Below is an ACAPT interview with one of the National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society inductees.  Congratulations Lauren!

How did you become interested in pursuing a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree?  

I became interested in pursuing a DPT degree originally as a patient. I tore both of my ACLs and went through extensive physical therapy twice; my physical therapists were exceptional, and they inspired me to pursue the field as well.

Overall, I was interested in becoming a physical therapist because of the bonds physical therapists create with their patients. There is such trust and respect built over the course of a patient's rehab that is so fulfilling - both personally and professionally.

What’s been your experience as a student so far & what do you enjoy the most?

My experience as a student has gone so quickly and I am looking forward to graduating in May 2021!

Being a DPT student was incredibly challenging but with each challenge came an even greater reward both inside and outside the classroom. I learned how to push myself and those around me and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

However, the best part for me by a long shot was the people. Faculty, students, patients, and other professionals were who made the experience for me. I enjoy physical therapy, but I enjoy the people even more. They bring the profession to life. 

The reality of this profession is that we are always advancing and looking for ways to treat our patients even better than we already do, and we can only do so with very high levels of collaboration. Each person has expertise in some area or in some technique in which I will always have the opportunity to learn from them for the rest of my career. 

How do you plan to give back in your career, community, etc.?

I plan to give back in many ways, some of which I have yet to discover! I would love to give of my time and abilities in the soccer community; as a current coach and former soccer player myself, I identify with this community and know how valuable physical therapy can be for athletes.

I also plan to give back to my school, UNMC, and its community through their various service opportunities.

Why did you become a member of the National PT Student Honor Society? 

I became a member of the National PT Student Honor Society to celebrate all students towards the end of their academic careers and how hard they have worked over this time. Further, membership is a constant reminder and source of pride to reflect on why I chose to become a physical therapist in the first place and what standards we hold ourselves to in this profession.

Physical therapists have so much to offer to better our communities, and the National PT Student Honor Society is a wonderful bridge between what PT students accomplish in school and what they can carry forward into their careers.