ATSU-ASHS Doctor of Physical Therapy program setting student up for future success
Posted: August 17, 2023
When A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program student Emily Elizabeth Lemke, DPT, ’25, was deciding where to continue her health sciences education, moving halfway across the country wasn’t necessarily part of the plan.
But after visiting ATSU’s Mesa, Arizona, campus, Lemke found a place that made her feel like she was back in her Minooka, Illinois, hometown.
“I chose ATSU because it had a welcoming environment and staff who made me feel comfortable and at home, despite being across the country,” Lemke said. “I enjoy the small campus atmosphere and the population of students pursuing a higher medical career. I also found the way the didactic and clinical calendar was set up for my program to be something I would enjoy, and I would now agree it does facilitate learning well before clinical rotations that are placed in between courses.”
Lemke has a bachelor’s of science in exercise science and a minor in military science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The latter will play a role in her immediate future, as when she graduates she will work as an active duty physical therapist in the U.S. Army.
“I hope to facilitate an environment in that atmosphere that PT exercises are not just for injuries and can be used as preventative medicine as well,” she said. “After my time in the Army, I currently am hoping to work as a pediatric therapist in the school systems. However, that passion is ever changing as I am exposed to different populations and settings during my program. I also enjoy the idea of managing my own clinic under a larger company name once I decide to settle down later in life.”
Lemke serves as a student ambassador, and has joined the Anatomy Dissection Team at ATSU-ASHS.
“I joined the ambassador program because I wanted to find a way to be involved in sharing my joy in the program with others and facilitating the friendly environment I have grown to be a part of. I love talking to people and answering questions they may have regarding campus, program, etc., so being an ambassador was right up my alley,” Lemke said. “I chose to be on the dissection team because I love human anatomy and wanted a way to stay brushed up on my anatomy throughout my school, and to further solidify it before moving into my career since the course is taken early on in the program.”
When not studying, Lemke enjoys running, and has taken up training for marathons.
“I do also like to hike and explore the different beauties God has given us here on earth with my husband and friends,” she said.