Alumni
Interviews:
Jason Wilken
UI Physical Therapy Program helped him discover his area of interest
" This physical therapy program is one of the Top 5 in the nation and it shows. "
When Jason Wilken was finishing up at Luther College majoring in Biology for his undergraduate along with a Psychology minor, he knew that he wanted to continue his education in physical therapy school. The fact that the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine has one of the top five physical therapy programs in the nation made the decision an easy one for Jason.
Once Jason was here, he discovered that this ranking was everything it promised to be and more. He not only received a well-rounded education, but he was also able to do a good amount of research that enabled him to discover his area of interest. While working in the hospital he was able to research ankle fusion and replacement through the Orthopaedic Gate Analysis. This was a great experience for Jason and it allowed him to realize at an even deeper level what he would want to focus on as he moved on earn his Doctorate in Rehabilitation Sciences.
After receiving his doctorate in an impressive three and one half years, by the end of this summer Jason hopes to become a professor in a Physical Therapy graduate program. He plans to continue his research in the mechanics of high and low arches.
All of this hard work has paid off for Jason in more ways than just receiving his doctorate sooner than others. He has been able to obtain two scholarships and, more recently, a grant for research. During his first semester in PT school, Jason received the McMillan Scholarship from the Foundations of Physical Therapy. Jason applied for this scholarship and was one of the six rewarded due to his outstanding potential in doctoral studies. Jason then went on to be awarded the Promotion of Doctoral Studies (PODS) scholarship after a successful completion of two semesters of doctoral school. On top of these helpful scholarships, Jason just received his first grant. This was a big accomplishment for him and he is very excited. This grant will be used towards research done at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. It was earned through collaboration with orthopaedic and rehabilitation clinic, Funded Research Assistantship.
Besides becoming a member of this board, Jason is the graduate student representative on the Doctor of Physical Therapy Board where he assists with the physical therapy curriculum. Being a part of The Medical Alumni Association Board will allow Jason to show physical therapy students what wonderful resources are available so they can get their best experience possible, both inside and outside of the classroom. Much like Jason was able to discover himself. He also hopes to help all departments within the college to communicate with each other to facilitate better everyone's understanding of what is going on in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.
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