PHYSICAL THERAPY

Graduated in 2020
Orthopaedic, Vestibular and Performing Arts Physical Therapist
Trinity Health Probility Physical Therapy

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: I chose Wayne State for physical therapy school because I wanted a comprehensive physical therapy education with a small class size. Wayne State's PT program offered excellent educational opportunities to help me discover which area of practice I wanted to pursue. It also has an excellent reputation for producing competent, well-rounded new graduate therapists.

Q: What inspired you to pursue Physical Therapy?

A: I became a physical therapist because I wanted a physically active career with many avenues to choose from and that would have a lasting, meaningful impact on peoples' lives. After having two career-changing injuries as a collegiate dancer, I hoped that my injury experiences might one day help my patients the way my therapists inspired me. Little did I know that the physical therapy profession would offer many opportunities to combine my passions into a rewarding career.

Q: Who was your most memorable Professor?

A: My most memorable and influential professor is Dr. Marie-Eve Pepin. Though she initially comes across very intimidating because of her high-performance expectations, she is that professor that will fully dedicate herself to helping her students develop into being the best therapists they can be. She did this by individualizing learning experiences, being a sounding board for research ideas and providing calming inspirational quotes the night before a big exam. She is the most memorable to me because she was, and continues to be, an invaluable mentor in my life. She encourages, inspires, and supports my growth as a clinician. I know I would not be the clinician I am today without her continued guidance and insight.

Q: Share some reflections about your time at Wayne State:

A: My time at Wayne State as a physical therapy student was both challenging and extremely rewarding. I am grateful for being in a department where the clinicians genuinely cared about developing their students into the best clinicians they could be. I learned a lot about myself both professionally and personally and developed life-long friendships and relationships that continue to inspire the growth journey I am on today. I can never fully express my gratitude to my family and friends that unconditionally supported me as I fully invested my energy and attention into my studies for those 3.5 years.

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: One of the biggest changes in the physical therapy profession is the number of new specializations that are emerging in the field. Since I became a licensed clinician in 2020, the profession has expanded more into pelvic health, oncology, wilderness/extreme sports, regenerative therapy, and into the emergency department (to name a few). I am excited to see how physical therapy continues to discover the positive influence it can have on improving the human experience through movement.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: I graduated from Wayne State University with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2020. Since 2021, I have been a practicing outpatient orthopaedic, vestibular, and performing arts physical therapist with Trinity Health Probility Physical Therapy. I became a Certified Integrated Manual Therapist (CIMT) in 2022. My passion for dance has led to a collaboration with Wayne State's Dance Department resulting in two papers, one of which has been published in the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science and the other is currently in publishing review. I am the current Legislative Director of the American Physical Therapy Association Michigan Chapter (APTA MI). My goal for 2024 is to begin a residency to become a Board-Certified Sports Specialist.

---

Physical therapists are dynamic health professionals who develop, coordinate and utilize select knowledge, skills and techniques in planning, organizing and directing programs for the care of individuals whose ability to function is impaired or threatened by disease or injury. The goal of PT is to enhance a person’s quality of life and their ability to participate in activities. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program application process opens July 1 and the deadline is Oct. 15. WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.