FPTA Spotlight: Meryl Alappattu, PT, DPT, PhD

💼 Professional Background

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

Unlike many people who had some type of injury and were inspired by the experience they had in physical therapy, PT was somewhat of a default choice. I had too much fun my freshman year at Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!) and getting a C in accounting did not bode well for me entering IU’s business school. So, my dad reminded me that I enjoyed volunteering in the acute care physical therapy setting during high school, so I decided to pivot from business to kinesiology. I was still pretty neutral about PT until I began my full-time clinical experiences.

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

I’ve been a licensed PT since 2008 and worked primarily in the outpatient orthopedic setting, focusing my care on patients undergoing cancer treatment and/or with pelvic floor dysfunction. My current primary setting is academia: I am a research associate professor at the University of Florida, and I have been here since 2015. I am also a clinical research scientist collaborating with the musculoskeletal and pelvic health teams at Brooks Rehabilitation and have been in that role since 2019.

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

I am an extroverted introvert, so I enjoy connecting with people at a deeper level and getting to know who they are outside of their health condition for which they are seeking care or participating in one of my research studies. While there are many things I do not miss about the clinic, getting to know patients and their stories is one of the things I value and miss in my current position.

🌟 Professional Involvement

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

The colleagues I work/worked alongside in FPTA and APTA who I am lucky to call friends are definitely the best personal benefit of my involvement. Being involved in nonprofit governance has helped shape my leadership skills, public speaking, and how I collaborate with a team of people who have a common goal.

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

Get involved with the profession in whatever way you can. I’m not saying that everyone needs to go into elected leadership positions or serve on a board but there are many short-term, “micro”or “little L” leadership opportunities that allow people to advocate for our profession and to network and engage with PTs/PTAs and other healthcare providers. Think about how you can lead where you are, whether that is a student, early professional, clinical instructor, etc. Frankly, we need more people who understand and live the day-to-day life of a practicing PT/PTA engaging in and out of our professional organizations to advance our profession both nationally and at the state level.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities or challenges facing the field right now? Fair reimbursement for the care we provide and the cost of entry level training programs.

💬 Fun & Personal Side

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

Traveling and honing my south Indian cooking skills.