Here is my research group and faculty advisor, Wendy. We're trying to get our paper done, which includes re-running a bunch of stats and writing conclusions based on our findings. . . . So, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner to celebrate our work together.
I have mentioned this in previous blogs, but I want to take a side-track and re-emphasize the numerous amounts of service opportunities here at Regis outside of school. I asked two classmates, Ryan and Rob, to share their thoughts on the activities that they do. Ryan has been part of helping with the athletics department at Arrupe High School down the street from Regis, whereas Rob was the Fun Run Committee chair for our class and helped head up the Regis 5K/10K Fun Run (sponsored by the PT school) the last few years.
Here are Ryan’s thoughts:
“Although it has been roughly 7 years since I played my last high school basketball game, I still remember how much I loved it and its importance in my life at the time. There were a lot of things that had to happen to make those experiences possible. The most notable piece of this puzzle was the proper management of the bilateral patellar tendonitis that I battled throughout my entire senior season. Fortunately, before the season had begun, an orthopaedic surgeon’s PA taught me some basic management tips to get through the season. While at times I still had to play through some discomfort, I know that I wouldn’t have played at all without his help. I understand the frustration of playing hurt, and living somewhat hurt for that matter. If I had not had affordable access to healthcare, I may not have had the pleasure of knocking my rival high school out of post-season contention or earning academic all state honors that season. The burning question I have is why didn’t anyone mention physical therapy?
Participating under the guidance of Dr. Keirns along with several classmates at Arrupe Jesuit High School has allowed me to help those that are in my old shoes. It is worth noting that these students face other financial challenges. Many of the recipients of this service do not have the basic insurance that I grew up with. Furthermore, 70% of Arrupe’s students qualify for the federal free/reduced lunch program. This opportunity has also been enriching on a cultural level as Arrupe has a Latino population approaching 90%. While I did grow up with an appreciation for Latinos and their culture, that was not the motivating force behind my involvement, but rather an added bonus. This has proven to be an exciting way for me to give back to this community as opposed to the ESL classes I used to run. One thing that has held constant is that the men and women from every team at Arrupe have been courteous and grateful of our services. Needless to say, the interaction with the student athletes has been a bright spot.
The athletes are in a fun part of their lives right now with great futures ahead. As Arrupe is a small school, many of the athletes play multiple sports. Our group of volunteers has observed the athletes’ transition from fall to winter to spring sports. As a result, Regis students have been able to build rapport with the athletes. However, transitioning between sports without an off-season can exacerbate minor and nagging injuries. For this reason, access to healthcare is even more important for these athletes. Furthermore, in providing this service, the athletes may also benefit from having help to prevent minor injuries from developing into longer lasting injuries that could have negative effects later in life. As a matter of fact, athletes have approached us with injuries that they have been nursing for years. With our help, the athletes will be able to prevent some injuries from occurring and will also have better outcomes with any injuries that they do sustain or have already dealt with for a long time.
Many of the students in our DPT program chose to pursue physical therapy as a result of sustaining sports injuries. Who better to inspire the athletes of Arrupe to be better athletes and more importantly better students? I believe that with our continued involvement, we may inspire these athletes to not only strive for higher education, but perhaps for medical careers as well. All in all, it is certainly a privilege to participate in this service learning opportunity. I enjoy providing the services to the students and know that I am making a positive impact in their lives. Conversely, the athletes have made an impact in my life, and not just from the standpoint of providing an enriching experience. Being able to practice the skills I have learned in class has helped me to become a better developing physical therapist. This added practice is a great supplement to seeing Dr. Keirns in action. His exemplary demonstrations and prodding questions are integral to points of emphasis during teaching moments. While Dr. Keirns is a great mentor to the students, there is also something to be said for the mentoring opportunities among the different classes of students. It is great to see a mentorship hierarchy developed in which I may mentor the younger classes and they in turn can mentor the classes below them and of course, the athletes. This provides all participants with an excellent role to play in a mentorship team. Furthermore, younger classes will see from the advanced students just how they may develop in the future. Younger classes may even become motivated to become even better than their student mentors.
Overall, this is a great opportunity to be involved with. It is an excellent opportunity to foster personal development as a PT as well as a supporter of social justice. I am excited to see what our new incoming students will do to promote this service learning opportunity even further. “ -Ryan McNeil
Here is what Rob had to say about his experiences with the Fun Run:
Here, a bunch of classmates after the Regis Fun Run. After the race, there was a barbeque and live music. All the proceeds went to a local retirement center.
“I believe the Regis Fun Run is a true representation of social justice combined with physical therapy outreach into the community. We are addressing an issue where many elderly individuals don’t have the means to support themselves in assisted living facilities. As in many years past, we supported the Argyle Foundation, a local assisted living facility where these social justice issues are prevalent. The Fun Run profits go to these individuals to buy medication, room and board, or other equipment they might need. In addition, it is a great promotion for physical activity, and stresses the importance of exercise on a regular basis. We incorporate this message of healthy living to all participants in the race.
This year I had the honor of serving as the Fun Run Race Chair. It was an opportunity I had to develop leadership skills, learn the “ins and outs” of a community race, and got to support members of our society through the Argyle Foundation. There were a several challenges in determining the best method of organizing volunteers, what equipment was needed and where, and communicating with the city to put on the event. It was very rewarding on Sept. 25th when all of the runners, walkers, and individuals with disabilities lined up side by side to participate in the run. We even had the blessing to observe an individual with a long term disability take her first steps in many years across our finish line. This is what the Regis Fun Run represents.” -Rob
Regis University Doctor of Physical Therapy Blog 