Student

SPOTLIGHT

David Love, SPTA

Onondaga Community College PTA Student

July 2023

David Love is a new member of APTA New York and excited to share his story!

He shares what brough him to the industry and how he hopes to progress as a PTA in the field.

Learn more about David below!

How long have you been a member of APTA New York?

I have been a member of the APTA of New York for 6 months.

What brought you to PT? Share your journey with us.
I began exercising at a very young age. At the time I was very overweight and simply wanted to change that. Over time what started as just a way to try and lose weight, quickly became my favorite hobby. However, my sophomore year of high school I injured my SI joint during training. For 3 weeks I was in pain the likes of which I had never experienced up to that point in my life, to the point where I was unable to even walk. It was then that I discovered Physical Therapy, which not only helped me to walk again, but also gave me the knowledge to become even stronger. I quickly developed an even greater passion for the science of training and how it can be used to heal. When I realized my greatest hobby could also be incorporated into a profession that would allow me to help people the way I was helped for the rest of my life, I knew for sure that PT was what I wanted to do.

What is a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me right now mostly involves some combination of studying and exercising, and that's about it. I begin my full time clinical in just a few days so I'm very excited to replace at least some of the studying with actual work, though I do have to prepare for the boards exam in October, so I still have to keep up the studying for a little while.

What was the exact moment you decided to join the PT profession?

I think the exact moment I decided I wanted to become a part of the PT profession was taking the first few steps after my SI injury and seeing just how much good I could do in the world as a part of it.

What would your student self about the profession?

This is a funny question as I am preparing to graduate as a PTA in just a couple days, and I will technically still be a student until I pass my boards in October. But if I were to tell myself anything when I was just beginning as a student, I think it would be to appreciate that all of the hard work will be worth it when you are out in the world making a truly helpful difference in peoples lives.

What is the most rewarding part of your profession?

I believe the most rewarding part of the Physical Therapy profession is knowing that everyday I work, I will be helping to make someone's life better. Not all injuries can be fully healed, but there is always something we can do to really make a difference in someone's life, especially those who are struggling and in difficult circumstances. I get to live everyday knowing that I did something to help someone who needed it.

What is the most important trend you see in the industry?

I think the most important trend for the industry, is the move toward incorporating PT into preventative care as well. I think one of the biggest problems in our profession is that most people don't hear or see anything about Physical Therapy until they are already injured. I believe there is a massively underappreciated use for PT as a means of preventing injury and improving the health of everyone, not just those who are already injured. As Physical Therapy professionals we are experts in safe and effective methods for strengthening, endurance, and exercise in general, and this knowledge could be used in many ways to help those who are trying to stay healthy in addition to those who are already in need of treatment.

Who is one of your role models and why?

I have had so many over the years I think it would be hard to pinpoint just a single person. Every one of the PT's I have shadowed under, my CI's, and my professors have all done so much to help and teach me, and I am extremely grateful to all of them. My greatest hope at this point is that I can go out into the field and thank them by doing my best to make them proud.

What are 3 fun facts about you?

1. I am extremely interested in exercise science. I will often find myself reading newer studies for fun and I find it very helpful in keeping myself up to date.
2. I enjoy playing musical instruments, especially guitar and piano.
3. I have very recently rediscovered how much I enjoy hiking. I thank PT everyday that I know the proper gait mechanics to do so safely :)

What do you love the most about being a part of APTA New York?

I believe my favorite thing about being an APTA member currently, would be the access to all the great articles and recourses in the APTA database. It has made life as a student PTA so much easier being able to find reputable sources.  

What would you tell someone who is interested in joining APTA?

I would tell them to do it as soon as possible. I honestly wish I had done so much earlier into my time as a student as the resources available through the APTA are more than worth it.

Pitch the benefits of APTA New York in one sentence.

As someone with any involvement in the Physical Therapy profession it will make finding great resources much easier.

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