Alumni Spotlight Ryan Despain

The Richfield Living - Roanoke clinical site offered an ideal clinical placement as a physical therapy student during the summer 2022 semester. The interdisciplinary collaboration, variety of diagnoses, opportunity to establish a strong therapeutic alliance with older adults, and hands-on experience, all encapsulated within a safe and supportive learning environment made this clinical experience unparalleled. My clinical instructor Stefanie helped refine my skills as I developed into a more proficient clinician, which allowed us to better serve our patients. I was not just a student at Richfield Living – Roanoke, I was a valued member of the rehab team."

-Ryan DeSpain, cohort 2023

Richfield Living’s Director of Rehabilitation, Diane Rodil, wrote, “Ryan was quite possibly one of the BEST PT students that I have ever interacted with across my career. His ability to come join our team and interact with not only the therapists but also the nurses, other management team members and most importantly the patients was outstanding!  I very much enjoyed seeing his skills develop over the course of time he was here, and I would VERY much like to have him on my team next year when he graduates. He is going to be a GREAT PT and I know that the training he received here over the summer will take him far!”