Students, Faculty Partner with National PT Moves Me Ambassador Program

May 2, 2024

The Physical Therapy Club at PCOM Georgia recently supported the American Physical Therapy Association’s PT Moves Me Ambassador Program by hosting a Day in the Life event for 25 students from local universities who spent a day with PCOM Georgia’s physical therapy students and faculty, attending classes, labs and engaging in conversation during lunch.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Chair Ruth Maher, PT, PhD, DPT, WCS, welcomed attendees to PCOM Georgia and provided an introduction to the physical therapy profession. Maher explained that physical therapists use their unique skill set in multiple practice settings to examine, diagnose, treat, and prevent movement dysfunction and impairments associated with chronic conditions, and provide non-pharmacological pain management.

“Physical therapists put quality back into life, allowing their patients and clients to live their best lives,” Maher said, adding that Day in the Life events like the one held at the PCOM Georgia campus in Suwanee in mid-March can showcase the breadth and depth of knowledge required of physical therapists and highlight the journey from PT student to licensed physical therapist.

Following the opening session, attendees were paired with a PT student chaperone and attended a variety of classes and labs where they had opportunities to meet faculty. Class and lab offerings focused on the assessment and management of individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction with Alaina S. Bell, PT, DPT, CCS; Elizabeth Chaffin, PT, DPT, ATC; and Scott Lowe, PT, DPT, OCS. Another session focused on neuromuscular disorders of infants with Teresa Pierce, PT, DPT, PCS; and Jeanne Welch, PT, EdD, DPT, NCS. A session on physical therapy interventions was facilitated by Shelley DiCecco, PT, PhD, CLT-LANA, CI-CS; Lowe; and Shantia Warren, DPT.

Attendees could see firsthand how physical therapy helps patients gain mobility, manage pain and improve their overall well-being and quality of life. Attendees also benefited from learning about the many specialty areas in the profession and various practice settings.

A Q&A closed the Day in the Life event. Maher said attendees described the event as piquing their interest in applying to the PCOM Georgia PT program, that the PT students were helpful in answering questions, and that the event was an engaging shadowing opportunity showing the difference between undergraduate and graduate education.

PCOM Georgia's Day in the Life event supported the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) PT Moves Me Ambassador Program. PT Moves Me raises awareness of the physical therapy profession and aims to increase diversity in physical therapy. The national campaign enlists PTs, PTAs, faculty, and students associated with a PT program or APTA state chapter to serve as ambassadors for the profession.

“Physical therapists have high job and career satisfaction,” Maher said. “Physical therapists enjoy a challenging career that has longevity.”

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