Regis DPT alum Dr. Rachel Carter has recently joined the full-time staff at Regis University, much to the excitement of our cohorts and faculty. Her impressive background and diverse clinical experience has provided her with meaningful insight into the overlap of orthopedic and neurological physical therapy, and we look forward to how she will bring value to our program. Read on to learn a little bit more about Rachel!

1. Describe your educational path and career up to this point?

Eclectic!  As you know, I was a Regis DPT graduate myself.  I started practicing at Craig Hospital on the spinal cord injury floor.  There I became more focused on managing the orthopedic conditions within the SCI and TBI populations and began taking continue education courses through the Institute of Physical Art.  I took them all.  And then I tested for Certification in Functional Manual Therapy through the IPA in 2010.  I shifted my focus at Craig from rehab PT to in-house Manual Therapist, managing those orthopedic conditions so the primary rehab PTs could do rehab.  It was kind of a dream come true, actually.  Shortly after, I transitioned to an IPA-based outpatient clinic working for my mentor, strengthening my skills as a manual therapist and broadening my experience with diverse patient populations.  Then about 8 years ago I took a leap of faith and started my own cash-based practice.

2. What drew you to the profession?

The body’s ability to heal itself, given the right tools.  As a dancer in college, I was constantly battling my own injuries.  I had a professor who was also a Pilates instructor and she introduced us to several alternative body therapies in addition to Pilates.  The idea of intentional movement “fixing” injuries fascinated me and in the process of seeing a PT for patello-femoral pain, I saw my vocational path illuminated.

3. Why did you choose to come to Regis?

I originally began as an affiliate faculty member 5 years ago.  I had been contemplating what the next step in my career might be (owning a sole-proprietor, cash based practice has a finite ceiling as you can imagine).  Dr. Eigsti took one of my Pilates classes (not intimidating at all…..) and asked if I might be interested in being an affiliate.  I said absolutely!  My passion for teaching was ignited and I have been a full time ranked faculty member since August of 2023.  

4. What aspects of your job are you particularly passionate about?

I love the “ah ha!” moment.  I loved it in patient care as well, but it’s a different connection when a student experiences it.  I love analyzing student understanding and trying to find that one way to explain something that gets a student to that point.  Aside from student interactions, I really love my coworkers-  I hadn’t been a part of team in quite a while in my clinical practice and having people around to bounce ideas off of, ask for help, discuss the finer point of parenting with, and just do life along side of, has been really fulfilling.

5. What do you like to do outside of the classroom?

We ski.  A lot.  My daughters are both on Team Summit Free Ski at Copper Mountain so we are up every weekend for training or competitions.  It’s been amazing to watch my girls fall in love with a sport that has meant so much to me and my husband for many, many years.  When there isn’t snow, we wake surf, cycle, and I love dabbling in DIY home improvements.  Just call me Chip Gaines.

6. What advice do you have for students preparing for a career in this field? 

I know it’s hard to think about right now, but keep post professional education on your radar.  As a graduate of Regis DPT you will be well prepared to enter the field as a competent provider.  But PT is a WIDE scope-  find your passion and don’t wait too long to jump right into it, whether that be Regis’ Orthopaedic Residency (shameless plug, I know), pelvic health continuing education, taking the NCS exam, or leveling up your dry needling skills, plan your next move.  It will keep you energized and prevent burnout, and will also help elevate those around you in your practice.