In this episode of PT Path, host Amber Fitzsimmons interviews Tianna Meriage-Reiter, a dedicated alum and board member of the UCSF alumni association who transitioned from running her own practice in Alameda, CA, to working at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Tianna shares her career journey, which includes her path from private practice, where she integrated yoga therapy, to her current role in a prison setting. Tiana discusses the challenges and rewards of working with people who are incarcerated, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and the holistic approach she brings to her patients. This episode provides insight into navigating career transitions and finding meaningful work in unique settings.

Show notes:

• The population of San Quentin is about 2,200 at the time of recording. 
• The model the prison is working towards is the Norwegian model of incarceration. 

In this episode, we meet Patrick Sullivan, a class of 2016 graduate of the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, who now serves as an active duty Air Force physical therapist. Patrick shares his career journey, from his initial interest in health care during high school to his current role in the Air Force. He discusses the influence of mentors, the valuable experiences gained through varied clinical settings, and the unique aspects of working as a physical therapist in the military. Patrick emphasizes the importance of direct access, professional development, and a holistic approach to patient care, while also shedding light on the administrative and logistical challenges of his job. This episode provides an insightful look into the career trajectory and life of a military PT.

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:32 Early Career Exploration

03:50 Discovering Physical Therapy

05:35 Challenges and Realizations

07:53 Clinical Experiences and Decisions

15:06 Military Training and Mentorship

27:12 Autonomy and Scope in Military PT

35:46 Navigating the Learning Curve

38:51 The Importance of Mentorship

40:12 Documentation Challenges

41:37 Career Path and Relocation

42:36 Embedded Positions and Team Dynamics

53:55 The Reality of Military Life

59:31 Final Thoughts and Advice