1818 Community Engagement Grant

Figure 1: The children enjoyed the large parachute used at the end of the program

1818 Community Engagement Grant Event
by SLU DPT Students Kelsey Bequette (Class of 2021) and Lauren Foster (Class of 2022)

The Saint Louis University Physical Therapy Student Association (SLU PTSA) successfully applied for and was awarded one of 18 “1818 Community Engagement Grants” for the second year in a row. These grants aim to provide the foundation for students to make a positive impact in the community through partnership with local organizations. On Friday, January 31, 2020, PTSA, in collaboration with the SLU Athletic Training and Nutrition and Dietetics Programs, hosted the 2nd annual ‘Building Bridges for the Future’ event. We partnered with a local community organization, Unleashing Potential (UP), to bring children ages 3-12 years old to the Saint Louis University Campus to learn about the health science professions. This project specifically focused on providing the children with an introduction to how the study of science bridges to health care professions, including Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, and Nutrition and Dietetics. This event was also designed to bring the children to the Saint Louis University Campus, providing them the opportunity to envision themselves pursuing higher education in the future.

Figure 2: SLU students were excited to volunteer

During the event, the children participated in various educational activities centered around our three health science professions. Activities focused on basic human anatomy through coloring, exercise and stretching techniques, nutrition, and healthy food choices, as well as wound care and balancing. SLU student volunteers from each of the three respective programs had a great time participating in the activities and engaging the children of UP throughout the activities. Many of the children had attended the program last year and were excited to be back on SLU’s campus and learn more about the health science field. As always, we had a great time collaborating with our community partner to advocate for our professions and for the futures of the children in our community. We are looking forward to working with these children again in the future and continuing to develop our relationship with Unleashing Potential!

Figure 3: SLU students assisted UP children in tracing their bodies to learn about human anatomy

Figure 4: SLU Students and UP children participated in exercise activities such as a jumping jack circle

Saint Louis University DPT Students Kelsey Bequette (Class of 2021) and Lauren Foster (Class of 2022) are former PTSA Co-Presidents.

This is one of several posts featuring SLU PT Student experiences. For more information about Saint Louis University's Program in Physical Therapy, please visit: https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/undergraduate/physical-therapy.php.

Coming Together in Support of Spirit Week and the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

PY1 Students dressed in white for "Class Color" Day.

November 2019 Spirit Week is a Success for the SLU Program in Physical Therapy

by Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy Student Emily Gier (Class of 2022)

This past week from November 9th through November 17th, the Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) hosted the 3rd Annual Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy Spirit Week.

Left: PY2 Students celebrate "Grout-Fit" Day with Dr. Levenhagen. Middle: Sophomores on "PJ" Day!
Right: Program in PT Faculty, Dr. Beckel and Dr. Austin on "Color" Day.

Spirit Week is a week-long competition between all classes and the faculty/staff to see who has the most spirit in the program. 

Turkey Bowl showdown!

Spirit Week kicked off with the annual Turkey Bowl flag football tournament. All grades showed great effort and determination but, in the end, the PY3’s took home the win. 

DPT Students Kelsey Bequette (Class of 2021) and
Lauren Foster (Class of 2022)
counting every penny.

Throughout the following week, classes demonstrated their spirit by participating in dress down days and Penny Wars. Dress down days included PJ Day, Grout-fit Day (all gray outfit), Class Color Day, Sports Day, and PT Apparel Day. Additionally, all week an intense Penny Wars took place to raise money for the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research which benefits various PT research initiatives. In the end, everyone in the Program came together and raised $496.23 for the charitable donation.

                 

 

SLU Program in Physical Therapy Spirit Week is for everyone!

Points were awarded based on the percentage of the class that dressed up that day. The week concluded with an Ice Cream Party to celebrate another successful Spirit Week where the winner…drum roll please…was the Faculty, who were crowned champions of Spirit Week. PY1’s took home second place while the Freshmen were able to clinch third. 

SLU Program in Physical Therapy Faculty and Staff on "Sports" Day.

Thank you to everyone who participated in Spirit Week and made it another successful and memorable SLU Program in Physical Therapy event!

Left: PY3s on "Sports" Day.  Middle: PY2s on "Sports" Day.  Right: PY1s bring the spirit.

SLU DPT Student Emily Gier is the Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) Vice President of Philanthropy.

Meet the PTSA Board for 2019-2020!

Meet the PTSA Board for 2019-2020!
By the Saint Louis University Physical Therapy Student Association

Kelsey Bequette

Position: President
Year: Senior
Hometown: Hallsville, MO
Why did you want to become a PT?
I wanted to become a PT because I love helping people and I enjoy science, so what better profession than one where I get to do two of the things I love everyday!
What’s something on your bucket list?
Ride in a hot air balloon
Fun fact:
I have held a koala!

