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 6th 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 |
No comments:
Post a Comment