As a physical therapist, the first time you help a patient recover and meet their goals is always memorable, but what I found even more impactful was the first time I felt a patient truly trusted me.
We were seeing a woman for a shoulder injury. It was evident that she was distressed and her hope for recovery was running low after various efforts by other practitioners to help her had failed to relieve her pain or see her through to recovery.
The first few visits with her were slow as we spent our time focusing on education and symptom management. She was always polite but somewhat guarded. That is, until treatment began to lead to some changes in her function. At that moment, when hope returned, her entire demeanor changed. She softened, and opened up to us, revealing her personality and sharing insight into her personal life. It was then that I knew she trusted in me as a clinician and from that moment, we were able to build a strong relationship.
As physical therapists, it is our role to help patients through a very challenging and often uncomfortable or painful time in their life. We are tasked with helping them understand why they are feeling the way they do and teaching them how to overcome it, while offering support and re-assurance along the way.
While all physical therapists play this role in patients’ lives, I believe much of our success, and the success of our patients, is impacted by the environment in which we work.
I was a student at Therapeutic Associates in Gresham during my final year of PT school and immediately found it to be a welcoming and supportive place. All the employees knew all the patients, not just their own. There was constant conversation and collaboration between PTs about patient wins or questions about how to navigate certain struggles with challenging cases.
Not only was there a level of communication and efficiency between PTs and staff that I had not observed in other PT companies, but here, the patients seemed to genuinely enjoy and appreciate their time in the clinic. I would often overhear patients laughing with their provider and sharing stories about their families or what they did over the weekend. Patients repeatedly told me that they felt comfortable and cared for at Therapeutic Associates, a feeling they had not had at other PT clinics in the past. This struck me and was an important factor I kept in mind long after I finished my time there as a student.
While impressed with the high level of patient care I witnessed at Therapeutic Associates as a student, I also observed that they did a great job caring for their employees as well.
I learned about the variety of continuing education opportunities offered, and as a soon-to-be grad, this really stuck out. The idea of being able to participate in NAIOMT courses throughout my first year as a PT was something I knew I would value. Mentorship was another key focus at the company, with first year PTs receiving mentoring from both their clinic director and a regional mentor. And, while this technically happens during a new employee’s first year, the mentorship really doesn’t end at that point. At all times, physical therapists at TAI have access to the minds and clinical experience of other PTs throughout the company through email chains, virtual office hours, and the education department.
In addition to all the professional perks available at Therapeutic Associates, at the Gresham clinic, there was also an emphasis on creating a healthy team dynamic through clinic-wide activities like Office Olympics, Top Golf, and paddle boarding which gave us a chance to get to know each other outside of a work setting.
Additionally, the fact that two of the staff PTs were both former students of the clinic, really stood out to me as my rotation ended.
Throughout the remainder of my clinical rotations, I found myself thinking back to my TAI experience a lot. And when considering where to apply to launch my career upon graduation, I would constantly compare what other companies had to offer and found none of them measured up to what I knew I could have if I returned to Therapeutic Associates PT. Ultimately, knowing that I had an opportunity to start my career in a place that emphasizes positivity, education, mentorship, and the health and well-being of patients and employees alike was one that I could not pass up.
June 11th, 2024 was my one-year anniversary with the company and I could not be more pleased by my decision to join this team.
Our clinic’s demand has grown substantially since I joined the team and will continue to do so, especially as awareness of the wide variety of conditions that physical therapy can treat increases, and I look forward to being part of its ongoing success for years to come.
Physical therapy is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country. One of the benefits of being a physical therapist is that it offers individuals the chance to have a meaningful impact on patients every single day. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about joining the Therapeutic Associates team, visit our careers page to learn more and check out the current openings!
Join the Therapeutic Associates Family
If you’re looking for an opportunity to join a company that is committed to a collaborative culture of growth, inclusion and fulfillment, supported by resources that make a difference in your life, the life of your patients, your local communities and the world, consider a career with Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy. With clinics throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California, we are always on the lookout for exceptional people who would be a great fit for our team!
