Pre-PTs Talking PT Noah

From the archives of the Pre-PTs Talking PT

Three years ago Colin SPT (now DPT) shares:


Thoughts about acceptance into PT schools
Being judged when applying yourself
Being rejected and applying twice
Stress of applying to programs/scholarships
Hybride PT program
First physical therapy experience and same facility clinical rotation
Having to talk to various people to get your foot in the door
Working many jobs and having life experiences can make you a better clinician

A previous rehab director transitioned to receiving her OCS, and shares stories of her experiences with Zach and I.


Tribal Enrollment 


Benefits of working for a tribe


Working with a patient that does not want to be in PT (Zach)


Power of communication (Bluntness with Zach)


Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Talking Orthopedics


Variety of experience in tribal settings



IPTN - pillars - elevate communities and stufents


Communicate with Students: K-College


Healthcare professionals - association of American Indian physicians 


National level - 1 hour CEU APTA - CSM presentation and State Level of connection


PT excellence for indigenous communities






Staying after in clinic to collaborate




Retake classes and get a high GPA


Psychology/communication is important


Get to know your patient; use patient-friendly language


Starting as a new grad in a new clinic

Natalie Weeks-O'Neal shares her amazing story and brilliant ideas regarding the profession and school!


Importance of Community Service


Lower-income upbringing


Exposure to PT settings - Tribal communities


Have to want education - not sustainable in the U.S.


CSM - Australian PT coming soon to the Indigenous PT Network (IPTN) in collaboration


Leadership for Indian Healthcare 

Situational stand points from the PT student and the newly licensed PT. This is where we are now, clearing the air on some of the hurdles we face and how we keep moving forward.

Jordan Anderson BSN and licensed nurse works at a pain clinic after having an ASIA B spinal cord injury (SCI) at the level of the T5 segment.

SCI while studying for the NCLEX  

Getting exposure in different clinical settings (ER)

Wish Zach luck with getting more clinical exposure!

Fighting with insurance for therapy for an FES unit

Donations funded both essential therapy treatment and adaptive equipment

Being confident with conversation for our patients' sake

Goal sharing within the care team 

Pressure sores are common

Exercise for ease of mobility and health (i.e., Swim)

Finding or creating a community to maintain inspiration


Oregon Adaptive Sports - Sit Ski (Difficult)
Roy Tuskunee - Hi5Foundation
Kelly Brush foundation - adaptive equipment
Bobby McMullen - north state adaptive equipment “the bobby sees it” podcast
Travis Roy - vehicle adaptive equipment 
Craig hospital - Colorado 

Gahfora is a NP that was providing care for a year after graduating in an underserved area at the time of the recording (2020). Listen to Gahfora's amazing story and philosophy of how primary care is viewed through her lens as a PCP.



Primary care and daily experiences


Diabetes, hypertension management, and preventative medicine 


Building Rapport 


Language barriers and providing optimal care


Educating patients to make lifestyle changes


Providing primary care for the underserved communities


Solo Nurse Practitioner as a new grad


Collaborating with experienced team members as a primary care provider


Accelerated RN to NP


Self compassion




gahforagorsi@gmail.com