Joanne Wagner's MS Research Video

Joanne Wagner was interviewed in the research lab about MS research!
Follow this link: MS Video

October Student Spotlight Dharti Shah

The Program in Physical Therapy’s October Student Spotlight is Dharti Shah, Class of 2017. Read on to discover more about Dharti!

Background

Where were you born/raised?

Born, raised, and have lived in Rockford, IL all my life!

How many siblings do you have?

I have two amazing older sisters! I am the first to go to SLU though.

Do you have one or two particular memories from childhood that you feel define how you were or how your family was?

I visited India as a child with my family a few times and just remembered seeing how much they were in need of help. It was then that I knew I wanted to help and give back to people in whatever capacity I could.

What after school activities did you do as a child?

I ran cross country for a few years and was a Girl Scout! I loved working with our community musical theatre program—my favorite hobbies are singing, dancing, and acting! In my spare time, I learned how to cook from my parents and really enjoyed writing!

Who was your favorite superhero?

I don’t know if I can narrow it down to one, but I will favor Marvel over DC for sure.

Did you have a pet as a kid?

Never. I was actually bit by a wild dog in India when I was two and have been afraid of animals ever since.

Education

Where did you go to high school?

My freshman year I attended Auburn High School in the gifted program. I then was accepted to the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) for sophomore-senior year. I lived residentially on campus in Aurora, IL, and it was a fantastic experience!

What was the mascot at your high school?

We were the IMSA Titans, but our colors were blue and white—just like SLU!

What class did you enjoy the most in high school and why?

I really enjoyed my Microbes and Disease class at IMSA because it was interesting and heavily lab based. My favorite electives were creative writing and choir.

Who was your favorite professor in high school and why?

My favorite teachers were Mrs. Tracy Townsend (English) and Dr. Rob Kiely (History)—they were instrumental in my growth and development and really encouraged me to pursue my passions as I explored academics.

Have you worked in a physical therapy clinic, hospital, home health etc.?

At IMSA, I interned with our school’s athletic trainer and was able to learn a lot from that opportunity. I have shadowed home health PT’s in Rockford over the summer.

Area of Current Physical Therapy Interest

What area of physical therapy are you currently interested in?

                                                                                               

At the moment I am not interested in any one area. I am waiting until my clinical experiences to decide on a specialty if any. I have had the most experience with sports medicine and orthopedics thus far, but I am open to seeing and learning new things!

How did you become interested in physical therapy in general?

I first learned of PT when I was a patient myself for lower back problems. I really loved working with my PT and have been interested ever since.

Service

What types of service activities have you organized or participated in with regards to Saint Louis University?

I have done Make A Difference Day, Showers of Service, Habitat For Humanity, and several other smaller service projects at SLU.

What types of service activities have you organized or participated in with regards to a local or national level?

I have been active with Habitat for Humanity since my sophomore year of high school and continue to work with them now.

Can you talk about a service experience that made a large impression on you?

I went on my first Habitat trip in high school and have been passionate about the organization and its mission ever since. I was able to build great friendships through that experience and I was opened up to a whole new world of compassion and care through those builds.

Quote

If you have an inspirational quote that describes you please list.

“To know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

“She believed she could so she did.” - Unknown

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” - E.E. Cummings

“Some people care too much...I think its called love - Winnie the Pooh

In Another Life

If you were not a physical therapy student what would you be?

I would be a singer, a chef, or a writer!

Fun Facts

What is your favorite Saint Louis restaurant?

I have not been to many yet, but I must say that Ted Drewes hits the spot every time.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

I like to travel a lot, but I’m a firm follower in the phrase that ‘home is where the heart is’.

Who is your favorite band/singer?

Gavin Degraw and Jason Mraz.

What is your favorite movie?

I would have to say Harry Potter, but I like the books more!

Who is your favorite sports team?

Chicago Bulls or Boston Celtics—I have no loyalty to any other sport aside from basketball.

Favorite type of animal?

White Tiger.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

I would really like visit Australia, Greece, and Thailand at some point—but I want to see a lot of countries in Europe!

Favorite place to study?

In my bed under blankets or the library.

What is something you would like to do in the next ten years?

I really want to publish a book sometime within the next ten years. I love writing and it’s one of my best forms of expression and I just want to be able to reach and touch people with my thoughts.

If you haven’t already, can you share who your biggest mentors in life have been so far?  How do they encourage you now?

I would say that my sisters are constantly pushing me to be better and do better—I love them and they always help me follow my dreams.

What achievements are you really proud of?

I am really proud of getting into the PT program. I have loved every minute of it and don’t want to take the opportunity for granted. I am also proud that I have the courage to wear my heart on my sleeve.

