Dr. Liza Joseph, DPT: My Physical Therapy Journey
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Hello, I'm Dr. Eliza Joseph, and I'm honored to be a part of the Wayfinder Wellness and Physical Therapy team.
My path to Wayfinder is not just a professional choice but a deeply personal journey, influenced by my family's legacy in healthcare and a life-altering experience that shaped my understanding of compassion and resilience.
A Family Dedicated to Healing
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the medical field, I was surrounded by examples of dedication to patient care.
My medical heritage is rich with inspiration: my grandfather, a former President of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, embodied excellence and empathy in healthcare. My parents, both psychiatrists and my sister, the internal medicine chief resident at Dartmouth Hitchcock, each exemplified different aspects of being a healer.
It's with great pride that I carry this commitment to healthcare in a discipline that resonates with my passion for holistic, hands-on healing.
The Turning Point: My Grandfather's Journey
The defining moment that steered me toward physical therapy was witnessing my beloved grandfather's battle with brain cancer. As his cognitive and motor functions declined, I saw how physical therapy became a beacon of hope in his life.
His therapists were more than healthcare providers; they were his motivators, his confidants, and an extension of our family. They gave him a sense of purpose when everything else seemed to be slipping away.
This experience opened my eyes to the profound impact physical therapy can have on a person's life, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
Embracing the Power of Movement
My journey through physical therapy school was a journey of discovery. I learned that physical therapy is not just about rehabilitation; it's about promoting health, well-being, and quality of life for people of all ages and backgrounds.
I had the privilege of working with diverse populations, from the homeless in Burlington to the elderly at risk of falls. Each experience reinforced my belief in the power of movement to transform lives.
A quick patient checkup while in the dojo
Professional Experiences as a Foundation for Practice
When choosing the initial clinic locations where I would being my career, I focused on diverse settings that would allow me to interact with many different types of communities and age ranges, which included:
Sports Medicine Clinic: I honed my skills in treating athletes, from weekend warriors to serious competitors, focusing on injury prevention and performance enhancement.
Outpatient Orthopedic Practice: Here, I developed expertise in managing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, utilizing evidence-based techniques to facilitate recovery and improve function.
Skilled Nursing Facility: This setting provided me with insight into geriatric rehabilitation, where I learned to address the unique challenges faced by older adults, promoting mobility and independence.
These experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive skill set and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of my patients.
Choosing Wayfinder
After finding Wayfinder (haha), I knew this was the right place for me.
The holistic, empathetic, and joyful approach to patient care aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations. The entire team is positive, supportive, highly engaged, smart, and caring.
I am excited to work with the diverse communities served by Wayfinder and to contribute to our shared mission of improving lives through compassionate, evidence-based physical therapy delivered with hospitality and heart!
My Passions for Life Beyond the Clinic
Outside of my professional life, I embrace the beauty of New England, where I've lived in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
I find joy in spending time with my Bernese Mountain Dog, Roo, exploring new culinary delights at local restaurants, and maintaining my fitness through karate, where I proudly hold a 3rd-degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate. The tranquility of the ocean and Lake Champlain offers me a serene escape where I can recharge and reflect.
A Promise for the Future
As I begin this new chapter at Wayfinder, I carry with me the lessons of resilience, compassion, and dedication I've learned from my family and my experiences.
Inspired by my grandfather's journey and my family's legacy, I am committed to providing care that goes beyond physical healing, offering hope and a renewed sense of purpose to each person I have the privilege of working with.
Together, we can move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
If you’re looking to recover from a current health challenge or would like to optimize your physical performance for any reason, I’d love to help.