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Hobbies and interests
Exploring Nature And Being Outside
Community Service And Volunteering
Research
Reading
Philosophy
Health
Politics
I read books daily
Hannah Dozhier
2,025
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/img1844ee1fa6337b02460e9c0b7c5d11527ea6.webp)
Hannah Dozhier
2,025
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy student graduating in 2027 from Oregon State University – Cascades Campus. As a first generation college student from a rural town, I commuted 2 hours every day for my undergraduate studies, graduating cum laude in 2023 with my Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology and an option in Psychology.
Since I was 12 years old, every move I have made professionally and academically has been to further my knowledge in the healthcare field, specifically in relation to physical therapy. With experience as a Physical Therapy Aide in two different clinic settings, broad shadowing experience, and my personal journey as a patient in physical therapy, I have spent a large portion of my life seeking out the career that I love. Despite many unfavorable experiences in the field, I find myself more and more passionate about the path I have chosen every day.
As an undergraduate student with a busy schedule, I was still able to find opportunities to engage with the community. I was a volunteer Exercise Coach at my local Parks and Recreation District gym for a circuit class geared toward aging populations.I also worked as a part-time Physical Therapy Aide, Barista, and Lab Assistant over the course of my studies. Rounding off my undergraduate career, I had the opportunity to job shadow at a Neuro-specialty physical therapy clinic, which inspired me to an even higher degree to pursue my dream of becoming a physical therapist.
I look ahead to my future with excitement to contribute to my field in a meaningful way through research and dedication.
Education
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)Majors:
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Career
Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Practice as a DPT while also being adjunct faculty at a local university to facilitate the education of the next generation of professionals.
Exercise Specialist/Administrative Coordinator
Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy2023 – Present1 yearLab Assistant
Insite Performance2023 – 2023Shift Supervisor
Starbucks Coffee Company2022 – 20231 yearBroista
Dutch Bros Coffee2021 – 20221 yearPhysical Therapy Aide
Rebound Physical Therapy2020 – 20211 yearBarista
Starbucks Coffee Company2018 – 20202 years
Sports
Cross-Country Running
Junior Varsity2018 – 20202 years
Bouldering
Club2020 – 20233 years
Tennis
Varsity2017 – 20181 year
Track & Field
Varsity2017 – 20192 years
Research
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Oregon State University - Cascades — Primary Author2022 – 2023
Arts
Crook County Middle School
Theatre2015 – 2016
Public services
Volunteering
First Baptist Church — Leader2017 – 2020Volunteering
Bend Parks and Recreation District — Personal Training Assistant2022 – 2023
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
James B. McKillip Scholarship for Physical Therapy
"GRRRR SPPRTT" the bitter earthy liquid slowly covers the bottom of the glass. "SSSPP PPTTT" steamed milk layers the coffee's surface as I try to draw a tulip in the customer’s drink. “I think this one turned out a bit lopsided. Looks like you’re getting a sprig of lavender today!” The customer smiles and thanks me for my imperfectly-rendered-attempt-at-a-somewhat-floral-looking-blob-of-milk in her drink.
Silly as it may seem, I feel that sharing these moments of imperfection and gratitude are some of the most meaningful interactions I’ve experienced. There’s something uniquely wholesome about just giving your best and receiving acceptance regardless of the perceived beauty or quality of the product.
Physical therapy is a lot like making lattes. Patients come to the clinic searching for the means to heal their physical conditions, but often the process returns more than expected. There is no specific metric for success in physical therapy. We continually get to meet patients where they are, collaborate and develop creative solutions, and find contentment in the present, all the while keeping our sights aimed toward stronger and healthier outcomes for the patients we treat.
Physical therapy helps to bridge the gap between primary healthcare and day-to-day living. Discovering and sustaining a lifestyle of well-being begins with personal agency. Placing tools for recovery in the patients’ hands provides them with a sense of control and alleviates the feeling of helplessness many people who experience acute or chronic pain struggle with.
I hope to contribute to this field of work through various mediums, but my primary focus is public speaking—advocating for both patients and providers. McKillip was a strong advocate for fee schedules in physical therapy which profoundly impacted the integration of sustainable and profitable physical therapy practices in states like California. I aim to bring awareness to the public regarding the benefits of physical therapy by communicating contemporary research in an easily understandable manner and helping to educate our future healthcare professionals. Through this advocacy, I hope to make steps toward reasonable reimbursement rates for physical therapists and beyond.
I enjoy engaging with the public, whether that’s in the form of new patient intake or brewing some delicious coffee to share with a chatty customer. I think the role I can most see myself in—aside from that of a traditional provider—is one of an adjunct professor at a local community college or university. Sharing knowledge is the only act sweeter than gaining it. It doesn’t matter if I know how to make the best cappuccino in Oregon or if I’m the most skillful physical therapist in the Pacific Northwest, those attributes are only valuable when shared and I hope to share and learn with others every chance that I get.