Get to Know: Karina Herrera

Story by: Zabrina Motwani Condor

What made you want to pursue a career in Physical Therapy?

Being the eldest sibling to a sister with medical and developmental disabilities, I was exposed to related services in special education early on. Unofficially observing countless hours of speech, occupational, and physical therapy as I assisted my sister, Shayla. I witnessed firsthand how in conjunction, these services guided her to her goals. I learned invaluable material from each profession through observation and several conversations with her therapists. I was invariably blown away by each service. However, Physical Therapy had such a grip on my attention that I strongly began to explore as a future profession. I wanted to be in a career that would continually push me to learn about myself and provide me the opportunity to develop constantly, while also pursuing my dedication to science, research, and the fascination with the complexity of our bodies.

How has CU Physical Therapy program allowed you to pursue your goals?

Coming into the CU DPT program a mere 10 days after my undergrad graduation, there was no time for breaks. Immediately learning the drive, passion, and commitment it takes to be a part of a prestigious DPT program. Over a year into the program, I can confidently say CU Anschutz continues to give me the education, tools, and opportunities I need to become a great clinician. I have been challenged to degrees unlike anything I have experienced, however with the support and encouragement of the program, my classmates, mi familia, and people closest to me I continue to climb closer to my goals.

What is your “why”?

My passion for service fuels my drive to continue my education and dedicate my life to helping individuals through their medical hardships using the skills I am learning in the DPT program. Having such a personal relationship with physical therapy early on, I could see the impact it made in aiding my sister to reach her developmental milestones with the help of her physical therapist. One of the many things I admire about physical therapy is the emphasis on collaboration and communication with others in order to deliver care to meet the complete needs of the patient. Continuously understanding the impact that can be made as a health care professional in order to support those in need and get them back to their goals.

September 15 – October 15 is a month to celebrate and honor Hispanic and Latin heritage, and the contributions to this countries history, culture and advancements. What does this mean for you? In what ways do you feel you have contributed to the advancement of this Physical Therapy program? / How have you, or want to contribute to your community now/after your graduate?

I am a proud Mexican American woman and the first generation to attend college. It brings me so much joy to share my identity, cultural values, and traditions into the spaces I enter. Celebrating Hispanic and Latin heritages is an opportunity to be prideful of our roots and honoring the history that came before us as we continue to trailblaze. I had made a commitment to myself at the start of the program, to give it my absolute best, then in the future I can advocate in healthcare, speaking and applying pressure on crucial matters. In addition to my studies, I continue to participate in conversations out of the classroom to grow beyond my hands on skills. I currently participate in Community Cafes and Disability Dialogs, both are opportunities to collaborate with other future providers about relevant health care issues and what we can do to advance the field. It is important to me to provide support to underserved communities, making sure accessibility of care is possible to all who need it. After graduation I would like to be a reliable provider as a bilingual clinician using my knowledge in both English and Spanish. Eventually, I hope to have a place in policy work addressing public health issues and health care disparities many communities face.

What words of encouragement do you have to share with future students of color pursuing careers in healthcare?

You deserve to take up space and have your voice be heard. You are needed in these spaces, to be a familiar face during times of dismay for many patients. There may very well be days where it feels like you do not belong, it is so important to refuse the thoughts of not. Impostor syndrome is entirely too real; however, you should not let those moments deter you from pursuing the goals you have set out for yourself. Aim high, even if it appears to be too difficult, succeeding is a process not just a target.