Supporting a New Generation of Physical Therapists
Ethan Taylor ’22, DPTx’25 isn’t just the first in his family to attend college — he will also be the first medical professional, and his family couldn’t be prouder. Taylor grew up in Blaine, MN, and when he enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17 years old, he was certain that his future was in engineering. However, he soon discovered that wasn’t where he was meant to be.
“While I was in military basic training and job-specific advanced individual training, I discovered a passion for exercise and rehabilitation that I hadn’t recognized before,” Taylor shares. “I started to explore, diving into the tactical athlete and other related rehabilitation processes. From there, I learned more about physical therapy and found that I really enjoyed rehab for the sports population.”
The UW School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) has one of the oldest physical therapy programs in the country, and its three-year curriculum was one of the first in the nation to receive accreditation from the American Physical Therapy Association. Intrigued by the athletic population, Taylor was drawn to the diverse range of injuries and rehab processes and the way athletes tend to commit themselves to healing. “It always motivates me to be the best clinician I can be,” he reveals.
To assist with the financial challenges of earning a medical degree, Taylor applied for and was selected as the recipient of the Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Price Memorial Scholarship, which honors a marine who was killed in action in Afghanistan in July 2012. This fund, created in 2019 by J.D. Garbrecht ’97, provides support to physical therapy students with veteran status. Over the last two decades, Garbrecht has helped rehabilitate wounded service members through physical therapy. He has been inspired by his patients and their families, as well as 35 years of military service, leading him to leave a legacy of generosity, compassion, and service.
A proud vet, Taylor gleaned a lot from his years in the military. “Being part of the Army National Guard showed me what hard work truly looks like,” he says. “Some of the most difficult experiences of my life happened during that phase. Those situations taught me how to handle almost any adverse scenario with a level head.” Having found his true path, Taylor seized both educational and social opportunities at SMPH. “The faculty and staff make it obvious that they care about each individual, and they want to make sure students are doing well,” he offers. “I’ve also found some incredible friends who I can see being with for the rest of my life. They’ve really helped pull me through some tough times.”
Scholarship funds can provide recipients with more than monetary assistance. “Receiving this support has helped me see that my time in the military has more to offer me, even though I’m no longer serving,” Taylor shares. “It continues to educate me, and this scholarship has reminded me to remain open to receiving those lessons.” With a bright future ahead of him, Taylor is already thinking about how he can pay it forward. “After graduating and finding some stability, I’ll be able to give back to students in my position.”
Taylor is grateful to be part of the physical therapy program at SMPH and to learn from all those he’s had the honor to help. “An especially impactful experience I’ve had is participating in the Dewane Neurorehabilitation Pro Bono Clinic. The patient I currently work with is extremely receptive to therapy and is always excited to participate,” he says. “On the final day of the 2022 fall clinic, he was able to walk up the stairs without assistance, which was one of his goals for the semester. It was an amazing and emotional experience. He motivates me every week and is a shining reminder of why I began this journey in the first place.”
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