Lisa Whitaker

BEGINNINGS

In high school, I knew I wanted a career in healthcare due to my love for anatomy and physiology, I also desired to help and care for people, but was unsure of what I wanted to do. During the summer of 1992, my junior year of high school, I was watching a news story interviewing athletes for the upcoming Olympics. Multiple athletes mentioned overcoming injury, the importance of physical therapy, and the therapists who helped them return to the sports they loved. I was definitely intrigued with the field of physical therapy after hearing the positive impact therapy and therapists provided to these individuals.

I began researching physical therapy and also began shadowing therapists at a local hospital and at an outpatient clinic to determine if this was an area of study I wanted to pursue in college. I realized quickly while shadowing, that being a physical therapist was the area of healthcare for me with my love for anatomy and helping contribute to people’s return of function and life activities. I transitioned to becoming a PT tech to further develop my understanding and experience in being a therapist until entry into PT school.

CAREER PATH

Currently, I have been a therapist for over 21 years practicing in multiple settings. My experience has primarily been in outpatient orthopedic clinics throughout my career. I truly enjoy working with this patient population and assisting these individuals to return to functional living. I feel education to patients regarding their injury, therapy process, and outcome expectations are key to a positive physical therapy experience. My career has been unique, with my husband being an Air Force Officer, which has resulted in multiple moves. Fortunately, I have had opportunities to work in PT facilities all around the country, which has provided many experiences and training by therapists and treatment options based on the region of the country where I was practicing physical therapy.

OUTSIDE THE CLINIC

When not in the clinic, I can be found at an athletic field or facility in the local area cheering on my 3 children at the collegiate, high school, and middle school levels in the sports they love. Being a PT with athletic children has brought to my attention the need for preventative training to reduce injury and education on proper rehab to return to sport. I hope in the future to be able to contribute to schools and sports programs preventative training and education for athletes and coaches.