PHYSICAL THERAPY

Graduated in 2001
Physical Therapy Supervisor, Henry Ford Health

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: I loved that Wayne State was in the city of Detroit and I could commute to class.

Q: What inspired you to pursue PT?

A: My mom is a health care professional. I was drawn to rehabilitation because I wanted to help people improve their function. I narrowed in on physical therapy because of the vast variety of settings we can impact people. I chose working in an acute care hospital because I would have the opportunity to help people regain hope and function after an injury or illness put them in the hospital.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: So many. All my professors were so passionate and knowledgeable. Chris Carlson, Kim Dunleavy, Sue Talley and Frederick Posiak were all there during my time in the program.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: Almost all the classes in the second year were challenging, so much memorization and core theories. I'd say Pharmacology or Ortho Spine were my most challenging though.

Q: Where was your favorite place to study?

A: I'm from the era of the old Shapiro Hall building. Oh the crazy stories we could share.

Q: Share some reflections about your time at WSU:

A: I have had the honor of receiving a bachelor's, master's and doctorate from Wayne State University and now serve as a part-time faculty member. The people I have met during all my years have been some of the most caring, diverse and compassion individuals. I received a stellar education in PT and in life through my time at WSU.

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

A: The profession of physical therapy has adapted with the many changes in healthcare over the years. Physical therapy has expanded to include a more primary care approach from the critically ill to the postpartum mom to the elite athlete. In my practice in acute care, treating patients in the intensive care units has expanded as well as an emphasis on value base care.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: I have spent my career as an acute care PT and supervisor at Henry Ford Hospital in the city of Detroit. I have had the privilege of driving change and innovation in many areas of practice including early rehab in the ICU. Mentoring PTs and OTs and improving the lives of patients at their sickest are the highlights of my career. Two of my most incredible career highlights have been receiving one of Crain's Detroit Healthcare hero awards in 2019 and being awarded the 2023 Mary Sinnott Award for Clinical Excellence by the APTA's Academy of Acute Care. I have also recently become a part time faculty member in the department of PT and I am loving working with PT students embarking on their careers.

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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.