This series has definitely been neglected lately with everything going on in the world, but I am happy to say that “Life as a PT” is BACK ladies and gentleman! Keep on reading to meet today’s awesome therapist!

Okay y’all, it’s time to meet Alex Hill, PT, DPT, OnCS, WCS!

Alex is a physical therapist double board certified in Women’s Health AND Oncology; she specializes in pelvic health, oncology, and lymphedema. She earned her DPT from the University of Florida, and completed her Women’s Health Residency at Duke University. She is “passionate about learning the intricacies of pain, advocating for patients, treating holistically, and finding that missing piece”.

How did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy?

At Kent State University, I majored in biochemistry and was unsure if I wanted to pursue a career in basic science research or as a healthcare provider. I shadowed and volunteered in different healthcare settings, got involved with physical chemistry research for 3 years, and went through my own course of physical therapy after a hip surgery. These experiences combined with my personality and passion for research, helping people, health/wellness, and learning about the human body lead me to decide on physical therapy as a career in my Junior year. I ended up staying an extra semester to complete my prerequisites for physical therapy school, but am so glad I took the time to truly figure out what would make me happy! I attended the University of Florida Doctor of Physical Therapy program then went on to complete the Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency at Duke University; I have now been practicing for 6 years.

What was your favorite part of PT school?

I have several favorite memories from PT school. I loved anatomy and learning all the intricacies and connections within the human body. The cadaver dissection was an integral part of learning anatomy and allowed a depth of learning that you just don’t get through a textbook.

Another favorite part of PT school was learning about all the different specialties, from pediatrics to wound care to pelvic health. My shadowing hours to get into PT school were mainly in outpatient orthopedics so I didn’t realize all of the amazing specialties that were available! My first time shadowing with a physical therapist who specialized in pelvic health and oncology was a game changer. I knew immediately these were the areas I wanted to work in. 

Finally, I loved that we had a lot of volunteer opportunities available and were encouraged to participate in, including a local pro-bono clinic, Special Olympics, and the annual University of Florida Nicaragua Project in which we traveled to Nicaragua and treated patients and assisted with teaching clinicians the most up-to-date evidence on pain science and low back pain.

What type of setting do you work in/What does a typical day look like?

I work in a hospital-based outpatient setting and treat pelvic health, oncology, and lymphedema conditions. Some of the pelvic diagnoses that I evaluate and treat are incontinence (leakage) of urine or stool, constipation, abdominal and pelvic pain, prolapse (pelvic organs start to drop into the vagina), painful intercourse, and pregnancy/postpartum issues like pelvic girdle pain and diastasis recti. With my cancer survivors, we work on deconditioning, range of motion, chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, weakness, balance, and lymphedema.

I see patients Monday through Friday as well as a couple Saturdays per year, and my sessions with patients are all one-on-one for 45 minutes. Beyond clinical care, I also mentor new pelvic health therapists, do community outreach and lectures, and participate in Tumor Board Meetings with physicians. 

Do you have any specialty certifications?

I am a dual Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic and Women’s Health Physical Therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Even though the Board Certification is in Women’s Health, don’t let the name fool you! It actually encompasses all genders and ages, as well as conditions more prevalent among women including breast and gynecologic cancers, osteoporosis, and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). I’m also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist – LANA, which is an advanced certification in lymphedema evaluation and treatment.

What is your favorite thing about the PT profession/your job?

I love empowering people to take control of their condition and symptoms. I truly value a strong alliance between myself and the patient to work toward symptom resolution; because many people will come to see me with what they consider embarrassing issues, it’s important to create a safe space to build trust and work together. It’s amazing to see improvements not only in people’s symptoms but also their quality of life with these often-times life altering conditions; that’s the most rewarding part of being a PT. 

What advice do you have for pre-PT or current DPT students?

Be open to opportunities – you never know where they may lead! Additionally, always stay hungry to advance your knowledge and have a mindset of being a life-long learner.

If there is anything else you would like to touch on or add, please do so below!

Instagram: @oncopelvicPT

Twitter: @AlexHillPT

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrahillpt

Facebook: www.facebook.com/oncopelvicPT

Thank you so much to Alex for sharing a little about her PT school experience, and her life as a Women’s Health/Oncologic clinician. To keep up with Alex, you can connect with her through Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook (all linked above)!

If you are a practicing PT and would like to be featured in my next post, please email me directly at hello@thecurlyclinician.com! If you missed the last “Life as a PT” post, feel free to check that out! Keep your eyes peeled for the next PT that will be featured, I have some great guests lined up for the month of July!