Strength from Within: Honoring My APTA Pelvic Health Scholarship Award

First and foremost, I would like to state how deeply honored I am to have been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Student (SPT) Scholarship for the month of October. This award is incredibly meaningful to me, as it has opened opportunities to further my knowledge in the pelvic health concentration and brought me a step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a licensed pelvic floor physical therapist. 

My interest in physical therapy first began when I was a technician at Danni Jones Wellness and Physical Therapy clinic located in Ruston, Louisiana. Before working here, I had doubts about whether I even wanted to pursue the field. These doubts quickly turned into motivation after learning, observing, and supporting patients in my role as a technician. I enjoyed the one-on-one conversations and the bond you built with these individuals during their recovery journeys. 

Now, as a second year on my first rotation, these experiences are felt even deeper. I am more hands-on than I was before, and I have the privilege of being a part of a patient’s progress from the very beginning to the end. It is incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and to know that I am contributing to their journey. For my very first rotation, I am at an orthopedic outpatient facility called Shreveport Aquatics and Land Therapies in Shreveport, Louisiana. One of the biggest highlights of this rotation has been working with my amazing CIs. Their patience, encouragement, and commitment to helping me grow in this field have truly shaped my confidence and skill set.

During my days being a technician, I grew more passionate about the pelvic health specialty through meaningful interactions with patients and gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of this field. I witnessed firsthand how often pelvic health concerns were overlooked or misunderstood. My interest grew after attending a presentation explaining the scope of pelvic health, physical therapy interventions, and the significant role pelvic floor function plays in overall quality of life. 

I also have a personal connection to this specialty, as several of my family members, including my mother and grandmother, have experienced these challenges. Seeing their experiences along with those of patients I had previously worked with strengthened my dedication to pursue this path. I strive to be the voice for the underserved, break the stigmas surrounding pelvic health, and advocate for greater awareness and access to care for patients. 

This scholarship not only supports my ongoing education but also fuels my determination to continue learning, collaborating, and serving those in my community. I am more than eager to expand my knowledge of this specialty and to learn from experienced educators and clinicians in the field. 

I am sincerely grateful for the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health for its continuous efforts to provide literature on evidence-based interventions, new research, words of encouragement, financial aid for continuing education courses, and other meaningful opportunities to its members. It shows that the academy’s determination to develop well-rounded clinicians who are ready to take on any challenge and commit to improving the lives of those with pelvic floor dysfunctions. This is one of the many things I love about the academy and its community. 

As I move forward, I am going to use my newfound knowledge to better equip myself as a future pelvic floor therapist and in my present academics. Once I become a licensed therapist, I am committed to advocating for better pelvic health education within my community, promoting open and supportive conversations, and ensuring every patient feels seen, heard, and empowered in their care.

About the Author

Alexandra Sanders, SPT

 Hello, readers! My name is Alexandra Sanders, and I am a second-year student in physical therapy at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. I am originally from Ruston, and one of my favorite hobbies is creating and appreciating art. My experiences within the clinic, classroom, and community have inspired me to pursue a career in the pelvic health specialty. My goal is to become a licensed pelvic floor physical therapist and serve in communities where care is limited or overlooked. Another fun fact about me is that I love to travel - and I hope to combine this passion with my career by becoming a traveling therapist one day!