"It’s cool to experience my 'why PT?' changing over the years after going to school, graduating, and now being in my first year of practice. My 'why' is continuously changing every day, and I’m so grateful to be passionate about my profession."
The following is an interview from when Elena was a student in the College of Health Sciences at Midwestern University.
What made you realize that you wanted to go into your chosen profession?
It took me a little bit to realize that physical therapy was something that I was interested in, but once I started doing internships and really getting into the patient experience, I figured out PT was something for me. I’m a people person who loves to learn and give back, so this is truly what I feel I was supposed to do all along. It’s cool to experience my “why PT?” changing over the years after going to school, graduating, and now being in my first year of practice. My “why” is continuously changing every day, and I’m so grateful to be passionate about my profession.
Could you share some background information such as where you grew up, if you had family members in the healthcare profession, or if you were the first in your family to attend a professional school?
I am the middle child between 2 brothers, and we grew up here in the Glendale/Peoria area of AZ. Both of my parents are practicing D.O.s and my younger brother is graduating from the MWU D.P.T. Program next year! I grew up doing gymnastics, and completed my undergrad at the University of Hawaii before coming back to AZ to work as a physical therapy tech and apply for PT school.
In what ways have you given back to Midwestern University? How have you made a difference in your community?
When I got accepted into Midwestern, I told myself that I wanted to be involved. I had never been someone to join clubs or councils or do a ton of extracurricular activities growing up, so I promised myself “involvement” if I got into PT school. I became a student ambassador to help with new student welcome days and incoming interviews (which I am continuing to do as an alumnus). I was a tutor for various subjects, giving time and knowledge to the students in their first and second years of the program, and I volunteered through various special interest groups and student government―I really just tried to be a leader through example by showing consistency and dedication to the program throughout my three years there.
How has your education at Midwestern shaped your life?
MWU was such a pivotal three years of my life. I learned a lot about myself as a student, but also as a young adult having to navigate/balance life in a doctorate program. I met some of the best people, built great relationships with faculty who I can proudly say are now my colleagues in the PT world, and made memories I’ll truly remember forever. I could not have asked for a better education/experience!
What is your favorite memory from your time at Midwestern?
I think some of my favorite memories came from being one of the event coordinators in student government: planning spirit weeks, making flyers/posters on canva, volunteering, helping put together our grad banquet! It allowed me to use my creativity as well as have some fun outside of the busy classroom.
What’s keeping you busy now? Do you have any passion projects?
I am a full-time acute care physical therapist, now working at two different hospitals and loving every second of it! I just presented research at CSM in Boston, which was such an amazing experience, and I am just about to start helping write a manuscript for another research project I participated in with a few others during my second year! Outside of the PT world, I love doing hot yoga, hanging out with my family and friends, and making yummy charcuterie boards!
