PHYSICAL THERAPY

Graduated in 1977

Q: Why did you choose to attend Wayne State? 

A: It was an easy decision: A first-class university close to my home! With the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Public Library, the Detroit Historical Museum, Hilberry Theatre, all the restaurants, plus WSU-sponsored recreation, sports and clubs, WSU has always been the place to be! Except I could not define what the mascot was back then. A Tartar? Tartan? Warriors is way easier!

Q: What inspired you to pursue PT?

A: I always knew I wanted to go into a health care profession that directly took care of patients. There are lots to choose from. In high school when I discovered how much I enjoyed anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, I knew that becoming a physical therapist was my goal.  

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Mable Sharp. She was an engaged educator who made sure that we learned the necessary scientific content to become licensed physical therapists. She also made sure that we learned the importance of connecting with patients with empathy, compassion and kindness. 

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: Physics. When I was an undergraduate, students were required to complete three physics courses prior to applying to the Physical Therapy program. I discovered my brain is not wired for physics. Thankfully, working extremely hard got me through those dreaded three courses, but I was not at the top of my class in any physics course, that's for sure. 

Q: What stands out about your time at Wayne State?

A: The opportunity to meet so many people — students and faculty — from so many backgrounds, including international students, was such a remarkable experience for me. 

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

A: The physical therapy profession advocated and continues to do so to achieve direct access for patients seeking a physical therapist's services. That means that a patient may seek treatment from a physical therapist without needing to make an appointment with their primary care physician to get a referral to PT first. As of September 2023, there were 21 states with unrestricted patient access to a physical therapist. Today, Michigan has direct access to physical therapy services with some provisions. Currently, the American Physical Therapy Association Michigan Chapter is working hard to achieve full direct access to physical therapist's services without restrictions in Michigan. This will enhance our citizens’ access to physical therapy services.

Data demonstrates that direct access to physical therapy services is safe and effective. It allows for earlier treatment, excellent patient outcomes and overall lower costs to the health care system. 

Q: Tell us a bit about your career. 

A: Treating patients and helping them get back to their best lives after injury or illness has always been the best part of being a physical therapist for me. Along the way, I discovered that I also loved advocating for those patients and our physical therapy profession. That led me to serve our professional association at both the national level via the American Physical Therapy Association and the state level via the American Physical Therapy Association Michigan Chapter in numerous roles over the years, including being a past president of APTA MI. I stay invested in physical therapy advocacy at the state and national level to this day. Legislation that protects our patients also protects our physical therapy profession.

One of my career highlights is being part of the wonderful WSU Physical Therapy faculty as a part-time adjunct for many years. I only teach one class in the program but it keeps me connected to the dedicated full-time faculty who continue to educate remarkable people who became licensed physical therapists. Those physical therapists continue to help all our patients — from pediatric to geriatric and everyone in between!  

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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.