Goings On in Flagstaff

The last "summer break" of my life is drawing rapidly to an end. I realize that by this time next summer I will have already taken the board exams, hopefully passed, and be working full or at least part time as a full-fledged physical therapist. Colleen Gest, PT. At times I'm really excited and feel like I'm so ready for this change. At other times, panic sets in at the thought of having to bear so much responsibility.

For those of you unfamiliar with the politics of the profession, physical therapists are currently lobbying for direct access in all states (we already have it in AZ). What this means is you can see a physical therapist for rehabilitation after an injury without first having to see a primary care physician. And... it will be reimbursed by insurance! The challenge lies in the fact that now PTs will have more responsibility than ever. Because we are not seeing our patients after they've seen the doctor, it is our responsibility to catch any signs or symptoms that point to a disease/pathology that needs attention other than physical therapy (scary thoughts are cancers, blood clots, numb limbs, all of which can have musculoskeletal symptoms like any other issue seen in therapy). My classes at NAU have really emphasized this responsibility, and I have learned a lot; at the same time, prospects of the future are still quite scary.

On a similar note: internships! This next year is the "year of internships" (not unlike the Chinese "year of the boar...") for both Bryan and I. I am starting mine on August 4th in Flagstaff. Bryan has been (thankfully) at his internship at the Guidance Center in Flag for many weeks now. He is coming very close to finishing the first set of required hours to become a Licensed Associate Counselor. I am so proud of him as he has had to face a lot of adversity, and overcome many challenges to get where he is today.

Yesterday gave way to some reminiscing as Bryan and I walked accros Forest Meadows street at one end of our apartment complex, over to Dipping Dots. I remember going there when they first opened with Steve and Rachel. Did we go 2 or 3 times that night? The managers were having a great time laughing at our insatiable craving for the frozen treat...