Connection | College of Health Sciences
Alumni News
Alumni Spotlight: Barbara Sanders Barbara Sanders graduated from the UK Physical Therapy program in 1972. UK was a special place for Barbara, where she cheered on the Cats every home game and eventually met her husband, Michael. Originally from Boone County, Barbara’s career has taken her all over the country to finally settle in Austin, TX at Southwest Texas State University in 1986 where she has been ever since. In 1991 she completed her PhD studies in Austin. Why do you continue to support the College of Health Sciences and the Physical Therapy program? “Without my PT education and the mentorship, friendship, and colleagues from KY I would not have accomplished what I have in my career. It all started with the excellent foundation that was provided by Mac, Dick Borden, Judy Carr Canfield and Nancy Patton. Those four faculty were not just teachers, they were role models and mentors. Each of the three (not Mac) left UK to become leaders of other PT education programs. They inspired, challenged, guided and supported me over the years. We had an introduction to what it means to be a professional and part of that is to give back to the community. This was also inspired by my parents who were always involved in the community where I grew up – Hebron, KY. It was a way of life for us and an expectation that to get something we need to give even more. Mac also inspired us to be involved with the profession, requiring that we attend professional meetings, meet the leaders of our profession and get connected. That made a huge impact on me. And finally, I am a big UK basketball fan!” What was your favorite part of your time spent in the Physical Therapy program? Any special memories you’d like share? “Wow – after all these years not sure that I can tell you much about the favorite part, but can tell you about some of the best; it was the educational experiences provided not just by the faculty but by the community. We had incredible teachers who were in the ‘real world.’ We also experienced some very challenging courses, the first being anatomy with the medical students; the PT students always did quite well in that course. Those instructors were wonderful and challenging! We had pathology with the dental students and physiology with the nursing students. We learned so much about the team approach because we were involved in it from day one. We learned about practice since we would have class in the clinic, either during patient care or just after since we shared those facilities. It was a small class and in a small environment. We learned to work together and get along regardless, great lifelong lessons.”
Save The Date UK Medical Laboratory Science 80th Anniversary event Party like it’s 1933! Medical Laboratory Science: Eight Decades and Counting October 12, 2013 Embassy Suites, Lexington, KY University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences 13