Several years ago, Aidan Young, a micro preemie born at 23 weeks was diagnosed with moderate spastic hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy. This condition is known to weaken movement by impairing the ability of the brain to send the proper nerve signals to the muscles. Because of this, medical experts claimed that Aidan would never walk.
With hope fading, the family turned to ATI Physical Therapy pediatric specialist Megan Burnett (from the ATI Grand Blanc, Mich. clinic) to see what could be done. Unwilling to accept the original diagnosis, Megan was confident that she could get Aidan to walk. After a rather rigorous journey through treatment, little by little, Aidan started improving. Eventually, Aidan defied the odds and took his first steps, leaving the experts astounded by his progress.
Fast-forward two years, Aidan’s massive effort, has allowed him to fully engage in activities like walking, running and riding a bike! For a physical therapist, moments like Aidan’s truly make every sacrifice, every high, every low and every inch reached worth all the effort.
Behind success stories like Aidan’s, are extraordinary humans fueled by admirable, altruistic passions, who are driven to improve the quality of life for those dealing with physical hardships. And the levels of achievement, which accompany a treatment that was once faced with personal despair, may undeniably serve as the power source to these passions. So in the spirit of PT Awareness month, we wanted to get a pulse on what truly awakens the inner superhero among ATI clinicians. Here’s what a few of our clinicians had to say about what they love most in their role…
For most, getting people back to life before pain is the ultimate reward…
- “I love helping people get to where they want to be and seeing them succeed/gain functional independence back. I also love hearing my patients tell me that they can do the little, everyday things again without pain. I wouldn’t trade what I do for anything and am certain that I am where I need to be.”
– Staci Schiefelbein, Illinois
- “I love the challenge of treating multiple diagnoses daily with many different presentations and helping each of my patient’s return to their previous way of life.”
– Kristine Altena, South Carolina
- “I love the big impact that we have on facilitating improved health, fitness and injury prevention within the clinic and community and ultimately getting patients back to where they want to be.”
– Joni Simon, Washington
For others, being the bright spot in someone’s day or life harnesses the best experience…
- “I love being able to help instill confidence in a patient after they have an injury to help them return to activities they love and the life they remember.”
– Anna Casaleggi, Illinois
- “I love getting to meet people from all walks of life and making their day a little better, even if it is just for a moment.”
– Bailey Boicken, Indiana
- “I love my role in helping patient’s regain control of their life and allowing them see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
– Robbie Miles, Tennessee
And for some, the ultimate prize lies in the relationships forged in the clinic and community…
- “I love the relationships I build with patients. A few of them leave feeling more like family.”
– Corrie Large, Tennessee
- “I love cultivating relationships with patients and co-workers, working toward common goals and seeing patients succeed no matter how large or small the accomplishment.”
– Nick Wesolowski, Illinois
- “I love the connection I get to make with patients. It makes my day, to have them leave their appointment feeling better – I love being a part of their success story.”
– Alexus Elsberry, Arizona
To be the cornerstone in helping others overcome insurmountable odds is an honor those in the physical therapy profession take with great sincerity. Ask a PT, and they’ll tell you, getting someone back to their previous way of life is just another day at the office. But ask a patient, and they’ll liken these efforts to the actions of a superhero.
For this reason, it’s important that as an industry, we continue endorsing the endless value provided through PT – whether through its proven history of being an effective alternative to surgery or supportive role in reducing the needs for opioids. At the end of the day, PT can be the difference between someone living with pain and another conquering it, so let’s be that positive difference.
What do you love most about your role in PT?