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College of Public Health & Health Professions University of Florida

The student becomes the practitioner: Experiential learning at a glance

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By Ashleigh Lucas

A physical therapy student kneels beside an older adult lying on a treatment table and assesses the patient’s bent leg during a clinical training session. Several students wearing matching blue polo shirts sit nearby observing and taking notes, while rehabilitation equipment and large windows are visible throughout the therapy lab.

The student becomes the master — or at least gets a pretty good head start. Across the College of Public Health and Health Professions, faculty are providing educational opportunities beyond the classroom and into real-world settings. From working hands-on with real-life patients to gaining technical skills and running laboratory experiments, health education has evolved into building practical experience. Follow along as these PHHP students become the practitioners and discover what it means to learn by doing.

doctor of audiology

"Learning about new and exciting areas of audiology is always such a rewarding experience," Katherine Oehrle said. “It makes the program feel more hands-on while we physically get to improve our skills.”

Katherine Oehrle, a Doctor of Audiology student, validates a remote microphone in the lab of José Reyes, Au.D., to ensure it matches the frequency of a hearing aid.

doctor of physical therapy

"Participating in the Gaitor Challenge has been a great opportunity to practice skills that are difficult to fully develop in a classroom setting," Kim Nguyen said. “Experiences like this continue to remind me why I chose physical therapy,” Stephanie Pizzuto said.

Kim Nguyen and Stephanie Pizzuto, second-year physical therapy students, assist Mark Green with ankle lifts for the Gaitor Challenge.

master of public health

"I met Dr. Maurelli as an undergraduate Bachelor of Public Health student when I took his class, but I was fortunate enough to be reintroduced to him through M.P.H. faculty at our most recent PHHP Days conference," Coleen Peggs said. "I highly recommend connecting with professors in your classes to find potential research mentors."

Coleen Peggs, a Master of Public Health student, prepares to test UF wastewater samples in the lab of Anthony Maurelli, Ph.D. Peggs primarily works on genetically modifying N. gonorrhoeae in order to kill the bacteria.

doctor of physical therapy

“Working at UF’s PT EAC has provided me the opportunity to apply the skills we learn in the classroom to real patients,” Madelyn Corliss said.

Madelyn Corliss, a third-year physical therapy student, evaluates Luisa Velasquez, a patient who visits the Physical Therapy Equal Access Clinic for sciatica.

doctor of occupational therapy

“Occupational therapy is a diverse field that promotes meaningful participation,” Macy Sawicki said. “We were able to create a sustainable project that met the needs and passions of both fields."

Macy Sawicki, a recent graduate of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, helps a Gainesville Circus Center summer camper climb into an aerial ring. For her capstone experience, Sawicki worked closely with staff to develop an accessible program for children with varying sensory needs.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Public Health

“I also expanded my knowledge of preventative medicine and gained valuable hands-on experience while working in a clinical setting,” Emma Goodman said.

Emma Goodman, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health student, performs a mass removal on a dog at St. Francis Vet Care, which provides veterinary care to underserved communities. As part of her summer internship, she assisted in many surgical procedures at the clinic.

doctor of physical therapy

“This patient was incredibly fun to work with because he was so motivated and willing to try anything we challenged him with,” Lydia Dilworth said. “It was a pleasure to work with him, and it has been an honor to learn at the [Clinical Learning Center].”

Lydia Dilworth, a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student, uses a standing harness to support a patient with a spinal cord injury as he practices standing at a plinth in the Neuro Wellness program.

one health

"We collect ticks with our collaborators from all across Mongolia," Nora Cleary said. "Then, we test them for a variety of things including molecular confirmation of tick species and screening for pathogens.”

Nora Cleary, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Michael von Fricken, Ph.D., at UF’s One Health Center of Excellence, prepares a polymerase chain reaction for genetic sequencing of tick samples.

doctor of physical therapy

“This experience has been an invaluable opportunity to bridge the gap between what we learn in the classroom and what we will encounter as practicing physical therapists,” Megan England said.

From left to right, Doctor of Physical Therapy students Megan England, Samuel Crowson, Stephen Raspler and Madison Piper evaluate a patient during a therapeutic exercise class. Crowson uses a goniometer to measure Gloria Nelson’s range of motion in her knee.

doctor of occupational therapy

Chloe Prewitt, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student, talks to a child mannequin in the Pediatric Rehabilitation course while roleplaying a clinical experience with a child with autism. The goal of the experience is to provide the students with exposure to children during emotionally complex moments before they enter their clinical fieldwork experiences.

A person kneels on a classroom floor holding a microphone next to a child-sized medical simulation mannequin seated in a small yellow chair. The mannequin wears a blue shirt and shorts and holds a colorful wooden puzzle. Foam alphabet mats and a plastic storage bin are on the floor nearby, with tiered classroom desks visible in the background.