Learn about exceptional achievements in pelvic health as we shine the spotlight on our dedicated members, sharing their experiences, expertise, and passion to empower and educate the public about the benefits of physical therapy. If you are an Academy member, share your story with us!
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. Continue Reading
My upbringing as a first-generation Filipino American comprised of a rich culture embedded in Catholicism that somehow coalesced with deeply proud LGBTQ roots. Yes, these two things can coexist, though in a hot mess type of way. For starters, my community was a safe space for freedom of bodily... Continue Reading
The first time I remember hearing someone talk about their pelvic floor was when I was 7 years old in gymnastics class. The kids were teaching parents how to do basic skills on the trampoline. A few of the moms wouldn’t go on the trampoline and said if they did, they’d pee their pants. Continue Reading
My physical therapy interest was first triggered when I was injured as a competitive swimmer in middle school, it sparked when I attended graduate school at Thomas Jefferson University, and it skyrocketed when I got involved with the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health as a 2nd-year DPT student. Continue Reading
My experience at the APTA Pelvic Health level 1 (PH1) webinar and in-person lab were both extremely valuable learning opportunities. The most notable positive experience from the level 1 coursework was the educators and presenters. Continue Reading
There is a small percentage of the pregnant population who experience severe nausea and vomiting. These individuals may be diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidadum and commonly experience dehydration, weight loss, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Continue Reading
Unlike many of my DPT classmates, I was never athletic in my younger years. I participated in many sports as a child, but never excelled and was usually on the bench for games. Continue Reading
As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I treat many postpartum women. But I wasn’t aware of postpartum depression until I worked with one patient a few months ago. Continue Reading
I’m from Birmingham, AL, and I graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2006. My legal background is largely in clinical legal education and pro bono work. I spent six years as the Clinical Supervising Attorney for the Civil Law Clinic at UA School of Law, and I helped establish two Continue Reading
Natalie Surut, PT, DPT is a pelvic health physical therapist and president of the Women In Leadership Special Interest Group through APTA UT. She graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Utah in 2022, where she was awarded the Elizabeth Fuhriman Gardner Prize for The Outs Continue Reading
Hi! My name is Kylee Austin, and I am in my final year of my DPT program at Northern Arizona University. Although my most important job is being a mother to my three sons Tristan (7), and twins Keegan and Kayden (5), I look forward to graduating in December and becoming a pelvic health physical ther Continue Reading
The ease with which these professionals give up on supporting their patients is frustrating. I was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) at around the age of 16; many years after my parents had begun searching for answers about my frequent pain and injuries. Continue Reading
