SLU PT Student Stephanie Tanaka Loves her Clinical Experience at Athletico Physical Therapy in Chesterfield, MO

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight at Athletico Physical Therapy in Chesterfield, Missouri

By Stephanie Tanaka (SLU DPT Class of 2023)

I love my clinical experience! I've been able to learn about a lot of manual therapy techniques including Graston, dry needling, cupping, and different soft tissue techniques. I've also been able to have some amazing learning experiences such as attending an Athletico clinic meeting, marketing luncheons, and various journal clubs. I was also able to observe a tibial tubercle osteotomy & an open MPFL allograft surgery.

 Most importantly I've learned how to go from being a student in the classroom to a student in the clinic. The biggest challenge I faced was learning how to start seeing myself as a future clinician. Learning to become more confident in the clinic and taking more initiative in what I do. My Clinical Instructor, Paige Gibbens, encourages and challenges me in which I've been able to learn and grow both as an SPT and as a person.

Thank you, Paige, for both encouraging me and challenging me every single day! I honestly couldn't have asked for a better first clinical experience. You've taught me so much about the different aspects there are to becoming a physical therapist and I'm so grateful to have had you. I've learned how to start trusting myself more and being more confident in myself and what I can do because you've encouraged me and pushed me in doing so. There were many times I didn't really believe in myself, that I could do it, but you've shown me how much I can accomplish, and it means so much to me. I've learned so much from you and have been able to learn and grow both as an SPT and as a person. I appreciate all that you've done for me and thank you again for everything! I wish you and Scout all the best :)

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program