Katelyn Lawson, D.P.T. Class of 2026, Shares a Journey Guided by Purpose and Shaped by Mentorship

What inspired you to pursue your degree?  

I have always known that I wanted to help people and that I was meant to work in health care. For the longest time, I knew the field was right for me, but I was not entirely sure what path I wanted to take. On a personal level, seeing the impact that therapy had on my cousin’s life also showed me from a young age how meaningful this profession can be. During my junior year at the University of Kentucky, I had the opportunity to work with incredible mentors in a research lab setting who really helped me find my way. Through those experiences, I discovered physical therapy and quickly realized it was the perfect combination of science, problem-solving, and meaningful human connection. I loved the idea of being able to help people regain independence, confidence, and quality of life through movement and compassion.

What type of research have you been involved in during your time at NYMC?  

During my time at NYMC, I have been involved in a doctoral research project focused on interprofessional education and safe patient handling. Our project examined how D.P.T. students can help improve medical students’ knowledge and confidence with safe patient transfer techniques, including sliding board transfers, two-person dependent transfers, and mechanical lifts. It has been incredibly rewarding to be involved in research that directly connects to patient safety and collaboration across healthcare professions.

What has helped motivate you along your educational journey? Have you encountered any challenges along the way?  

What has motivated me most has always been remembering why I started. Whenever things felt overwhelming, whether it was long nights studying, clinical rotations, research, leadership responsibilities, or preparing for boards, I always came back to the reason I chose this profession: to make a difference in people’s lives. Of course, there have been challenges along the way, and graduate school is not easy, but every challenge has helped shape me into a stronger, more confident future clinician. I have learned so much about resilience, grace, and trusting the process.

After you graduate, what is your dream career?  

After graduation, I am so excited to begin my career in pediatric physical therapy, which has truly become my passion. I will be working at Elizabeth Seton Children’s School, where I will have the privilege of supporting children with a wide range of complex medical, neurological, and developmental needs. What I love most about pediatrics is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact during such an important stage of a child’s life. Helping children build strength, mobility, independence, and confidence, while also supporting their families, is incredibly rewarding. Looking ahead, one of my biggest dreams is to one day open my own pediatric physical therapy clinic and create a space where children feel supported, empowered, and celebrated.

What made you choose NYMC?  

NYMC stood out to me because of its outstanding reputation, incredible faculty, and strong clinical training. From the moment I learned more about the program, I knew it was a place where I would be challenged to grow both academically and clinically, while also being surrounded by a supportive community.

What has been your favorite aspect of being an NYMC student?  

Without a doubt, my favorite part has been the people. The friendships, mentorship, and sense of community here have been so special to me. One of the greatest gifts NYMC gave me was meeting my roommate and now one of my best friends, Lexi, along with so many other amazing friends who have become such an important part of my life. Having people to go through every late-night study session, stressful exam week, clinical milestone, and celebration with has meant so much to me. Some of my favorite memories are studying together in the lounge, laughing through stressful weeks, leaning on one another during clinicals and exams, and celebrating milestones together. Those relationships are something I will carry with me long after graduation.

What faculty member has had the greatest influence on you here?  

I have been incredibly fortunate to learn from so many amazing faculty members, but Kristina Welsome, D.P.T., M.S., PT, assistant professor of physical therapy, and Victor Santamaria, Ph.D., M.Sc., PT, PCS, assistant professor of physical therapy and director of the Motion Analysis Lab, have both had such a meaningful impact on my journey. Dr. Welsome has been an incredible mentor and source of encouragement throughout my growth as a student-clinician and researcher. She has guided and supported me through my doctoral project, always encouraging me to think critically, trust my abilities, and continue striving to be the best version of myself both academically and professionally. Dr. Santamaria has truly challenged me as a student in the best way possible. He has pushed me to think more critically, grow academically, and step outside of my comfort zone, especially through research and clinical reasoning. At the same time, his mentorship has helped me discover and deepen my passion for the pediatric population, which has become such a central part of the physical therapist I hope to be.

What advice would you give to incoming students?  

Give yourself grace and trust the process. There will absolutely be moments where things feel overwhelming, but growth happens in those moments. Lean on your classmates, ask questions, stay open to learning, and remember why you started. The years go by faster than you think, so try to take in all of the little moments along the way.

Outside of your studies, what are your hobbies or interests?  

Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors and being active, whether that means going for walks, being outside with friends and family, or just enjoying time in nature. I also love reading and have recently really enjoyed baking sourdough bread, which has become one of my favorite ways to unwind and do something creative outside of school.

Are you a part of any student organizations or interest groups? If so, which ones?  

Yes, I have been actively involved in the Physical Therapy Club at NYMC and currently serve as secretary, which has been such a rewarding way to give back to our student community.

What is a fun fact about you?  

A fun fact about me is that my mom was part of the very first graduating class of NYMC’s physical therapy program, so being here now and graduating from the same program feels incredibly special and full circle for our family.