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UNWAVERING EXCELLENCE: DR. MARCEE SIMPSON, CLASS OF 2014
Physical therapy is one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States. By the end of the decade, analysts estimate that positions in the field will increase by eighteen percent. Dr. Marcee Simpson (‘14) is well-equipped to lead that charge having just graduated from Augusta University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy prorgam.
From a young age, Simpson has had a drive to care for others. “My family will tell you that throughout my life, I always loved playing with my mother’s first aid kit. I would always insist on a Band-Aid for the smallest of injuries and I loved wrapping our family pet in ace bandages to make her feel better.”
Simpsons’s journey to become a physical therapist started when she was a freshman at the University of Georgia. As a college freshman, Simpson thought that there were limited ways to get involved in the medical field. She soon discovered though that there are exponential ways to establish a career in the medical field saying, “As a Tattnall student, I dreamt of pursuing a career in the medical field. However I thought that the only options were physician or nurse. I’ve learned since that there are exponential ways to get involved in the medical field with numerous education levels and specialties.”
It was during her first year in Athens, by chance, that Simpson was introduced to the world of physical therapy. Simpson was offered internships within the field in both Macon and Athens. “During those internships, I really felt that God was pulling my heart toward a career in physical therapy.” Physical therapy, as a career, fulfilled many goals for her. “When I was listing priorities for a career, I wanted to do something that would foster my love of education. In addition, I wanted to enter a field where I would be able to bond with my patients.”
Simpson finds reward beyond what she gains from her career as well. “The most rewarding part of being a physical therapist is watching patients progress. Most PT patients are typically in pain or frustrated with their current condition. So getting to witness the progress of someone going from struggling to use a walker on day one of treatment to seeing them saunter out of the clinic on the last day with no help at all is such a great feeling. Seeing my patients reach their goals is what makes my job more than worth it.”
Even though she has graduated from physical therapy school, Simpson refuses to cease learning anytime soon. She plans to continue taking courses in manual therapy, Parkinson’s interventions and women’s health care. “I’m humbled by what I do not know yet and the experience I have yet to build. I try to treat each day as an opportunity to learn more and become a better practitioner for my future patients.” As she holds herself to a standard of unwavering excellence, Simpson will continue to provide the best care possible.
