I was privileged to be one of the three students from Marymount University in attendance at this year’s NSC. As a third-year student, weary from the hard work and daily challenges of PT school, the conference provided a great reminder of the significant value and power of our field.NSC differs from other conferences because it is specifically designed to prepare students for their physical therapy careers. The “Ignite!” talks on Thursday night got the conference energy going and it carried over into a networking event later in the evening. We kicked off Friday morning with keynote speaker, Alysia Montano, discussing the role of physical therapy in her running career and, as a bonus, learned the real story behind the flower in her hair. I attended sessions focused on unique careers in physical therapy such as travel PT, geriatrics, lymphedema, and opportunities available within the US Paralympics. Other sessions I attended explored the role of physical therapists in the primary care setting within a novel health care model, post-professional education options, tools for evaluating and classifying low back pain, and professional development through specialist certification. Following these informative sessions, I felt more prepared and informed to navigate my individual future career path.
Networking has historically been a challenge for me. However, networking was one of the best parts of
attending NSC! Enthusiasm, passion, and excitement are contagious. I was empowered to introduce myself to APTA President Sharon Dunn and even attempted to make a joke! By connecting and speaking with other physical therapists I felt part of something bigger. I was also humbled, grateful, and extremely proud to witness and support my fellow classmates in their bid for positions on the Student Assembly Board of Directors.NSC was an amazing whirlwind and I am so grateful for the experience. Without hesitation I can say the future of physical therapy is promising and I feel extremely privileged to be a part of it. My three main takeaways from NSC: stay weird, stay unique, stay ignited.
Lisa Saladino