We are thrilled to share some exciting news! Nicole and Outside Movement PT have recently become volunteer partners with the Volunteers in Medicine Cascades Chapter. As a new volunteer, Nicole was asked to share a little bit about her story of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy and opening her own clinic. Read on to learn more!
Tell us a little about how you became a DPT?
"My first exposure to physical therapy was when I was about 13. My grandfather suffered a spinal cord injury leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. His PTs were true superheroes from my perspective. They worked so hard to empower him to utilize his arms and upper body to his full capacity in order to maximize his independence. I saw firsthand how these people really changed his perspective and gave him so much of his life back despite a life-changing injury. It was then that I knew I wanted to do the same for other people."
"After that experience, I never thought of doing anything else. I completed my undergraduate study at the University of Vermont with a focus on Nutrition and Food Science and then went on to earn my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University. Along the way, I spent a lot of time working in strength training and various fitness/wellness avenues. As a physical therapist, I try to combine all of these background experiences into how I work with my clients presently. A major focus of my practice is teaching clients techniques they can utilize on their own to achieve their goals and live at their fullest potential. My clinic is as focused on education as it is treatment."
What was the process of starting Outside Movement like? When did you open your business?
"I opened Outside Movement Physical Therapy in July 2020 as a safe space for quality one-on-one care during COVID and beyond. Quality care, to me, means much more than acute injury treatment and pain prevention, which is why OMPT focuses on the empowerment and education aspect to ensure long-term health.
The process of opening a business has been challenging but rewarding. I wholeheartedly believe in creating alternative routes for people to achieve optimal health and I hope that OMPT can integrate into the greater healthcare community in Bend to improve the wellness of our community as a whole."
How did you become involved with Volunteers in Medicine? How did you hear about VIM? When did you start volunteering with VIM?
"I was introduced to VIM by a dear friend of mine who is also a volunteer. She described how refreshing it felt to participate in a healthcare system that puts patient/client needs first. I was hooked. It’s only been a few months now that I’ve been a volunteer; I am thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in our community to support the health and wellness of those in need."
Why did you decide to volunteer with VIM? What do you hope to give back to the community?
"I believe that treatment should be dictated by what’s best for the client, not what’s best for the current healthcare/insurance system. That belief aligns me with VIM in wanting to treat populations that are underserved by said system. My hope is that by focusing on efficient, educational services, Outside Movement PT can work alongside other VIM volunteers to lift the overall health of the community."
We are honored and extremely grateful to VIM for welcoming us as volunteer partners.
To learn more about Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades click the link: https://www.vim-cascades.org/