Meet Rita Gillan, DPT, JWHPT Digital Media Coordinator
Introducing the people behind #JWHPT. Meet Rita Gillan, DPT, our digital media coordinator.
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
I spent my early career as a hospital based outpatient orthopedic therapist. Through continued education, I began to specialize and founded an obstetrics and pelvic health PT service within my department. During that time I also attended several births as a doula. Providing continuous labor support companionship truly helped me be more equipped to support the full spectrum of needs of the perinatal patients that I was seeing in the clinic. I moved to the Netherlands just about one year ago and am in the process of obtaining my license to practice abroad.
WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO VOLUNTEER WITH JWHPT?
My goal is to improve the quality of women’s healthcare globally by bridging the gap between evidence and practice. Promoting research and supporting efforts like the JWHPT Journal club help to do just that. Getting involved with the Academy and the Journal has been a wonderful way to collaborate with researchers, editors, and leaders in the field.
HOW ARE YOU ADAPTING DURING THIS GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS?
While I can’t participate in my usual language immersion experiences, I continue to focus on improving my Dutch language skills. My virtual wellness business allows me to stay connected to my role in serving women. I stay centered through growing food in my little urban garden, getting to know my surroundings by biking around the countryside, and practicing mindful movement.
