Mentions:
My University of Rhode Island Guest Lecture-Pathophysiology of Stroke
Earlier this week I had the privilege of guest lecturing for the first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students at the University of Rhode Island Department of Physical Therapy.
The focus of the lecture was on the pathophysiology of stroke, a topic deeply personal to me. I was able to share my unique perspective as both a stroke survivor and a practicing physical therapist, discussing how this lived experience has profoundly shaped my career path.
During my time with the students, I also opened up about some of the key lessons learned throughout my advocacy journey. I urged them as new grads and perhaps someday future clinical researchers innovating in PT to think of survivors early during their discovery process and often and to find us (survivors and care providers) a seat at the table as partners, not simply as patients. We need to be heard and without a pathway through university research we have no voice.
🌅 Finally, I addressed a major life transition: bringing a sense of closure to my work centered on stroke and the playbook I am offering them to build upon.
The students’ engagement was truly inspiring. The depth and thoughtfulness of their questions made my time spent sharing together feel incredibly rewarding and confirmed the impact of the discussion and topics I’ve been writing about in my book.
Particularly one question where I was asked “do I now treat patients differently since I have lived through a stroke?”
I’ll be sharing a bit more end of this week and commenting about how I answered this great question and others over on my Substack at Know Stroke (link in comments).
As I close this chapter and they begin their own professional journey, I left them with a quote that felt particularly fitting:
“Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.” - Ralph Blum
I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect with these bright young minds and with them a bright future of physical therapy. Stay the course students and BELIEVE you’ll get it done!
John Hopkins Medical Center Stroke Support Group
I had the pleasure of speaking with this mighty stroke support group in Washington DC and mentioned a few of their stories in my video wrap-up from the week that was. Also posted a note about how some of the participants responded to my question-
“What Still Bothers You the Most About Stroke?”
Truly heartbreaking why we don’t support stroke care like we do other chronic conditions. Instead many survivors face an uphill battle to get the services they deserve.
Know Stroke Podcast Episode spotlight with Abbott HeartMates Draft Pick Stran Smith
Boston Bruins Foundation BFit Challenge to support Homes For Our Troops
