NSC 2015 – My Student Experience

Written by Abby Foster, PT, DPT

Omaha, Nebraska. National Student Conclave. This was my 3rd time attending a NSC. This conference is where it all began for me just two short years ago. I can’t believe I’m already here. A practicing PT. Treating pelvic health patients. Two years ago, I went to NSC in Louisville, KY. Attending my first NSC was the gateway for more involvement at all levels: national, chapter, and my own program. It led to attending and presenting at Combined Sections Meeting, being a student usher at the House of Delegates and a PT Hill Day. Attendance at NSC gave me the opportunity to “find my people!” In a program of only 24 students per cohort, there had only been one student previously interested in women’s health, as a resource for me.

After Louisville, I got involved in the SSIG. First as regional rep, and now director of programming. As my term for the SSIG comes to a close, the opportunity to attend this conference and represent the section was something I jumped at. How cool to be the resource for eager students, just like myself just that short while ago, and give back with everything I’ve learned.

Omaha did not disappoint in programming either. The 5 minute IGNITE talks were excellent and included the President of the Nebraska Chapter delivering a talk about pelvic health related to treating a male patient with low back pain. Her closing remarks were “Don’t Ignore your Pelvic Floor” and that pretty much set the place ablaze with questions and intrigue about our section. We had SPTs, SPTAs, male and female, stopping by to see what we were about. It was truly wonderful to meet the same eagerness and be the resource for people just looking for information, exactly as I was in Louisville.

My Advice

Go to conferences, get involved, meet YOUR people, find your passion. Attending one conference changed the course of my practice and professional life, what will it do for you?

Holler at me on Twitter @AbbyRaeFoster and let’s chat!