March 26, 2019

Physical Therapy Grad Travels to India with USA Olympic Shooting Team

  Tuesday, March 26, 2019 3:41 PM
  WU News

WHEELING, WV

“I had the opportunity to serve one of my clinical rotations at Sports Medicine of Atlanta and learn under the world-renowned physical therapist, Dr. Rob DuVall. He has worked with many sports teams and professional athletes over his career and notably was the first physical therapist to work with the USA Shooting team.  As my Clinical Instructor introduced me to new ways of thinking, such as regional interdependence, use biomechanical vitals to go above and beyond during initial evaluation, and honestly, really teaching me the hands-on skills needed to treat most impairments. I would work long days here, but he fostered a learning environment where every intern could learn so much. If you don’t have the opportunity to learn under his direct teaching I recommend looking into Nxt Gen Institute of Physical Therapy where doctor DuVall leads various programs and courses that you can take and learn from his vast array of exercises and treatment approach.  Needless to say, I learned how to be the physical therapist I am today due to his direction and guidance. Fast forward a few months and Dr. DuVall messaged me asking me if I would be interested in being the physical therapist for the USA Shooting team during the world cup in India. This was on a Tuesday night. Of course, I said yes!  He let the Olympic Committee and USA shooting know that night. I was called back on Wednesday morning, where I had a phone interview and was hired. The next few days were very hectic. It took a lot of work to get my state license in hand, travel visa in place, and get all the supplies I needed to do the job right, but it was SO worth it. I was on a plane that Sunday off to India. I then got to work with and treat some of the most precise athletes the US has to offer. I thank USA shooting for the opportunity and hope I get work with them often in the coming months and years.”

Jacob Jackson is an alumnus from the class of ‘18 who recently had the opportunity of serving as a physical therapist for the USA Olympic Shooting Team at the World Cup in India.