Class of 2008, Health Science/Physical Therapy Major
Hometown: Ohio City, Ohio

Megan Anthony, a health science/physical therapy major and psychology minor, knew she wanted to become a physical therapist before she graduated from high school. Her mother, a physical therapy assistant who went back to school after raising nine children, sometimes took Anthony to work with her. There, she had the opportunity to meet many children who were receiving physical therapy (PT) for a variety of reasons.

An additional influence came later. Her niece, who is 2 years old and uses a walker, was born with spina bifida, a disabling birth defect that occurs when the spine of a baby fails to close during the first months of pregnancy. “After my niece was born, I realized that’s really want I want to do,” said Anthony, who is considering a career in pediatric PT.

As a student, Anthony maintains an excellent GPA and participates in intramural sports, Physical Therapy Club and Psy-Key Club. But helping others is a priority.

Outside of class, she works with a 5-year-old autistic boy to help him develop fine motor skills, like zipping up his coat or writing. She works with two other children, ages 2 and 3, on strengthening exercises to help them sit, crawl and walk. “They are so upbeat! I love their positive attitudes,” she said. “It’s great to see how they change over time and how you can influence their life in that way.”

And when it’s time to go home for the day, Anthony continues helping others. Since her sophomore year of college, she has lived with her 88-year-old grandmother who recently had a stroke and requires 24-hour care. Anthony’s family is proud of her for all that she has accomplished, and although they don’t expect her to give up her time to help her grandmother, they are grateful for her help and knowledge.

Anthony has used the things she’s learning in class to help care for her grandmother, and to benefit the children she works with. “We’re learning about assistive devices, so with my grandma, I’m able to see that she uses her walker properly and can maneuver around the house,” she explained. “With my niece, I’ve been able to help her learn to properly use a reverse walker. We’ve also started learning about stretching and joint mobilities, which is especially helpful in working with one of the children I see.”

Megan works with a “patient,” fellow student Amber Rader, during a class.

Anthony is confident that she will have enough knowledge and firsthand experience to be comfortable in any setting once she begins her career. “I’ve learned a lot through my professors. We work on case scenarios and go to clinicals – getting firsthand experience working with patients and using different therapy methods.”

She mentioned Cindy Bouillon, Ph.D., an inspirational professor with a lot of knowledge and a positive attitude; Jean Weaver, Anthony’s academic adviser; and Julie Toney, who helps prepare students for clinicals, as faculty members who have been helpful in the PT program.

Through an on-campus job in Shafer Library, Anthony met another source of support: Nancy Bickford, periodicals assistant. “I’ve worked for her since my freshman year, and I can go to her with anything – not necessarily just school stuff,” said Anthony. “She’s definitely a lady you can talk to about anything.”

As she works toward her master’s degree to become a practicing physical therapist, Anthony hopes to “gain more knowledge of the different therapeutic techniques and the different settings – whether it be acute care or pediatrics or being able to go into clinicals and see it firsthand.” She plans to complete the program in May 2010.

“I’ve enjoyed the one-on-one experience with the professors,” said Anthony. “Since the classes are smaller, the professors know you on a first-name basis. They are helpful and they’re always there for you. They are all very genuine, and they know that school is important but that you still have life outside of school. They’re always willing to work with you. I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Findlay and look forward to the next two years.”