DPT students help hikers with injuries

Five University of North Georgia (UNG) physical therapy students and faculty member Dr. Don Walsh held their annual Appalachian Trail Hiker Injury Clinic this spring.

Three of the students are in UNG's traditional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, while two are South Korean students in the post-professional DPT program.

Sydney Foster, a second-year DPT student from Ball Ground, Georgia, enjoyed the opportunity to be the first to help hikers dealing with injuries, as physical therapists often see patients after a referral.

"It was a great opportunity to highlight what physical therapy is to people who may not know what we do," Foster said. "It was also a good way to reach out and serve the community."

Jingu Im, a post-professional DPT student from Daejeon, South Korea, enjoyed a chance to assist hikers and has liked learning from UNG's physical therapy faculty members.

"It was a very rewarding experience for me," Im said. "I could apply what I have learned to help hikers reduce their pain and improve their hiking abilities."

Foster, who earned her bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science from UNG, said physical therapy is a natural field for her because of her desire to build a rapport with those she serves.

"I enjoy the idea of helping people become independent," Foster said. "Physical therapy is so personal to everyone, and I love helping people with their personal goals. I love spending time with people."