Member Spotlight: Vanessa Adams, PT, DPT

💼 Professional Background

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

My interest in physical therapy began in middle school after experiencing injuries that led me to PT. During that time, my physical therapist helped me return to dancing, which was my passion. As I continued through physical therapy over the years, I became more curious about the profession, asking questions during my sessions and researching the field on my own. Each time I was able to get back to doing what I loved, I gained a deeper appreciation for the impact physical therapy can have on a person’s life.

Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career in physical therapy, and my passion continued to grow throughout clinical experiences in PT school. During my acute care rotations, I discovered how meaningful it is to help patients regain mobility and independence during some of their most vulnerable moments. Seeing patients take their first steps after surgery, illness, or injury reinforced the importance of physical therapy and solidified my passion for working in acute care.

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

I have been practicing for 6 months, and I work in acute care, primarily on the neurological/neurosurgery floor. 

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

One of my favorite patient populations to work with is individuals recovering from a stroke. I enjoy that every patient’s recovery journey is unique, which constantly challenges me to think critically and adapt my approach to best support their goals. The most rewarding part is seeing patients surprise themselves with what they are capable of accomplishing, often in a short amount of time after their stroke. Being able to help patients regain confidence, mobility, and independence during their recovery is incredibly meaningful to me.

🌟 Professional Involvement

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

Being a member of the APTA and FPTA has provided me with a strong and diverse network of individuals who continually support and encourage me, including students, new professionals, and experienced clinicians. These connections have benefited me both professionally and personally by creating opportunities to build meaningful relationships through conferences, meetings, and other in person events.

As a new professional, having this community in my corner has been incredibly valuable. It has given me mentors and colleagues I can turn to for guidance through challenging conversations, discussions about research and clinical practice, and navigating the transition into the profession. Most importantly, it has helped me feel supported early in my career while building confidence and finding my place within the physical therapy profession.

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

My advice to students and new professionals is to ask the hard questions, introduce yourself to new people, and get involved in your state chapter. It can feel intimidating at first, but stepping outside of your comfort zone is one of the best ways to grow both personally and professionally. Building connections early in your career allows you to develop a strong network of mentors, colleagues, and friends who will support and encourage you throughout your journey. The relationships and opportunities that come from getting involved can have a lasting impact on your career and help you find your place within the profession.

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

One of the biggest challenges in the physical therapy field is navigating insurance and reimbursement limitations while continuing to provide high quality, patient centered care across all practice settings. Physical therapists also face challenges related to healthcare staffing shortages, productivity demands, and ensuring patients have access to the care they need.

At the same time, there are many exciting opportunities within the profession. Physical therapy continues to grow through advocacy, research, technology, and leadership opportunities across a wide variety of settings and patient populations. One of the greatest opportunities is continuing to demonstrate the value and impact of physical therapy within healthcare and the community. As the profession evolves, physical therapists have the opportunity to showcase the wide range of skills, knowledge, and expertise they bring to improving mobility, function, independence, and overall quality of life for patients across the lifespan.

💬 Fun & Personal Side

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

I would choose to have dinner with Walt Disney because I think the conversation would be both fun and incredibly inspiring. I would want to hear how he came up with some of his most creative ideas and how he turned what seemed like impossible dreams into reality.

I admire how he did not let setbacks stop him and instead kept imagining bigger possibilities, which eventually led to something that has brought joy to so many people. It would be fascinating to hear his perspective on creativity, storytelling, and building experiences that connect with people on such a large scale.

I also think it would be an enjoyable dinner filled with stories, big ideas, and a lot of imagination, and I would leave feeling even more inspired to think creatively in my own work and career.

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

In my free time, I like to keep things fun and balanced with a mix of activities that help me unwind and stay energized. I enjoy reading because it lets me relax while learning something new, and I like cooking and trying out different recipes, especially when I can be creative with it.

I also love spending time outdoors whenever I can, whether that is going for a walk or just enjoying fresh air to reset. I take dance classes as well, which is one of my favorite ways to stay active while having fun and stepping away from the stress of the day. On top of that, I enjoy watching sports, which is a great way for me to relax and still feel connected to competition and teamwork.