Orthopedic Physical Therapy Resident
Hometown: Coral Springs, FL
About: Melissa obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science from the University of Florida in 2015 (Go Gators!). When starting college, she was certain that she wanted to pursue a career in the health field; however, she wanted to choose a path that would grant her an opportunity to not only witness, but assist, in a person’s rehabilitative growth and progression over time. Being exposed to various avenues of Physical Therapy solidified her decision to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist. In the Fall of 2015, Melissa became a Double Gator, as she chose to remain at the University of Florida to obtain her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Her passion to help people by providing quality care caused Melissa to consider a residency program. Her desire to mature her education, clinical reasoning, and hands-on skills in the practice area of Orthopedics in order to ensure optimal patient outcomes truly led her to seek residency training. Melissa believes that the next year will be a challenging, yet rewarding experience as she is dared and encouraged step out of her comfort zone in order to grow both personally and professionally. After completing residency, Melissa plans to earn her Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) certification and seek opportunities to further expand her knowledge in the pediatric realm of orthopedics.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Resident
About: Jackie knew she wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy after completing her internship senior year of high school. She enjoyed watching patients progress through their rehab and getting back to the activities they enjoyed doing. She attended the University of New England in Maine for both her bachelor’s in exercise science and her doctorate in physical therapy. After speaking with multiple people who had completed residency programs, Jackie knew she wanted to continue to learn and grow as a physical therapist in a supportive setting. She decided to pursue orthopedic residency to challenge herself in order to provide the best possible care to her patients. She plans to become an orthopedic clinical specialist after completing the residency program.
When she’s not treating patients, she enjoys teaching or participating in group exercise classes, watching football, and baking cookies.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Resident
About: Reka was born and raised in Budapest Hungary. Reka has been interested in exercise from a very young age due to her participation in multiple sports such as swimming and volleyball. Her sports career led her to the United States, as she competed at the collegiate level as a member of the University of Houston Swimming and Diving Team. While attending UofH she also received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Exercise Science.
Due to her involvement with sports and exercise science, Reka has grown to become passionate in pursuing a career in rehabilitation and physical therapy. She went on to Texas Woman’s University Institute of Health Sciences-Houston to complete her doctorate in physical therapy, which she received in May 2018.
After completing the residency program, she plans to earn her OCS certification. In addition, Reka’s goal is to become a clinical instructor/mentor to help other students and residents achieve their own personal and professional goals as emerging physical therapists. Lastly, Reka is also interested in pursuing teaching opportunities and lead continuing education courses in the future.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Resident
Hometown:Pearland, TX
About: Having undergone significant reconstructive foot surgery as a teenager, Allison was drawn to physical therapy long before college. She began observing in physical therapy clinics during her freshman year at the University of Texas at Austin, and loved how physical therapists were able to spend one-on-one time and really connect with patients. She applied to PT schools all over the state, and was excited to end up accepted at Texas Woman's University. After graduating in 2016 with degrees in biology and exercise science, she moved back to Houston to begin her doctorate of physical therapy degree.
During PT school, Allison enjoyed a variety of clinical experiences in the Houston Medical Center including inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, and pediatrics. She also began pursuing a PhD in physical therapy through Texas Woman's University. After learning about residency programs, she knew that she wanted to take the next step to become a clinical specialist following graduation in 2019. Allison loved the Harris Health mission statement and was thrilled to be chosen as an orthopedic resident at Quentin Mease. After residency, she plans to obtain her Orthopedic Clinical Specialty certification and hopes to continue working in the Houston area. She will finish her PhD at Texas Woman's University and eventually plans to teach as well as practice.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Resident
Hometown:Irving, TX
About: Oluwatosin was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria but relocated to Irving, Texas at the age of 9, where she completed her primary education. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Allied Health and her Master of Science in Recreation, Event and Sports Management at the University of North Texas (Go Mean Green!), where she discovered her passion for Physical Therapy through her experience as a Physical Therapy Tech. This altered her career path in a major way causing her to apply for physical therapy school during her Masters program.
Oluwatosin attended Texas Woman’s University Institute of Health Sciences - Houston to complete her doctorate in physical therapy. This afforded her the opportunity to explore several settings in Physical Therapy throughout her clinical education. Her desire to improve her patient care and receive mentorship drove her to seek residency training. After completing residency, Oluwatosin plans to earn her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification and continue to develop as a clinician in Orthopedics and Women’s health settings.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Resident
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
About: Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Thomas was exposed to physical therapy as a patient while recovering from several sports injuries during his baseball career at University of Central Missouri. Tom’s interest in the field grew as he worked as a physical therapy technician during his undergraduate summers. He received his bachelors in Health Studies in the spring of 2013 and soon pursued his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, graduating in May of 2017. Tom’s passion for orthopedic rehabilitation, working with the underserved, desire to become an expert in his field, and drive to provide quality care to his patients led him to seek residency training.
After completing residency, Tom plans to earn his Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) certification and continue to build his clinical expertise through joining a manual therapy fellowship program.
His hobbies include watching his St. Louis Cardinals and Blues, playing golf, board games, and going for hikes with his wife and dog, Yadi.
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