November 30, 2017

CNHP students are unique and amazing. Their dedication to health and healing and passion for their work is incredible. Off the Charts highlights some of these students to show what motivates them to want to help people.

Where did you receive your undergraduate degree and what is it?

I received my Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Drexel. I was in the 3+3 accelerated program which means that I completed my undergrad in three years, with one co-op experience, and then began full-time graduate school my fourth year. I knew I wanted to pursue a DPT degree when I applied to Drexel. The requirements of the 3+3 program stipulated I needed to maintain a certain GPA, finish specific classes, pass my GREs and apply to Drexel’s DPT program within my junior year. I wasn’t guaranteed a spot; I had to complete the interview and be accepted to the program just like anyone else.

You’re a third-year DPT student. Why did you choose to pursue a DPT degree?

I want to be able to help people get back on their feet after injury and live their lives to the fullest. I love all the different ways physical therapists help patients through manual techniques, therapeutic exercise, education and progression to independent management of one’s own symptoms. I love how much time physical therapists get to spend with their patients and the relationships we can develop.

What are your thoughts about CNHP’s program?

Drexel’s DPT program is unique because of the professors and staff who help make the program as successful as it is. Each professor is so knowledgeable about their course material and always willing to help the students in any way possible. I would not have been as successful in this program if it wasn’t for the dedication and wonderful personalities of each of my professors. Drexel also has amazing relationships with so many clinical education sites, making for an abundant selection for all students. There is also an opportunity to travel to the yearly American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting conference. And I went on a service trip to Guatemala.

What are your career aspirations?

Currently, I am applying to pediatric residency programs for the upcoming year. I am hoping to pursue a residency and become specialized in this area to better influence the lives of all children.

What is your approach with patients?

Every patient I treat I approach with an open mind, clear head and variety of possibilities. I allow the patient to tell me exactly what is bothering them and how it makes them feel before assessing them myself. I then perform an examination then piece together both objective and subjective information to determine the proper care and treatment approach for that specific individual. I then create a plan, with the help of the patient and any family members present, that will best suit the needs of that patient and help them to feel better.

What is the yoga program and what is your involvement with it?

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Can you tell me about the Guatemala trip and why you went?

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What was the biggest impact it had on you?

This trip impacted me as a person and the way I approach treatment with all patients. This trip taught me that you couldn't treat every single impairment that a patient has because you would never be able to get anything done. You must focus in on what you can do to help impact the patient’s life the most. I saw first-hand how little these people have and how fortunate we are to live the way we do.

What do you do for fun or in your downtime?

In my downtime, I enjoy running, exploring Philadelphia and spending time with family and friends.

Things I would like to recommend:

Book: Left Neglect and Inside the O’Briens both by Lisa Genova.

TV or movie: I just binge watched Grace and Frankie on Netflix and love Grey’s Anatomy. My favorite movie all time is Mary Poppins.