Physical Therapy Convocation 2022: Meet Jack Klein
Hometown:
Glencoe, Illinois
Degrees and distinctions:
BA from St. Olaf College; completed departmental distinction research senior year.
Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the UI Carver College of Medicine.
Future plans:
I plan to work in the outpatient orthopedics setting in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.
What experiences outside the curriculum enhanced your education?
Being the class vice president of the PT Class of 2022, I was in charge of putting together the biannual apparel order, which was fun to curate. Additionally, participating in Dr. Shields’ research was interesting and enjoyable!
Who was especially helpful in guiding and mentoring you, and why?
The entire faculty was extremely helpful in guiding me through the program. A few names I would like to highlight: Dave Williams, PhD, MPT, ATC, CSCS; Richard Shields, PT, PhD, FAPTA; Marcie Becker, DPT, GCS; Kelly Sass, MPT, PhD; Amy Kimball, MPT, PhD, ATC; and Carol Leigh.
I would also like to highlight the importance of my friends and my colleagues. The support that I had throughout the program was immensely helpful in my success, and I am very grateful for them!
What was the most rewarding part of your experience?
Utilizing the knowledge that I learned during our didactic portion of the curriculum while on my clinical rotations was the most rewarding part of my experience. It demonstrates that the hard work we put into studying and practicing skills while in the classroom has been translated to the “real world” knowledge we need to be a practicing physical therapist.
Share one memory that sticks out from your time as a student here.
Winning the Co-Rec Intramural Flag Football championship! Our PT class had a resilient team and some amazing supporters along the way. This was during one of our more stressful semesters, and we still got it done!
What advice would you give to an incoming PT student?
Enjoy the moments that you have with your colleagues and your friends while embracing the hard work in the classroom. These moments go by quickly, so work hard, but also remember to take time for yourself and with friends.