find the best technologies, methods, treatment options to address a variety of diagnoses as thoroughly, efficiently, and effectively as possible. I recently just attended a conference about shockwave therapy, to better learn about the current research and evidence supporting it, and how to apply these findings to clinical practice. I enjoy taking continuing education courses that truly better my own practice, and recently also took a few TMJ courses. What I’m going to learn next is still to-be-decided… 🙂
Can you describe a moment when you felt particularly proud of helping a patient?
Oh goodness, this is such a hard question. I have had many moments of great joy and celebration with helping my patients over the years!!! So many moments bring fulfillment. An elderly patient in severe, debilitating pain told me I was the first person in a while to give her hope that her pain would get better. I’ve gotten to watch a patient dance at her wedding after struggling with feet/ankle pain for a couple years. I’ve celebrated many people crossing the finish line of their first marathons, and have even joined them alongside! I love knowing that patients trust me to take care of their family members and friends.
What are your goals for the future, both professionally and personally, in the field of physical therapy?
Professionally, I want to continue growing as a therapist- gaining more skills and knowledge to treat a wider range of diagnoses. I would like my toolbox to just be really, really big! Personally, I would like to be a better “patient” myself!! Many of my clients impress me so much with how dedicated and diligent they are with their PT regimen and keeping up with their rehab exercises… And I definitely could use some improvement in practicing what I preach 🙂
How do you maintain work life balance and what do you do for fun?
The benefit to a job that is in-person and hands-on is that it naturally allows for work-life balance! (my patients can’t follow me home haha) I love that when I’m at work, I’m fully engaged and on, and when I leave, I have no choice but to leave it behind! Outside the clinic, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, and of course, my dog Arf! My favorite activities include hiking, exploring everywhere, running, eating, cooking, pretending to be an artist, and reading. My next trip is scuba diving in the Azores and I recently did a hiking trip to Nova Scotia to see whales and puffins, and ran a marathon in California. Next challenge is a Hyrox race in Toronto!
