After two years spent in the classroom, and one year in clinical education experiences across the country, the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Science (SMHS) Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2025 walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. Three students from the Class of 2025 shared their experiences with graduation, reflections on their time at GW, and post-graduation plans.
Amanda Bence spoke fondly of graduation, and noted that being recognized as a graduate of SMHS on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. was a highlight of the weekend.
“It was such a nice reunion where everyone, including faculty, staff, students, and their families all got together, after we had been away on clinicals for a year.,” Bence explained.
Reflecting on her time in the GW DPT program, Bence identified her favorite memory as the Second-Year Sendoff; a program-wide celebration before students are sent off to their first clinical experience. With faculty and students coming together at a D.C. restaurant on a Friday evening, Second-Year Sendoff was described by Bence as “a perfect example of how tight-knit the GW community is”.
After graduation, Bence began working full time in June at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana in their outpatient neuro clinic. In addition, she accepted a PRN position at an inpatient rehab facility in Indianapolis, to continue gaining valuable experience in the inpatient setting. As she entered the workforce, Bence had the opportunity to reflect on her time at GW and credits her success to the rigorous coursework, robust clinical experience, and significant volunteer experiences outside of the classroom.
She notes, “volunteer opportunities through GW, including the Pro Bono Clinic and MedStar United Wheelchair Rugby, helped to develop my clinical skills outside the classroom and get real practice with real people”.
Danielle Ziegler found the DPT Awards Ceremony and Reception to be the most special event over the course of graduation weekend. In addition to seeing peers, Ziegler said, “it was so nice to see all of my professors again to let them know how clinicals went and share my post graduation plans”.
Following graduation, Ziegler started at Phoenix Physical Therapy, a general outpatient clinic in D.C., where she completed her first clinical experience during the summer of 2024. She was excited at the prospect of returning as a practitioner due to the great experience she had as a student.
Ziegler notes, “GW did a great job of preparing me for professional practice–the musculoskeletal coursework focused very heavily on health conditions and formulating a treatment plan, which is one of the harder parts of the job”.
Looking back on her past three years at GW, Ziegler considers her favorite memory to be her clinical experience in Australia, where she was able to adventure and explore a new continent all while developing her knowledge and skills as a physical therapy student.
Caitlin Yap chose to begin her career in physical therapy as a sports resident at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. With this residency, Yap has the opportunity to work in the clinic and on the field with high school, college, and professional athletes.
Yap explains, “matching into this residency program would not have been possible without the support of my cohort, faculty, and mentors. The interview and application process for residency is demanding, but I felt extremely prepared to tackle all these challenges in a high pressure environment, all thanks to our practicals, health condition presentations, and clinical experiences”.
In addition, Yap credits service learning opportunities, such as Roll on Capitol Hill and the Easter Egg Roll at the White House, with preparing her for residency and community engagement as a physical therapist. During the last three years with GW DPT, Yap valued her time spent with her classmates, both in and out of the classroom.
“Rehab medicine requires collaboration. From our first day of class, to studying for boards, we learned and worked together, and stepped up when others needed help. We were cultivated in an environment where it was encouraged to ask questions,” Yap commented.
While Bence, Ziegler, and Yap are only three of the graduates from the Class of 2025, they represent the many positive attitudes towards the GW DPT program, and great success that all members of the graduating class share. Bence expressed it perfectly, stating, “we are so lucky to have been accepted into GW’s program, to be mentored by incredible faculty and peers, and to meet lifelong best friends along the way”.