FPTA Spotlight: Christina Devlin, PT, DPT

💼 Professional Background

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in physical therapy/physical therapy assisting?

I always had an interest when it came to health and sciences growing up. With my innate love for athletics and sports I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare.  It wasn’t until I was injured playing high school volleyball where I had my first exposure to outpatient PT. It was that experience where I determine PT was the route for me.  As such setting my sights on the outpatient/sports medicine setting only made sense as I pursued my B.S. degree from Florida State University.  While completing my required volunteer work as a part of my application for PT school I had my first opportunity to experience health care within a local skilled nursing/long term care center. Unexpectedly, yet easily, I fell in love with the geriatric population and the endless potential I saw in my future to make a difference in the lives of our seniors.  The rest is history…. and I haven’t looked back since!

2. How long have you been practicing, and what setting do you currently work in?

I have been licensed for 16 years and have had the distinct pleasure of serving the geriatric population predominantly in the skilled nursing and long-term care community across multi-state operations.

3. What’s your favorite part of working with patients or clients?

Simply put… the patients, their families and the teams I have been so blessed to work with over the years.  There is no greater feeling then the sense of fulfillment when you can experience the profound impact and true difference you have made in the lives of others especially those patients whom are most vulnerable.

🌟 Professional Involvement

4.      How has being a member of APTA/FPTA benefited you professionally or personally?

Advocacy, education, resources and networking.  I have benefited from each of these areas and more being a member of the APTA.  As a busy professional time can be limited, but I can always count on the APTA to keep me up to date with key details.

5.      What advice would you give to students or early-career PTs/PTAs?

Pursue and follow your passion to affirm your “why” on choosing a career in physical therapy.  Step outside your comfort zone, take every opportunity to network,  connect, and experience all the available settings where PTs/PTAs have the ability to make an impact.  You may just surprise yourself and find your sense of purpose in a setting that may not have been in your initial plan or where you least expected!

6.      What do you think are the biggest opportunities or challenges facing the field right now?

Given the recent state of the economy and the healthcare sector’s recovery post COVID I have experienced significant and growing challenges related to the workforce raising concerns regarding patient’s access to needed services.  Future clinicians are faced with rising tuition costs with potential changes on the horizon related to federal funding along with cost of living continuing to rise exponentially deterring many from entering our profession.

💬 Fun & Personal Side

7.      If you could have dinner with any historical or famous figure, who would it be and why?

This is a tough one… I liked #8 better ;)

8.      What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

Spending time with family and friends.  I have two handsome nephews and a beautiful niece whom bring me so much joy to love and spoil J I also enjoy traveling whenever I can, and an avid FSU football fan as a proud alum.