Students from Indiana State University visited Blanchfield Army Community Hospital recently and explored the different areas where Army physical therapists work.
"The goal was to increase awareness of the federal health system and to provide them education on the opportunities and the amazing things we do as Army physical therapists to improve the readiness of our Soldier population, their families and retirees," said Maj. Leigh Anne Lechanski, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, assistant chief, physical therapy service.
On Fort Campbell, physical therapists can be found working with forward brigade combat teams and special operations. Within the hospital, they work in primary care, post-surgical rehabilitation, the Warrior Transition Battalion and Intrepid Spirit Center. "There is just so much to see and do on a daily basis that happens on the installation. I didn't want them to miss that," said Lechanski, who arranged a variety of work sites for the students to observe.
The visit was coordinated with Indiana State University's Dr. Jeremy Houser, an assistant professor who worked with Soldiers as a civilian physical therapist on Fort Benning, Georgia, before he transitioned to teaching.
"I think the autonomy that physical therapists have on the military side, you won't find on the civilian side -- to be able to order imaging, to prescribe certain medications, to order lab values if it's deemed appropriate for the position -- you have that autonomy," Houser said, speaking from his personal experience.
For the students, the visit was an eye opening opportunity to learn about Army Medicine.
"Honestly, just thinking of military in my own opinion, my first thought is the front line with the vests and the guns and everything. You never get to see the medical side of it," said Chelsea Prince, an Indiana State University Doctor of Physical Therapy student. She and her classmates got to see physical therapists practicing their craft on post, which gave the soon-to-be doctors useful information to help as they pursue medical careers.
"We're all third year students, so, we are entering our last year and getting ready to find jobs and enter the workforce," said Justin Shaffer, "What's great about physical therapy is that there are so many different fields, whether it is orthopedics, neuro or even cardio pulmonary…there's countless options. So what's cool about being on post is that they provide a little bit of everything for us to see."
"It's changed my outlook on the setting as far as considering this as an option in terms of after graduation. I was unaware that civilians were even able to provide care to military. Personally, I probably would consider it now with the benefits they have." said Prince.
Army physical therapists improve readiness by treating Soldiers in areas of physical fitness, physical training and injury prevention. They provide the military community with neuro-musculoskeletal evaluation, intervention and case management.
"Don't be afraid to work in the federal system whether you're a civilian or in the military. It's an important responsibility that I think many Americans should approach and consider doing to serve our country and support our nation," said Lechanski.
Social Sharing