UM-Flint alumna builds on physical therapy career through PA program

Dee Schwalm wasn't always certain that college was part of her future. Three University of Michigan-Flint degrees and two health care professions later, there is little doubt about where that uncertain beginning led.

A first-generation college graduate, Schwalm's path to health care began not with a carefully mapped-out career plan, but with a knee injury that introduced her to physical therapy and ultimately changed the trajectory of her life.

Schwalm earned a bachelor's degree in human biology from UM-Flint in 2007 and a doctorate in physical therapy in 2010. This year, she returned to the university's commencement stage after completing its physician assistant program, adding another degree and a new dimension to a clinical career nearly two decades in the making.

"I first enrolled at Mott Community College after receiving the Michigan Merit Award Scholarship and explored different academic interests before stepping away when I did not feel connected to a career path," Schwalm said.

That direction began to take shape after her knee injury and the experience with physical therapy that followed.

"Watching a physical therapist work with patients, offer encouragement and explain the science of the human body helped me identify the career she wanted to pursue," said Schwalm. "I was hooked."

She transferred her credits to UM-Flint and began setting weekly goals to move closer to being accepted into the DPT program. 

"I found setting a scheduled time to study of 30-45 mins, then going for a walk, then study another block of 30 mins, then do some laundry or call a friend, repeat, repeat, repeat! This gives your brain a chance to let that info simmer."

As Schwalm built a 14-year career as a physical therapist, she began considering ways to expand her clinical role and best serve patients. She knew that by 2030, more than 80 million people in the United States will be older than 65. As that year grew closer, she found herself thinking about the needs of an aging population, physician shortages in Michigan and the ways that delays in care can affect patients.

Schwalm said the PA program's seven-year prerequisite science course waiver request was an important factor in her decision to apply. Repeating core science courses would have added time and cost to the process, making the path more difficult for her and her family. Seeing the waiver request option made the possibility of returning to UM-Flint feel more realistic.

"My eyes swelled with tears," Schwalm said. "I knew it meant there was a seat for me in the program; they'd still give me a chance."

Stephanie Gilkey, director and professor of the physician assistant program, explained that students like Schwalm with considerable clinical experience enrich the learning environment and offer valuable insights into patient care.

" Dee's background as a physical therapist strengthened her ability to connect with patients, understand their functional goals and approach care with both compassion and clinical insight," said Gilkey. "(Our) Physician Assistant program recognizes the strength of those experiences, and Dee's commitment to patient care and lifelong learning reflects exactly the kind of clinician we aim to prepare." 

Returning to school as a nontraditional student brought new challenges. Schwalm entered the PA program as a wife, mother of two young daughters, and experienced clinician, taking on a new role as a student. She balanced long days in class, family responsibilities and late-night studying while working toward the next phase of her health care career.

"The PA program has been a test of my will and work ethic," Schwalm said. "I got out of a long day in class and had to give my 100% to being mom, and then as they slept, I would study and be a student again."

Schwalm said support from her family, faith and physical therapy colleagues helped her continue through the most demanding parts of the program. Professionally, completing the PA program reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and continued growth as a clinician.

"I wanted to step into something unfamiliar and be challenged to a new place of growth," she said.

While Schwalm said pursuing both PT and PA degrees is not always practical or necessary, she believes her physical therapy background will continue to shape her work as a physician assistant. As a PT, she said, she learned the importance of building trust with patients as they worked to regain independence after injury, illness or surgery.

"I will always be honored by the trust people gave me as their PT, and I hope I can be the clinician they trust as their PA," Schwalm said.

As she looks ahead, Schwalm recently accepted a position with Moussa Bazzi, physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, working in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Inpatient Rehabilitation Center at Hurley Hospital in Flint.

Her advice for others considering a return to school or a career change is to remain open to new opportunities.

"It is never too late to expand your education or jump into new challenges," Schwalm said. "You are the only one writing your story."