Page 17 - Mobility Management, May 2017

equipment was to their quality of life. And I didn’t realize how important the equipment was to make sure they got what they needed and to make sure they were able to potentially move better in the future.
“At first, \[my father’s\] industry didn’t really have an impact on me. I wanted to work with athletes, and I didn’t even know about neuro and complex rehab. But as I’ve gotten a little bit older and studied more, that has definitely played a role in what I’d like to do. It’s opened my eyes to different sides of physical therapy, and it’s actually made me more excited to study.”
Defining Success in the Field
Currently, Tyler said, his specialization preference stands this way: “Sports med and orthopaedics are sort of my one and two, and then neuro and peds are tied for three.”
Regardless of which niche he eventually pursues, he has a clear view of how he’ll judge his success.
“My number one goal is the patient, to get them better, to rehabilitate them. Whether it’s an athlete getting back on the field after an ACL tear, or helping somebody to move who hasn’t ever moved in their life,
I think those are both big successes. Introducing someone to movement or increasing someone’s mobility is definitely successful.”
And he understands that success looks very different for different PT clients.
“I don’t think there’s a mold for success; it’s definitely relative. Success can be a geriatric patient who used to be able to move well, and with PT, is getting closer to what they used to be able to do. Or success can be a child who was never able to move before, now being able to take a couple of steps or being able to turn their head enough to use a head array. Those are two different achievements, and they both are successful.
“I also care about the relationships I build with my patients. It’s not only about getting them to move better. That is the ultimate goal, but I also want to make sure they have an enjoyable experience. I want to be sure they can trust me, and that I can trust them to give me their all. I want them to know I’m there for them and there to make them better.”
As for what he’s anticipating in grad school, Tyler said, “My dad and I were talking about physical therapists and what your industry does, so I’m curious about how what I learn in school can be a bridge to do something
in your industry. How I could take my knowledge and apply it to what you do, the powered seating or any type of CRT equipment. I think it helps that I got a little taste of the industry over the summer.”
What does Jim think of his son’s aspirations?
“There’s such a wide range of opportunities for therapists, so many different tracks and foci,” he noted. “When you know you’ve got a good future therapist out there, obviously you want to snatch him up to support what your industry is trying to do. But I also know, having been his dad and coach his whole life, that athletics is something very near and dear to his heart. Working with people who are severely disabled, I know that could take a toll on him. Tyler’s a very empathetic and kind-hearted individual, and I know the industry might be hard on him because he cares so much. So I understand there may be some issues with that in our industry. But he’s going to be successful whichever route he decides to go.” m
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