Q&A: Alex Lewis, Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate education: Integrative Physiology and Psychology, University of Colorado Boulder
What experiences made the biggest impact on your time here?
Being class vice president was awesome. I got close with the other class officers, and it was fun getting a little sneak peek into what each committee was involved with. I got to learn what everyone was passionate about and what made them excited about the profession of physical therapy.
Being around so many people that are so driven and have their own path to the same end goal was super helpful and a cool experience.
Who was your most important mentor?
The faculty as a whole were so inviting and willing to listen and provide input whenever I needed. Specifically, Kelly Sass [MPT, PhD], Marcie Becker [DPT, GCS], Dave Williams [PhD, MPT, ATC, CSCS], Dr. Shields [Richard Shields, PT, PhD, FAPTA], and Amy Kimball [MPT, PhD, ATC]. Those are a few of the people who helped guide me.
Beyond the faculty, I wouldn’t have gotten through school without the friends that I made in my class. They were my support system, always there to listen and push through those tough weeks together.
What will you remember most fondly after leaving the Carver College of Medicine?
I think my most memorable moments circle around the people I had around me. When we did our reaffirmation ceremony before we all went on to clinicals, we played “Minute to Win It” with students versus faculty. It was so much fun seeing everyone so involved and cheering, having that moment of unison before we all dispersed. The students won, so we got to “pie” the faculty!
Anything we did together as a class was so memorable, and it’s those good times that I’ll remember going forward.
What advice would you give an incoming PT student?
Live in the moment. When you get to school, there’s a lot of pressure and a lot you have to manage. Find the time to step back and realize why you ended up in this profession, and remind yourself that, while you may be working hard, this is what you love to do.
In the big picture, this little bit or that little stressful moment isn’t going to make or break you. Keep pushing through and enjoying every ounce of it.
What's next for you?
I’m moving home to Colorado to pursue an outpatient physical therapy job in Denver. I have a certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a really strong interest in sports, so eventually I’d like to take steps to end up in a sports/orthopedics realm of care, working to combine physical therapy rehab with athletes’ training needs.