Meet the SSIG Members | Featuring Rachel Borland, SPT

Welcome to the 6th ‘Meet the SSIG Members!’ The Student Special Interest Group is made up of student PTs and student PTAs from across the country – and we want to highlight them and their passion for the profession! ‘Meet the SSIG Members’ has the purpose of connecting students interested in pelvic and women’s health by introducing them to one another and our community through the APTA Pelvic Health Student Special Interest Group. We would like this engagement to promote personal development, networking, and friendship opportunities.

Name/Year in School/Program Name:

Rachel Borland/Third year/Slippery Rock University Graduate School of Physical Therapy

Why are you interested in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

I am passionate about healthcare accessibility. In my hometown, the closest pelvic floor physical therapist is an hour and a half away. I knew I wanted to be able provide this valuable service to my community.

What are you most excited for your upcoming Pelvic Health Clinical Rotation OR what did you love most about your Pelvic Health Clinical Rotation?

During my Pelvic Health Clinical Rotation at @core3pt, I was able to see a wide variety of patient presentations. I loved collaborating with my clinical instructors to arm patients with knowledge/tools to facilitate their goals.

Why do you believe it is important to be an active member of the SSIG and/or what have you gotten out of being a member of the SSIG?

Being a member of the Pelvic Health SSIG provided me a network to discuss topics unique to a student. Also, it is always a great evening when the SSIG hosts one of their engaging webinars with pelvic health professionals in different fields.

Any advice you might like to share for students looking to get involved in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

After taking my level one pelvic floor PT course, I was able to perform internal evaluations as a student during my clinical. This was an invaluable experience to have as an SPT, and I feel confident I could enter the pelvic health field as an entry-level PT.

What do you love to do outside of PT school?

For fun, I like to watch Formula 1 races on Sundays, read memoirs, and walk my dog with my mom, who is also a PT! I also volunteer for the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) Committee for the APTA Section on Pelvic Health. Check out the “IDEA BINGO” campaign to promote the inclusion of under-represented groups in our continuing education programs. https://preview.mailerlite.com/i6t5y6l8q3/1888495918760597042/t8l4/

APTA Pelvic Health Student SIG