Prior to the start of the 2011 – 2012 academic year, we asked Dr. Hawthorne a series of questions to find out more about who she is and to get a synopsis of the person behind the Degree in Physical Therapy. Here is Dr. Hawthorne in her own words:
Interviewer: Kelly, will you tell us a little about your background?
Kelly: I was born in California. I was raised mostly in Iowa, but also lived in Virginia, Louisiana, and Japan. Also, I have one older brother. My brother is married with 3 kids and lives in Iowa.
Interviewer: What is your educational background? In addition, what professional organizations are you a member and when did you become a member?
Kelly: I received all three of my degrees from Saint Louis University (BSES, MPT, DPT). I am a member of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) which I joined as a student; I am also a member of MPTA (Missouri Physical Therapy Association). In regards to national participation, I am a member of the Education, Geriatric, and Aquatic sections of APTA, and as well, I am involved in the Clinical Education Special Interest Group, and I am an Education section CSM Programming Committee member.
Interviewer: What about clinical practice; where have you practiced?
Kelly: Right after graduation I worked for one year in outpatient pediatrics in Iowa. For the past 10 years, as often as possible, I have worked in adult outpatient in Chicago and mostly with geriatric patients who usually presented with orthopedic issues in the aquatic setting. Currently I work PRN outpatient orthopedic geriatrics.
Interviewer: Are you involved in any area of service and teaching?
Kelly: I have taught Practice Issues I-V, Clerkships I-IV, Advanced Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology (not the pharmacology section), as well as lectures in other courses involving geriatrics, aquatics, PT/PTA relationship. I am a substitute mentor for two interprofessional courses. My favorite course I have taught is clinical rotations because I get to see students apply what they are learning in the classroom, in the clinic. This is my first year to teach at Saint Louis University. I most recently taught at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. I taught one year at Morton College, which has a PTA Program, and do yearly guest lectures at Oakton Community College and Fox College. In the past year I have been involved in YWCA Empowerment Day for Girls, Kids 1st Health Fair, and Senior Health and Wellness Fair.
Interviewer: What is your favorite quote?
Kelly: Docendo Discimus (“By teaching, we learn”)
Interviewer: In another life what would you choose if not Physical Therapy as a profession?
Kelly: If I was not a physical therapist I would be either a truck driver or bus driver.
Interviewer: Kelly, tell us some of the research and scholarship opportunities you have been involved with.
Kelly: So far, my scholarship has been related to student performance in structured clinical exams. I am also interested in health literacy and patient education. I would love to do more research with older adults.
Interviewer: Last question. Tell us some fun facts about yourself.
Kelly: My favorite bands/singers are Madonna, Pearl Jam, Mariah Carey, Van Halen. I love movies (especially documentary films), and because I was raised in Iowa one of the most interesting documentary films for me is King Corn. Good Will Hunting, Boomerang, Life is Beautiful are some of my other favorite movies. And, if I could travel anywhere, I would go to Australia, Monaco, and Alaska.