There are many milestones in an individuals’ career that highlight their efforts and reward hard work. For physical therapist Erin Foley (DPT’18), one such milestone is her promotion to major in the U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps. From a young age, Foley knew that a military career was for her. Following a long line of family service members, she started her military journey by attending the U. S. Military Academy. Upon graduation, Foley had to decide whether to pursue a career in aviation or health care. She chose to become a pilot and spent several years flying helicopters around the world. However, the desire to help others as a clinician did not fade.
In 2015, Foley decided to change her career and entered the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. She describes her time at GW as both stressful and rewarding. “My cohort was very diverse, but we all bonded over having the same mission and end goal of being able to help people as medical professionals,” she said.
With a new degree and career path, Foley returned to the military. “It was such a big change because I was suddenly on my own and in charge of hundreds of soldiers care. However, GW prepared me with all the tools and resources I needed so I felt confident in my abilities.” Foley oversaw the PT needs of more than 3,500 soldiers in her unit, while also being at the ready to deploy and transition from an outpatient clinician to triaging battlefield injuries.
Since her first assignment, Foley has moved back to the Washington, D.C. area where she now works at the Pentagon Health Clinic. Throughout her time as a pilot and now as a PT, she logs countless hours and ensures high quality care. “Erin continues to impress me with her ability to be unflappable in ambiguous situations and to come up with solutions in difficult circumstances,” said Matt Garber, PT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT, associate professor and assistant director of clinical education in the Department of Health, Human Function and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Foley’s hard work paid off when she was promoted to the rank of major in the Army Medical Specialist Corps this June. “Being promoted to this rank is a big deal. It means you demonstrated potential for future success and leadership qualities,” said Garber, who is also a retired colonel in the U. S. Army and served as Foley’s senior physical therapist during her first assignment.
“I am so grateful that GW enabled me to feel confident in myself as a clinician and I am so honored to be recognized for my patient care,” Foley added.