October is National Physical Therapy Month: a time to celebrate the important work our therapists do every day to help patients move better, feel stronger, and live healthier. To mark the occasion, we asked our team a few questions about their work, their inspiration, and the moments that remind them why they love what they do.
Why Did You Become a Physical Therapist?
Naomi Maunu, DPT, Lebanon clinic: “My father was in 2 different car accidents which caused significant damage to his back and his eventual disability. I watched him go through extensive physical therapy, some good and some terrible. Later on my grandmother had several strokes in a row which left her unable to use her Left side. I was her caretaker over the summers in between college courses. I joke she was my first “patient.” Both of these instances gave me a heart for therapy and understanding of how much of an impact it can have on a person’s life.”
Jessica Keltner, PT, Rogersville clinic: “I love the healthcare field, I love being around people, (especially one-on-one), and I love the fitness industry. I feel like this tied all three together.”
Megan Remmert, DPT, Cert MDT, South Kansas City clinic: “I had various injuries as a kid playing soccer and doing gymnastics. This led to me to having PT when I was 15 and I thought it was a cool career. I then shadowed some physical therapists and enjoyed that even more.”
Kylee May, DPT, Olathe & Belton clinics: “I wanted to be the good part of healthcare where building relationships with my patients was the priority. I love making a big world feel small by making connections with my patients.”
Vanessa Shields, PTA, Ava clinic: “I loved the idea of improving someone’s pain or loss of function without a medicinal approach. I chose PTA because I wanted to uphold relationships with patients and be a guiding hand in their recovery.”
Thank you to our therapists for leading with compassion, expertise, and dedication, and for helping us redefine excellence in healthcare every day.
