Students at Fellowship Elementary School recently received a closer look at careers in physical, occupational and speech therapy through the MedStart Program.
Members of the LaSalle General Hospital Therapies and Fitness Team visited the school as part of the program offered through AHEC, sharing information about their professions and the ways therapists help patients improve their health and independence.
Matthew Jackson, PT, DPT, LOT, MOT, discussed physical therapy and explained how physical therapists work with patients to improve strength, mobility, balance and overall physical function following an injury, illness or surgery.
Kailey Appleby, LOTR, introduced students to occupational therapy, explaining how occupational therapists help patients gain greater independence with everyday activities such as dressing, writing, eating and self-care. She also discussed the profession’s role in supporting fine motor skills and cognitive development.
Destinee Paul, MS, L-SLP, CCC-SLP, discussed the broad scope of speech therapy. Her presentation covered speech and language development, articulation, voice, fluency and cognition, as well as the treatment of swallowing disorders.
The hospital said the outreach provided an opportunity for its therapists to share their knowledge while introducing young students to the variety of careers available in healthcare.
LaSalle General Hospital said its team hopes programs such as MedStart will encourage the next generation to explore healthcare professions while helping students better understand the work performed by therapists in their community.