AllHealthcare

Explore Careers >> Browse Articles >> Physical Therapist

Explore Careers >> Browse Articles >> All Careers

Career Profile: Physical Therapist - Matthew Scherer

I chose this career because…

I chose to become a physical therapist because I wanted to promote wellness and spend time treating and interacting with my patients.

Growing up, I always had an interest in science. I was greatly influenced by my parents. They pushed for achievement in academics and provided a good example of diligent work ethics. As I approached college, I had an interest in natural sciences and in medical school. However, I did not want a long period of schooling, as necessary with medical school. I wanted to promote wellness and work with patients sooner, rather than later. I thought that physical therapy might be in my future.

Education
• Bachelor of Arts, Geology, Philosophy, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minneapolis
• Master of Science, Physical Therapy, United States Army-Baylor University, San Antonio, Texas

My typical workday involves…

My typical workday at the Walter Reed Hospital is a long day involving the duties of an Army officer, patient responsibilities in the clinic, administrative tasks, personal physical fitness and leadership.

Typical Schedule

• My day begins with a workout in the gym and physical training, which is required by the Army.

• At 7 AM, on Monday and Thursdays, I evaluate outpatient ambulatory patients, and evaluate and treat primarily active duty military personnel.

• At 9 AM, I begin work with patients in the amputee service, dealing largely with the war-wounded who have lost limbs due to blast injuries incurred overseas. Together we work to improve their gait, balance, and general conditioning. Each patient works about 3 hours per day on rehabilitation, including time with an occupational therapist. Our goal is to have the patient return to the physical condition they had before they were injured.

What I like best/least about my work…

What I like best about my work is to see the patients make progress toward their goals and improve their level of functional activity. As the patient progresses toward independence, I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and a justification of my career choice. Fitness and wellness are important to me, and I know it will be part of my patients’ lives throughout their rehabilitation.

What I like least about my work are the long hours. There is so much to accomplish during the day. The long hours away from home can weigh heavily on my family. The rewards however, far outweigh the disadvantages. The toughest part is over – the 19 months I spent crunching out graduate work at Baylor. That was really tough!

My career goal is…

My career goal is to stay in the Army and continue my education. I would like to have certification in neurological rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning coaching. I also plan to apply for graduate school through the military training opportunities. With a Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) in physical therapy, I will be able to teach and train others.

When my time in the military is complete, and my children have grown up, my wife and I would like to work abroad again. It may be with the Peace Corps or an organization needing a therapist with experience with amputee patients

---