reflections

It has been FIVE years since I officially opened this practice. I’ve been feeling all the feels in the last couple of weeks as that realization hit me. This practice was built out of love for my profession and passion for providing the best care possible to my patients … but the “birth" and growth of my business also coincide with my daughter, Emma. So let me take you for a stroll down memory lane of my professional career — how I’ve ended up here, why I’m doing what I do, and the feelings that have come along for the ride!

TLDR: never say never; life is neither straightforward nor predictable; I’m living my best life.

When I was in PT school (2011-2014), I was dead-set on pursuing a Neurological PT residency, and working in an inpatient neuro rehab setting, ideally with people who had sustained a spinal cord injury. I was adamant that I would never work in orthopedics or sports, and I would never have my own practice. (HA, never say never). I was so sure … until I wasn’t.

In my third rotation, I traveled all the way to Dallas, Texas for a rotation in “outpatient neuro”. One of my clinical instructors was heavily involved in Baylor’s amputee rehab program, and that was a unique learning opportunity for me; as an instructor she was … adequate. My other clinical instructor was fresh out of school herself, halfway through her neuro residency, and had just started in the outpatient rehab clinic a few weeks prior to my arrival; as an instructor she was … horrendous. There is a reason the APTA (our professional organization) recommends PTs have at least 2 years of clinical experience before taking on a student; she was in way over her head, didn’t have the experience to help me, and couldn’t engage in healthy clinical dialogue with me when I asked questions. I cried almost every day during this 10-week rotation, and I was SO far from home. (one perk: it was winter in Texas, and most days we had prime running weather!).

Coming back from this rotation, I was totally lost. That experience made me completely lose interest in neuro, or residency … but I didn’t want anything else very strongly either. I was increasingly anxious about my upcoming final rotation in a fast-paced orthopedic/sports clinic that had a reputation for offering challenging rotations. Welllll … fast forward another 10 weeks and I was applying for a job in that clinic/company. My clinical instructor was absolutely amazing (hi, Heather!), and the other PTs were also incredibly supportive and wanted to help me learn. Most importantly, we had FUN — we danced and sang while we cleaned up at night, we had lunches at Boom Boom Mex Mex (soo good, & this is where I learned that pineapple on a taco is AMAZING and you should never go without), we engaged in impromptu clinical dialogue in a healthy manner, and we laughed a lot. THIS was my home.

There were still a lot of bumps in the road but overall my first job was pretty outstanding and set me up for a great career. My second job? not so much. There, I was surrounded by people who were just “checking boxes”, doing the bare minimum of continuing education, and not involved in our local, state or national professional organizations. There were some questionable ethics, and I was basically told I needed to “behave” because my coworkers felt threatened by me pushing them to be better (red flag?). I needed to make it work, but I was miserable, frustrated, hugely disappointed in my coworkers, and wholly dumbfounded by the idea that someone wouldn’t want their employees to do more for their patients.

Then came maternity leave … and here, the plans really started brewing. Yes, I was covered in poop and puke and breastmilk most of the time, and sleeping 6 hours a night (compared to our normal 8-9!) … but I was also loving my new role as a mama, and figuring out how I could be the best mom possible. I knew that wasn’t going to be possible if I continued working in a place that drained me, and by that time I was really sinking into the idea that I’m just not designed to be “someone’s employee”. My gears started turning … it was time to be on my own.

I founded Immersion PT in spring 2019, saw a few clients over the next several months … and then, of course, the world shut down in spring 2020! With races cancelled, kids on “virtual school” from home, and questionable income sources for some, I really had no ground to stand on — much less build upon — for this business. I very easily could have scrapped it and gone back to the “typical” PT workplace, resigning to the day in day out montony and “mill”-feeling of seeing multiple patients at once and providing sub-par care… no thanks! I stuck it out, and eventually, as we came out of hiding, I began to see some light for my practice.

The light has grown stronger and brighter, illuminating so many parts of my life and soul that I never thought possible. I have been able to host retreats & workshops; treat clients how I feel they deserve to be treated (100% 1-on-1, yes please!); coach several athletes to PRs, setting new goals, and keeping running as a healthy outlet in their life; attend and present at local, state and national conferences; engage in conversations across various professions to provide multidisciplinary approaches to care … and most importantly: I am available for my daughter & myself. As a practice owner, I build my schedule around things that already exist: my own life, and Emma’s life. I have not yet had to turn a client away because our schedules don’t match up, or I’m not accessible or available when they need me. I can go for a run at 9am on a Tuesday morning, and be back in time for an 11am call with a coaching client … I can treat a patient on their lunch break, and then get to Emma’s school in time for Secret Reader … I can meet up for crepes with 2 of my friends and consider that work hours as we plan our next joint venture … I can move appointments around school breaks so that I can focus on Emma, without feeling guilty.

I recognize that all of this is also associated with some high level of privilege. I am incredibly fortunate to have been able to pursue & obtain a bachelors & doctoral degree in the field of my choice, at schools of my choice. I have options in my career path. My husband is supportive of my practice ideas, values, and pursuits. We are in a financial situation that allows me to do what I want to do. I know this is not the case for everyone, and I think I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the privilege that has been a huge part of my life.

I can do all of this AND have energy to enjoy it all AND keep showing up for my daughter AND being a role model for her in leading a healthy, balanced life, being a professional & business owner, and having fun with my career! I am living my best life right now. And while the road certainly wasn’t smooth, I am proud of what I have built and motivated to keep it going & growing. Thank you for being a part of it!

With love & gratitude,

Dr. Coach Megan