Monica Cooney – WINNER – “Force for Good” Alumni Video Contest
Monica Cooney, a 2013 Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), was named a winner of the university’s “Force for Good” Alumni Video Contest in 2023.
Monica’s path into pediatric Physical Therapy started unexpectedly. During her clinical rotations, a canceled orthopedic placement led her to a pediatric clinic instead. What began as an unexpected change quickly became a career focus as she discovered a passion for working with children.
After graduation, Monica started her career as the only Physical Therapist in her clinic. She credits her education at USAHS with preparing her to provide one-on-one care and encouraging her to continue learning throughout her career.
Today, Monica works with children and families through intensive therapy programs and has trained in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), a technique she uses in her practice. She says her goal goes beyond helping patients reach individual milestones. She hopes to inspire others and make the kind of difference that reminds someone not to give up.
The “Force for Good” Alumni Video Contest was created by USAHS in 2023 to recognize alumni who are making an impact through their work and communities. Monica’s story was one of the winning submissions.
Transcript
Monica Cooney – WINNER – _Force for Good_ Alumni Video Contest
[00:00:00] Monica Cooney (USAHS Alumni): My journey began in 2011 when I was accepted into the physical therapy program at the University of St. Augustine. Little did I know that a random placement during my sixth semester rotations would change not only my career but my entire life. After a canceled orthopedic rotation, I found myself at an uncomfortable position placed in a pediatric clinic. [00:00:23] Monica Cooney (USAHS Alumni): Little did I know my true passion would be discovered here in pediatrics. When accepting my first job, I felt more than prepared as I was the only PT in the clinic. Thanks to my education from the University of St. Augustine, the most important value instilled in me was one-on-one quality care and a desire to constantly enhance my learning. [00:00:50] Monica Cooney (USAHS Alumni): Most recently, I was trained in a technique known as dynamic movement intervention, and today am the only DMI therapist in Louisiana, providing intensive programs to families across the southeast region. As I reflect on this journey, each smile, every milestone achieved echoes the power of compassion and dedication I have for my profession. [00:01:23] Monica Cooney (USAHS Alumni): I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say, “Because of you, I did not give up.”
PT Transforms – Physical Therapy, University of St. Augustine
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Center for Innovative Clinical Practice (CICP)—University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Students and faculty discuss learning in state-of-the-art simulation facilities.
Innovation at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Anatomage Table
A look at innovative learning technology at USAHS.