Finding a New Rhythm in Physical Therapy
What Began with a Passion for Dance Evolved into a Career in Physical Therapy, Bringing Jane Berger, PT, D.P.T., M.S. ’99, Back to NYMC
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Before pursuing a career in physical therapy, Jane Berger, PT, D.P.T., M.S. ’99, assistant professor and director of clinical education of physical therapy, was set on a future in professional dance. After years of training at the School of American Ballet, a Lyme disease diagnosis with neurologic and orthopedic symptoms changed the trajectory of her future.
While receiving physical therapy to treat Lyme disease, Dr. Berger was introduced to a new interest in movement and the human body. At Connecticut College, she designed her own major in psychology and physiology of human movement to reflect her interests, along with a minor in dance. This interdisciplinary background ultimately led her to pursue physical therapy. “Dance taught me to pay close attention to how the body moves,” Dr. Berger said. “Physical therapy became a natural way to combine my interest in movement, science, problem-solving, and working directly with people.”
After graduating from New York Medical College (NYMC) in 1999 with a Master of Science in physical therapy, before the College offered a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, she began her career at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, New York. This experience gave her a strong foundation in adult rehabilitation and exposure to a wide range of diagnoses and taught her the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and working closely with other health care professionals to provide patient-centered care. Since then, Dr. Berger has worked in a variety of different settings, with pediatrics becoming her primary area of clinical focus and neurologic rehabilitation remaining a key interest.
Throughout her career, Dr. Berger also enjoyed teaching and mentoring students, leading her to return to NYMC in 2023 as an adjunct faculty and clinical instructor of physical therapy. Now, she has joined full-time as an assistant professor and director of clinical education.
Dr. Berger looks forward to supporting students as they move from the classroom into clinical practice while continuing to learn from their experiences. “Students challenge educators to stay current, consider new perspectives, and continually rethink how we teach,” she said. “I see clinical education as a collaborative process rather than a one-way exchange.”
At NYMC, she values the combination of academic resources and sense of community on campus. She also appreciates the College's connections to health care systems, clinicians and clinical education partners throughout the metropolitan area, which provide valuable opportunities for student learning and professional development.
Returning to the program where she once studied is especially meaningful, now that she can contribute to the same community that helped shape her professional journey. Only this time, by guiding students as they develop the skills, confidence and clinical judgment needed to become thoughtful, compassionate physical therapists.
