Reflecting on my career journey, it’s incredible to see how my experiences as a patient shaped my decision to pursue a career in physical therapy. This path eventually led me back to the very clinic where it all began, now as a practice manager. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Injury and Inspiration: My perspective as a PT patient
Throughout high school and college, I dealt with various shoulder injuries that led me to become a patient at a Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy (TAI) location in Eugene, Oregon. The care I received from different PTs, who would later become my colleagues and mentors, deeply influenced my decision to pursue physical therapy as a career.
Academic pursuits and professional beginnings
I enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Des Moines University — a fantastic institution with ties to the Pacific Northwest. While searching for orthopedic rotations during graduate school, the first response I received was from Therapeutic Associate’s East Portland location, under the direction of Pete Dills.
Finding my fit at Therapeutic Associates PT
Pete is an incredibly skilled and compassionate clinician, and I was struck by how appreciative patients were of the high-quality care they received.
I loved working alongside Pete and the opportunity to take people through a process of reducing pain, restoring movement, and navigating challenges leading toward improving their quality of life. It was a profoundly impactful experience that changed my life’s trajectory and set me down a passionate path to become an outpatient orthopedic PT.
Throughout my rotation, Pete spoke highly of the supportive network and opportunities for growth within TAI, which further solidified my desire to be a part of the company. Despite having several rotations ahead of me, I felt confident that I wanted to come back and work with Pete at TAI.
After I graduated nearly two years later, Pete offered me a position at his clinic, to which I enthusiastically said “YES!”
Growth, mentorship, and professional development at TAI
From the moment I first had the opportunity to work at TAI, all the reasons I wanted to join this company came to fruition.
Within my first month, I participated in the PT Cohort experience — a quarterly gathering of colleagues who joined TAI around the same time — which helped forge strong relationships and quickly familiarized me with the company. Shortly after my first Cohort, I began receiving mentorship from the Education Department, gaining valuable experiences and lessons that I continue to apply today. Those positive experiences with mentorship led me to TAI’s Orthopedic Residency Program — a comprehensive two-year clinical education program that deeply immersed me in professional development.
Coming full circle: From patient to practice manager
Four years into my career, I became the Practice Manager of Therapeutic Associates at OMG Country Club Road, a clinic where I once received physical therapy treatment in Eugene, OR. Transitioning to this new role opened my eyes to the challenges and rewards of managing a physical therapy clinic. My journey with Therapeutic Associates has been one of continuous growth, supported by a network of mentors and colleagues who believe in the value of investing in their people.
Recently, I marked my five-year milestone with the company and throughout the entire time and at every stage, I’ve felt tremendous support, both in my development as a clinician and as a manager.
TAI’s commitment to investing in its people, promoting growth, and ensuring clinical excellence is something I’m both grateful for and proud to be a part of.
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!
