Meet the SSIG | Featuring Katelyn Hickey, SPT

Welcome to the 9th ‘Meet the SSIG Members!’ The Student Special Interest Group is made up of student PTs and student PTAs from across the country – and we want to highlight them and their passion for the profession! ‘Meet the SSIG Members’ has the purpose of connecting students interested in pelvic and women’s health by introducing them to one another and our community through the APTA Pelvic Health Student Special Interest Group. We would like this engagement to promote personal development, networking, and friendship opportunities.

Name/Year in School/Program Name:

Katelyn Hickey/Second year/Carroll University DPT Program

Why are you interested in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

After being a patient myself, I experienced firsthand how beneficial Pelvic Health Physical Therapy can be. I was already on a pre-physical therapy track in my undergraduate studies and instantly knew this was what I needed to do. Pelvic Health Physical Therapy is a promising solution to countless problems that go undiscussed, and I want to be part of starting more of these crucial conversations that get women and men the care they deserve.

What are you most excited for your upcoming Pelvic Health Clinical Rotation OR what did you love most about your Pelvic Health Clinical Rotation?

I am counting down the days until my Pelvic Health rotation! Because of the nature of this specialty, students do not have as readily accessible resources to practice, so I’m very excited to be able to apply what I’ve learned in the APTA Level 1 Pelvic Health course.

Why do you believe it is important to be an active member of the SSIG and/or what have you gotten out of being a member of the SSIG?

Since joining the SSIG, I’ve connected with amazing, like-minded people, gained access to valuable resources regarding all things pelvic health, and had multiple opportunities to write posts for the Blog. When you find your niche as a PT student, I think it is so important to find your community, and that’s what I’ve found here.

Any advice you might like to share for students looking to get involved in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

Shadow, shadow, shadow! And if you have the ability, take Level 1 Pelvic Health. In addition to that, learn to love learning. I highly recommend taking time to read about it, because you likely are not getting more than a brief overview of pelvic floor pathologies in your DPT program.

What do you love to do outside of PT school?

I love exercising, traveling, reading, and catching up with friends over a cup of coffee.

APTA Pelvic Health Student SIG