Alumni

Class of 2016

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Alison Phillips, DPT
Class of 2016

Working at: Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community, Heritage Healthcare in Harrisonburg, VA

How would you classify your facility?

SNF with OP, HH, ALF, and LTC.

What do you like most about being a PT?

I love seeing the impact that I'm making on my patients' lives. I've had multiple patients be told that they would never walk again who are walking community level distances and have 100% improved their quality of life. I love that my patients become my family. In the setting I work in, there are some short term rehab patients but the long term care aspect lets me ensure that I'm impacting these people's lives consistently and over long periods of time. The relationships that I've built are honestly life changing.

Please share one fond memory you have of the Radford University DPT program:

One of my favorite memories at RUDPT would have to be when Dr. Siyufy had Zach Harrelson and Caleb Inman play "chubby bunny" in class for a little de-stress moment. They stuffed their mouths full of marshmallows and had to say "phonophoresis" adding marshmallow after marshmallow until they couldn't say the word. We were in tears laughing. There is a video.

Please share advice to future RUDPT students:

Be sure to take advantage of how approachable the faculty are. They are the best mentors you could possibly have and they are there to help you grow. They are what truly sets Radford's DPT program apart from others. Also, never try to take a Dr. Jagger quiz without reading the assigned text. You. Will. Fail. Enjoy every moment! The good, the bad, the stress, and the fun! Take time for yourself but be sure to dedicate yourself to the program. In the end, you're investing in such an amazing education and you want to be the best clinician you can possibly be for your patients.

Any additional comments you may like to say about Radford University DPT program?

Without a doubt, being a part of the RUDPT program is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Lauren Gussel, DPT
Class of 2016

Working at: AMN Healthcare

How would you classify your facility?

Travel Physical Therapy, currently at a SNF

What do you like most about being a PT?

Being able to change people's lives each day and seeing their appreciation.

Please share one fond memory you have of the Radford University DPT program:

Every week before finals and the day following finals...It was like we went through a war together but somehow came out on top.

Please share advice to future RUDPT students:

I came out of the program thinking "I still don't know what I'm doing." But being a PT has been surprisingly easy and very rewarding. You know a whole lot more than you give yourself credit for.

Any additional comments you may like to say about Radford University DPT program?

Don't be afraid to travel. If not now, then when?

Class of 2015

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Jared Casazza, DPT
Class of 2015

Working as a: Travel Physical Therapist in various clinics in Virginia, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. Currently in Morehead City, NC

How would you classify your facility?

Outpatient Orthopedics

What do you like most about being a PT?

Assisting in improving the quality of life of patients who have been living with chronic conditions and were beginning to give up hope.

Please share one fond memory you have of the Radford University DPT program:

Spending countless hours learning and practicing manual techniques that I now use daily in the clinic.

Please share advice to future RUDPT students:

Although there may be times when you think there's no way that you will be able to get everything done, just keep your head down and push through. It may be difficult now, but remember that all the challenges will be worth it in the end and will make you a better clinician as well.

Any additional comments you may like to say about Radford University DPT program?

I am very thankful for the thorough education that I received. Without all the challenges I would not be nearly as confident in my practice as I am today.

Tabatha Robins, DPT
Class of 2015

What do you like most about being a PT?

Working one-on-one with patients for an hour and helping people realize their abilities post-surgical or post-injury. The most amazing thing about this profession is that daily we can affect the lives of others to help them realize their potential and surpass their limitations to achieve their goals. Also the patient's affect my life and teach me life lessons that help me to grow as a person and a Physical Therapist.

Please share one fond memory you have of the Radford University DPT program:

Graduating with my peers and realizing that we were all DPT's!

Please share advice to future RUDPT students:

Use a study schedule and stay ahead of the schedule! Find study group partners and remember to enjoy life! Do not study your life away because if you do you will miss out on some important and fun times with classmates, loved ones and family!

Class of 2014

Chelsea Stoots, DPT
Class of 2014

What do you like most about being a PT?

As an acute care physical therapist, my favorite part about being a PT is having the opportunity to meet so many different individuals and to play a role in getting the one step closer to returning home with their loved ones.

Please share one fond memory you have of the Radford University DPT program:

My fondest memories of the RU DPT program come from the friendships formed and comradery created. From fundraisers at the Village grill and participating on a PT float in the Roanoke Christmas parade, to spending early morning sunrises together preparing for an exam or practical - the people that I spent my time with during the program made it a cherished experience.

Please share advice to future RUDPT students:

My greatest advice to future students is to get to know your classmates, and to spend time finding those in your class who push you to be better and support you through all of the tough times that you will encounter in a doctorate level program.