May 2021 - PTA Focus


Ann Lowrey, PTA, BA

The spring of 1998, I stood with my husband in the rehab department of Hamarville, Health South near Pittsburgh, PA. We watched as two physical therapists stood my 27-year-old, 6’5” brother-in-law to walk again after a brain injury and stroke. The look of determination on the therapists’ faces and the look of pure joy on my brother-in-law’s face will always be etched in my memories of him. It was that moment I decided I wanted to be involved in the practice of physical therapy. I had no idea there was a Physical Therapist and a Physical Therapist Assistant until I researched programs near me. I chose the closest which was the University of Pittsburgh, Titusville Campus because our children were young and a 30-minute drive to school, I could handle.

My journey began the fall of 1998 to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. The profession was what I wanted to be a part of. I graduated in April of 2000 and was employed by a local hospital in the acute care and transitional care center. July of 2001 brought an eye-opening and tragic moment for our family. My brother-in-law ended his life with a note telling us “no one wants to live like this”. At that moment, I realized the importance of treating a whole person who has a diagnosis. My perspective on how I moved forward with patient’s changed dramatically. There is a whole body and mind attached to the diagnosis that needs our attention too. I moved on to another in-patient facility closer to home and then on to a private owned outpatient clinic where I spent the next 11 years. I was able to focus on the geriatric population at this clinic and began my adventures as an active volunteer with APTA Pennsylvania. My next move was to skilled nursing. This is where my heart is. I have had the pleasure of working in skilled nursing full-time for almost 3 years. Love it!

Membership in one’s professional association is really a vital part of the growth and sustainment of that association. We are needed and valued as members to promote optimal patient care, advocate for our patient and profession, and ensure our profession is present in the lives of all of those around us. Volunteering has brought me great joy, some distress, and much growth as an individual and professional. I am a proud member of the APTA and APTA PA! I have been involved in various aspects of our profession and I have enjoyed all of it! What is important to me as a member? Mentorship, membership, education, collaboration, advocacy, and above all else, optimal patient care. Without the patient, resident, or client, where would we be? Remember, treat the whole person who has a diagnosis. You will never go home at night feeling as though you could have done better.