LAUREN FOSTER

Position: President
Year: Junior
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
When I was little, I always wanted to become an elementary school teacher and that was my plan until High School. After competitively dancing for 15 years, I injured my back and was given a script for Physical Therapy. I was immediately fascinated by the different techniques used in therapy and the knowledge my PT shared with me. It was this experience that led me to SLU to pursue a career in Physical Therapy and learn to be a teacher of the human body. I look forward to the opportunity to give back and make a difference by helping others the way I was helped to heal and recover.
What’s something on your bucket list? 
By the time I am 30 years old, I hope to have traveled to all 50 states!
Fun fact: I can communicate with others in American Sign Language!


Allison Drury

Position: VP of Programming
Year: Senior
Hometown: Bloomsdale, MO
Why did you want to become a PT?
What originally spurred my interest was my huge obsession with the St. Louis Cardinals. I thought it'd be incredible if I could work for them by helping the players recover from injury. While that is a huge dream, I still will love PT whether or not I ever work for the Cardinals. I love science, studying the human body and how it heals through exercise, and I love children so I am definitely interested in pediatrics.
What’s something on your bucket list?
Walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain after I graduate!
Fun fact: I stood about 15 ft away from Pope Francis

Stephanie Kim

Position: VP Programming
Year: PYI
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Why did you want to become a PT?
I have always had a curiosity for the health sciences, but also have always loved movement, so the idea of combining the two to work with patients and use exercise as medicine really inspired me!
What's something on your bucket list?
Name my first dog Potato
Fun fact:
I started the Instagram account, Dogs of SLU!


Kathleen Sullivan

Position: Treasurer
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Why did you want to become a PT?
I love helping people and active work, plus I think anatomy is super interesting!
What's something on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Australia
Fun fact:
I am a second degree black belt!

Kristen Maleski

Position: VP of Service
Year: PYI
Hometown: Long Grove, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I knew that I wanted to go into a career in the medical field and physical therapy was the career path that combined what I was passionate about: physical activity and helping people.
What's something on your bucket list?
I want to go scuba diving in Bora Bora
Fun fact:
I met Joe Jonas and cried.


Tara Frank

Position: VP of Service
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Lake Zurich, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I hurt my knee playing soccer when I was younger, and my rehab was my first experience with the profession. Then in high school, I got to shadow a PT in her outpatient clinic for over a year. I've been on both sides of it and still love it, from being the patient, to getting to shadow alongside PTs.
What's something on your bucket list?
Scuba diving with seals!
Fun fact:
I ran a marathon in a day for my 18th birthday just for fun


Weronika Przybylo

Position: VP of Fundraising
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Vernon Hills, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I wanted to become a PT because I wanted a job where I could stay active while helping my patients recover.
What's something on your bucket list?
Learn sign language
Fun fact:
I was in a boot for 4 months because I tripped on my dad's shoes.


Divya Gandhi

Position: VP of Fundraising
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Skokie, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I wanted to become a PT because I want to see my patients progress on their road to recovery, and I want to stay physically active.
What's something on your bucket list?
Go skydiving!
Fun fact:
I am left handed!


Emily Gier

Position: VP of Philanthropy
Year: Junior
Hometown: St. Charles, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I had reconstructive hip surgery in high school so before and after surgery I spent a lot of time in physical therapy and fell in love with the profession!
What's something on your bucket list?
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
Fun fact:
I have participated in the World's Largest Tomato Fight.


Kate Weaver

Position: VP of Secretary
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Jasper, IN
Why did you want to become a PT?
I did a lot of sports throughout high school, so I enjoyed being active and healthy. I fell in love with the human body through anatomy and an internship class at my high school. I got to shadow a lot of different health professions and loved PT the most!
What's something on your bucket list? 
Go skydiving
Fun fact:
My grandpa played for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1960s



Emma DeVarenne

Position: VP of Secretary
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I have always been active through sports and love that physical therapy allows me to continue being active in the workforce. I love how everyday is different, how I will be able to interact personally with patients, and the necessity of adaptability.
What's something on your bucket list?
To run a marathon
Fun fact:
When I am home for the summers in Chicago I work at Wrigley Field where the Chicago Cubs play.



Caroline Cooke

Position: VP of Alumni Relations
Year: Junior
Hometown: La Grange, IL
Why did you become a PT?
I have always been interested in a career in the healthcare field and growing up an athlete, I have always been intrigued with the way the body functions and moves. While learning what I love, I will be able to help others be able to do what they love.
What is something on your bucket list?
Visit at least 6 of the 7 continents
Fun fact:
I can burp the ABC's backwards