Physical therapist Irene Morrow strives to get to know her patients and to let them get to know her as well. The relationship is a partnership, she explains, in which she works with people to help them feel better and get back to the things they love to do. Irene enjoys working with patients of all ages and abilities and appreciates that at South Hillsboro, they’re a lifespan clinic – treating patients from a couple of weeks old to well into their 90s. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys balancing relaxation and adventure.
Q&A with Irene Morrow
Q: What inspired you to become a physical therapist?
I decided to pursue a career in physical therapy because I’ve always wanted to do something where it was helping people. Healthcare was definitely a field that you are helping people, and I knew I didn’t want to be a medical doctor, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I was introduced to physical therapy by my grandparents who were going to PT for things like balance and strengthening, and I thought physical therapy was such a cool way to help people without having to involve medicines or other kind of more invasive treatments. You know, they were helping people with their own bodies and I thought that was really cool and I wanted to do something like that as well.
Q: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
My favorite way to spend a day off is getting to sleep in a little bit, drink a cup of coffee, maybe walk to the store, or walk to go work out. I live in downtown Portland, so I really get the luxury of being able to walk all over and I love just being able to be outside and enjoy the sunshine when we have it. So yeah, just a relaxing day.
Q: What is an experience you’ve had that you can’t wait to do again, or something that you’ve experienced that you never want to do again?
I participated in a Spartan race back when I was in PT school, and we did the longer distance, about a half marathon, and I vowed that I would never do it again. It was one of the most physically challenging things that I’ve done … and then I actually signed up for one later this year! I was like, I am never going to do it again, but I’m doing it again now.
Q: Spartan races are no joke! What about other sports, do you have a favorite to watch or play?
I played water polo when I was in high school and I actually really enjoy watching it now. It’s really, really fun to watch. I think water polo players are some of the greatest athletes, being able to be in the water and still do the things that they can do. So that’s one to watch if you haven’t.
Q: What about other things to watch? Do you have a favorite TV series to binge?
I am definitely a binge-watcher, there are probably too many shows that I watch! I’ve recently gotten back into watching Law and Order SVU. There are so many seasons to watch, and Olivia Benson is a really great and strong female character that I love watching.
Q: What’s your most memorable vacation?
When I was in college, I did a one-month study abroad trip to Greece and Italy. And it was really cool because I got to go with 20 some classmates and a couple of our professors who go every other year on this trip. So, they have a lot of ins and they know all the things to go to. So, they were chauffeuring us around all over and we got to do things that I don’t think I would have ever done if I was just a normal tourist going to those places. So, it was definitely one of my favorite trips.
Reach your goals!
Whatever it is that brings you to physical therapy in South Hillsboro, you can be confident that your treatment plan will be designed specifically for you, taking into account your history and your personal goals.