Madison Miller, DPT ’27
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Why did you choose to attend the University of Saint Mary, and what made it stand
out from other colleges you considered?
I chose the University of Saint Mary because it immediately felt like home. While I had several graduate programs to consider, visiting campus and interviewing with the faculty solidified my decision. Growing up Catholic, my faith has always been an important part of my life, so attending a university whose mission is grounded in strong Catholic values was especially meaningful. Those values align with the servant-hearted nature of the physical therapy profession.
Another aspect that stood out to me was the program’s small cohort size and accelerated curriculum. The close-knit community, open-door policy of the faculty, and their genuine investment in student success has created an environment where I’ve been able to thrive in a challenging and rewarding program.
What do you love most about being a student at Saint Mary?
What I appreciate most is the dedication of the faculty. Every professor is willing to go the extra mile to help student succeed. Whether it’s answering emails, meeting during or outside of office hours, staying after class to practice a psychomotor skill, or explaining a difficult concept, they make themselves available whenever we need support.
More importantly, they care about us as individuals—not just as students— which has made my experience at Saint Mary incredibly rewarding.
What are you studying, and what drew you to that field?
I am pursuing my Doctorate of Physical Therapy because I’ve always wanted a career centered on helping others. Before choosing physical therapy, I explored several fields, including social work, nursing, special education, and athletic training. Ultimately, physical therapy embodied everything I was looking for.
As a lifelong student-athlete, I watched many teammates recover from injuries through physical therapy. Although I was fortunate to avoid major injuries myself, seeing the impact physical therapists had on helping athletes return to the sports they loved inspired me to pursue the profession.
As I’ve progressed through the program, I’ve discovered that physical therapy extends far beyond sports medicine. Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and diagnoses while collaborating with professionals in occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, neurology, orthopedics, and many other specialties.
While I originally envisioned working with athletes, my experiences over the past year have sparked a strong interest in neurological rehabilitation, and I could see myself specializing in that area in the future.
What has been your favorite class or professor so far, and why?
My favorite class so far has been neuroscience. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for how the brain influences movement, sensation, and overall function. The course has strengthened my interest in neurological rehabilitation and may ultimately influence my career path.
The subject also became deeply personal when my father experienced a stroke three years ago. Learning the science behind what happened allowed me to explain his condition and recovery in a way that helped him better understand his experience. Knowing I’ll one day be able to provide that same education and support to future patients continues to motivate me every day.
How have you gotten involved on campus (clubs, sports, organizations)?
Our program offers several clubs, organizations, and leadership opportunities that help build community throughout the year. During my first semester, I was selected as one of eight student ambassadors for our cohort.
As an ambassador, I assist with student interviews and campus tours for prospective students, help faculty during orientation for incoming classes, and participate in important program events such as matriculation, white coat, and pinning ceremonies.
Outside of my ambassador role, I've attended campus sporting events and participated in several student-led clubs, including bible study, running, manual therapy, and strength and conditioning. Our program also hosts events like volleyball mixers, dodgeball tournaments, tug-of-war, and slow-pitch softball games, which provide a great opportunity to connect with students from other cohorts while taking a break from the demands of graduate school.
What is a memorable experience you've had during your time at Saint Mary?
One of my most memorable experiences at Saint Mary was working with residents at Twin Oaks Independent Living Center. It was rewarding to apply what I had learned in the classroom to a real-life setting before beginning clinical rotations. Listening to the residents' stories and helping them improve activities that were meaningful to them reinforced exactly why I chose this profession.
Outside of school, I also had the honor of representing Team USA at the Border Battle in Ohio this past June. Competing alongside and against some of the top female athletes from the United States and Canada was an unforgettable experience.
How has Saint Mary helped you grow personally and academically?
Saint Mary has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Balancing the demands of graduate school while contouring to compete in slow-pitch softball at a high level has challenged me to become more disciplined, organized, and resilient.
Academically, the program has strengthened my clinical reasoning, communication, and patient care skills while giving me the confidence needed to succeed as a future physical therapist.
What are your goals after graduation, and how are you preparing for them?
My first goal after graduation is to successfully pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and become a licensed physical therapist. I’m preparing by continually refining my clinical skills, strengthening my knowledge through coursework and hands-on practice, and utilizing a variety of study resources.
After becoming licensed, I’d like to pursue travel physical therapy for a few years. It would allow me to gain experience in a variety of settings while exploring different parts of the country. Outside of my career, I hope to continue competing in slow-pitch softball and eventually start a family.
Do you have any tips or advice for incoming students?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your professors genuinely want you to succeed, and they are always willing to support you. If you don’t perform as well as you’d hoped on a quiz or exam, take advantage of office hours to review the material and learn from your mistakes.
It's also important to maintain a healthy balance. Make time for the gym, hobbies, extracurricular activities, or simply relaxing. College, especially graduate school, is demanding, but taking care of yourself will help you stay motivated and perform at your best.
What is your favorite campus tradition or event?
My favorite campus tradition is Convocation at the beginning of the fall semester. It is a meaningful opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to come together in worship, reflect on our shared mission, and begin the academic year with purpose and community.
How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your social life and extracurricular activities?
Staying organized is the key to maintaining balance. I rely on a planner to schedule my classes, study sessions, and extracurricular activities so I never feel unprepared. Planning ahead allows me to dedicate focused time to academics while still making time for slow-pitch, traveling home to see family and friends, and taking breaks to recharge. I've found that allowing myself time to rest actually makes my study sessions more productive and helps me stay mentally and physically healthy. Maintaining that balance has been essential to my success.