What is something that you really struggled with in the first 6 months of the PT Program? How did you overcome it? What is something that you have been struggling with lately and how are you working with it?

I had a hard time making friends because I was so focused on school and trying to get good grades, but I am slowly meeting more people and trying to be more outgoing. Lately, I have had a lot on my plate as an RA, but I love my residents and it’s been a great experience so far! I just have to keep working at my time management skills.

What would your advice be to incoming freshmen?

Be open to new people and experiences in college! You have to make sure that you are balancing the stress by having fun and relaxing!

Why did you chose SLU?

Because this is the best PT program ever and the campus is beautiful.

Who is your best friend? Have you had the same one since childhood? How do they support/challenge you?

My best friends are my sisters and my roommates from IMSA and SLU—they can handle me at my worst but know what I’m capable of at my best. They support me, encourage me, and always eat my experimental cooking!

Something most people wouldn’t know about you?

I would spend all of my time volunteering or cooking if I could.

Alumni Spotlight Meaghan (Barringer) Weedon

 Meaghan (Barringer) Weedon graduated from the Program in Physical Therapy with her DPT in 2012. As a fresh graduate who stills keeps rather close to SLU PT through photography, Meaghan gave us an interesting perspective on her own SLU PT education and how it is helping her as a physical therapist today.  

1.    Can you tell us a little about what you’re doing now?

I started working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, IL about a week after graduation.  I do about 95% outpatient and 5% inpatient, and I love my job.  I get to see a little of everything.  My husband, David, and I just got married in June.



My husband and I on our wedding day.  I couldn’t pick just one picture!  (photos courtesy Meg Courtney Photography)



2.    Why did you choose SLU?

I chose SLU because it was close to home and I could study physical therapy there.

3.    How did you first become inspired to be a physical therapist?

I have wanted to be a physical therapist since I was in the 6^th grade.  I suppose that my decision was based on a combination of injuries from gymnastics and stories from my aunt, who is a PT in Champaign, IL.  I come from a family full of nurses and other health practitioners, and I have never imagined myself doing anything but healthcare.

4.    Is being a physical therapist how you imagined it would be while in school?

SLU has a very strong clinical education and I was well prepared for life in the clinical world.  One thing that has surprised me out of school is how much seasoned therapists rely on each other, regardless of how many years they have been practicing.  I see a LOT of collaboration between the other therapists at my job, and I think it really benefits our patients.

5.    What advice would you give to undergrads in the Program? Professional students?

Don’t give up!  School is definitely challenging, but having a meaningful and rewarding career is absolutely worth the time and effort you put forth into your education.

6.    What is something that you struggled with or something that didn’t come as easily to you in the program? How did you overcome it?

Gross Anatomy was, without question, the most difficult class I took as a PT student.  I was not blessed with a good memory; I tend to learn best by practical application and problem solving rather than rote memorization.  I could not have gotten through that summer without the help of my parents, my sister, my crazy PT friends (Kelli and Alyson), and the rest of my classmates.

7.    Are there certain aspects of your SLU PT education that you have found especially valuable in the field?

Everything.  I think my education prepared me well for life as a practicing physical therapist.  I frequently reference my class notes and textbooks when treating my patients. However, the most important thing I learned in school was how to think, and how to apply knowledge to a variety of situations. I love that my job requires so much textbook knowledge, but the most important skill is how to use all of that information to a given situation.  After all, no two patients are EVER the same.

8.    How did you first become interested in photography?

I was the yearbook editor-in-chief during my senior year of high school, and we invested in several brand new SLR cameras that year. I was hooked the moment I first used one.  I finally saved up enough money to buy my own SLR camera about 4 years ago and started doing quite a bit of freelance on the side.  In 2010, I decided to start my own photography business officially (i.e. pay taxes to the government).  I am now on my third SLR camera (thanks to the thief who decided to steal my second one while I was on my honeymoon in Italy!  Luckily, it was insured.)

9.    For you, do physical therapy and photography have anything to do with each other?

Yes, particularly at SLU.   I have volunteered my time and talents as a photographer at multiple SLU PT events, including two white coat ceremonies, two Hustle for your Health runs, and several other PT STUCO events. 

My husband and I on our wedding day.  I couldn’t pick just one picture!  (photos courtesy Meg Courtney Photography)



My family… I never would have finished PT school without their support (photo courtesy Meg Courtney Photography)



My dog, Hallie



Meaghan’s photography work

Meaghan’s photography work



Meaghan’s photography work



The Great Pumpkin Countdown

Were you a fan of the Great Pumpkin? Check out this ode to the famous Charlie Brown classic in the PT office. We used the theme to feature some important countdowns that our students are anticipating as much as Linus and Sally in that pumpkin patch:  

As of today we have 21 days until Halloween,

the PYII’s have 58 days left of class,

the PYI’s have 47 days until their first day in the clinic,

and undergraduate students have 68 days left in the fall semester.

