Hello! My name is Pat. I am one of the physical therapists at Madden PT and I am excited to share a little about myself!
I am from Mechanicsburg PA, a small town near Harrisburg on the West Shore. I attended Mechanicsburg High School where I was very involved in the music program. I learned to play the saxophone and I was involved in ensembles such as the symphonic band, jazz band, and marching band. Music was a big part of my life at this time, and I spent most of my days either practicing, performing, or in rehearsals. Despite this, I still had time to pursue my academic interests including physics, biology, and psychology. Outside of school, I enjoyed playing soccer and loved spending time during the winter months on the ski slopes. Although I haven’t been skiing in a few years, I like to think it’s like riding a bike: once you learn, you never forget!
I don’t have the typical “becoming a PT” story (student athlete, gets injured, goes through PT, becomes a PT). I didn’t know what I wanted to do for most of high school. In fact, I didn’t even really know much about PT until my senior year! I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to study in college, so I made a list of things that I wanted in a job. I knew I wanted to be on my feet, work with people, and use my knowledge of the human body to help others. I also knew I didn’t want to be stuck at a desk all day. When I showed this list to my dad, he noted that what I described as my ideal job was a physical therapist! I spent a handful of hours shadowing a physical therapist in an outpatient clinic and realized that this was what I wanted to do. I started applying to schools, got accepted into Lebanon Valley College (LVC), and the rest started falling into place.
I went through LVC’s rigorous 6-year program where I developed a passion for physical therapy and for the art of healing people. I learned innumerable hands-on skills, developed a deeper understanding of human anatomy, and learned rehabilitative exercises for nearly every part of the body. Despite all of this, the most valuable thing about my experience was the relationships I developed over the years. I met lifelong friends both in and out of my PT class. I also formed relationships with the faculty and staff who were there every step of the way. Despite being the class to graduate during a pandemic, there isn’t a thing I would change about my time at LVC.
What are my hobbies outside of work, you might be wondering. Well, I’m glad you asked! One of my other passions lies in the great outdoors. I discovered my love for hiking many years ago once I realized how to disconnect from the world and simply enjoy the beauty of nature. I love to hike because it’s easy to find peace away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I am an avid hiker and I am always ready to talk about my favorite hikes or hikes that are on my bucket list. Three of my favorite hikes of all time are: Tongariro Crossing (New Zealand), Angel’s Landing (Zion National Park, Utah), and Glen Onoko (Jim Thorpe, PA). What are your favorite hikes? I look forward to finding out!
One of my other passions is cooking. I don’t know what it takes to be a “foodie,” but I do love trying new foods, experimenting with new recipes, and discovering new flavors and spices. Growing up, I had influences from Italian, Lebanese, and Vietnamese cultures, and these are reflected in some of the food I make. From carbonara to falafel to Vietnames pho, I love the distinct dishes that come from different cultures. Like hiking, I am always willing to discuss food with anyone, at any time, at any place. Please feel free to send any new recipes my way!
To close out, here are some fast facts about myself:
- I spent 4 months studying abroad in New Zealand. While there, I traveled solo to Australia for 2 weeks where I attended Sydney’s light festival “Vivid Sydney,” lived in hostels, and even held a koala!
- I have a running list entitled “Food That Changed My Life” where I record the most notable dishes that I’ve had the privilege of eating
- I plan on one day opening a food stand or food truck as a side gig to share whatever dishes I concoct
- I am employed by LVC as a Lab Assistant for the Manual Therapy elective
- I plan on teaching physical therapy as a professor one day
- I have a beautiful, amazing, intelligent girlfriend who also happens to be a PT
So, now you know a little more about me. I look forward to learning more about you!