Addison Lockett Tells Y'all about SLU PT

We interviewed freshman Addison Lockett, who hails from Mobile, Alabama, to see how she likes the Program in Physical Therapy so far, why she chose SLU, what she’s looking forward to, and what she thinks about Y’all “Saint Louisains.”

1.    How did you find the Program in Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University?

I found the Program in Physical Therapy at SLU because my brother in law went to SLU and he was familiar with the 6 year program. He told me to look into it. I did my research online and decided to come up for a visit. 

2.    Why did you choose SLU?

The main reason I came to SLU was the Program in Physical Therapy. Another reason I came to SLU was the fact that it was somewhere different than I had ever lived before. It was different than what most kids in my high school decided to do.

3.    How is freshman year going so far? What interesting things have you been learning?

Freshman year? So far so good. I have been learning some insane time management skills. I have never been academically challenged like I have been here at SLU. It is an interesting transition, but all part of the process. Also, I have been learning how to use public transportation. We don't have metro, or stuff like that in Mobile.

4.    What is something that you are looking forward to for this year?

I am looking forward to initiation into the sorority Zeta Tau Alpha! Honestly, I am excited for Christmas break because I can go back home to Alabama and see my family and friends. AND my dogs. Also it is way warmer down there. As for school, I am hoping to take a world religions class as an elective because I just think it would be really cool to learn about other religions, not just the one i grew up in.



Addison with Zeta Tau Alpha sisters at a Ram’s game




Addison with Zeta Tau Alpha sisters




Addison with Zeta Tau Alpha sisters painting pottery

5.    Any STL favorites so far?

Pickleman's is a favorite of mine. This is unfortunate because it is very unhealthy and fairly pricey, but oh so good! 

6.    Little differences that you've noticed from Alabama? What are some strange cultural things that you've noticed in us “Saint Louisains?”

Y'all "St. Louisans" have an accent. All the northern people for sure have an accent. Y'all say that I have an accent but where I come from I have absolutely no accent. Some people call soda, pop. Y'all (or at least the people I have met) do not care about college football nearly as much as Y'all should. It is a religion down south. I need my football. Also, it gets cold really early here. I am assuming it is going to get way colder as time goes on. I am not used to that, nor am I ready for that!



Addison with others from her hometown at a high school football game



Camp Beckwith in Alabama, where Addison works over the summer

Holly Krol Shares About Her SLU Experience So Far

With a little over two months of the SLU experience, PT Freshman are learning what it means to be a Billiken. We asked PT student Holly Krol, Class of 2018, to share what she’s lived so far.

1.    How did you find the Program in Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University?

I knew that I wanted to study physical therapy so I was looking specifically at freshman admission programs and also for the best physical therapy schools and SLU really stood out to me.

2. Why did you choose SLU?

When I visited SLU I absolutely loved the campus and the atmosphere. SLU’s PT program is exactly what I wanted and I can even minor in psychology, which is a subject that I really love. Everyone at SLU is extremely helpful and friendly and it is a great size.

3. How is freshman year going so far? What interesting things have you been learning?

I love it here! It's a perfect school for me. Freshman year is going great for me and I’ve been learning so much more about SLU and I still love it! All of the teachers are really helpful and I am learning a lot of new things in my classes!

4. What is something that you are looking forward to for this year?

I am really looking forward to getting to know more people here at school and I love intermural sports so I’m really looking forward to get started up in that again!

5. Any STL favorites so far?

I love the City Diner, it’s down the street past the fox theatre, because it’s close so it’s easy to walk to and they have great food!

Holly and the Krol Family



Holly and other Billikens from the dorms






Kick Off Physical Therapy Month Soccer Tournament Proves Successful



Team 12G

The first annual Physical Therapy soccer tournament "Kick Off Physical Therapy Month," hosted by PT STUCO, was a great success. Five teams embraced the cold weather on Saturday, October 6th for the tournament. Great participation was shown by the PY I class, including the winning team lead by Pat Donovan and Dan Wrzosek. Team 12G (Pat Donovan, Dan Wrzosek, Cal McKee, Alex Johnston, and Chad) went undefeated in the tournament (4-0) to claim the prize of $100 to The Shack. 12G was forced to face off against team Jessie's Boys (Charles Bryce, Jonathon Starke, Dustin Jamboretz, Brendan Westerfield, and Jess Parker) in the championship match. Evenly matched through the first half, the teams battled, but ultimately 12G would come away with the victory.