Meet Renna Thomas: Confluent Health’s Future PT Ambassador
In the world of physical therapy, passion, purpose, and a commitment to excellence are the driving forces that shape the future. In this spotlight, we introduce Renna Thomas, a third-year student at Drexel University and Confluent Health’s Future PT Ambassador, set to graduate in March 2024.
University Roots and Clinical Excellence
Hailing from South Jersey, Renna’s journey began at Drexel University, where her passion for physical therapy unfolded. Her clinical rotations at Strive Physical Therapy in Virtua – Burlington, NJ, provided her with a unique perspective and hands-on experience that fueled her ambition. Fun fact – Strive PT’s original clinic location started in Renna’s hometown!
Aspirations: A Unique Blend of Clinical and Educational Excellence
What sets Renna apart is her vision for a career that seamlessly blends clinical expertise with a passion for teaching. Her pursuit of best practices, coupled with a love for learning, reflects a commitment to contribute meaningfully to the profession.
Impacts of Clinical Experience at Strive Physical Therapy
Renna’s time at Strive left an indelible mark. The supportive community, where therapists once walked the same student path, resonated deeply with her. The professional and personal support received during her rotations reinforced her sense of belonging and influenced her eagerness to be a Clinical Instructor herself.
In her words: “My clinical instructors were the best, particularly Kyle Carlson from my time with Strive! His internal motivation to contribute to us students as the future of PT deserves recognition.”
Representing Confluent Health at CSM 2024
As Confluent Health’s Future PT Ambassador, Renna is gearing up to represent the organization at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in Boston. She looks forward to engaging with industry professionals, attending thought-provoking lectures, and reconnecting with her Drexel peers.
From the Clinic and Beyond: A Glimpse into Renna’s World
Outside her professional pursuits, Renna is a food enthusiast. Whether exploring new restaurants or experimenting with recipes at home, she finds joy and balance in the culinary arts. According to Renna, “Cooking dinner after a long day is a fun way for me to channel my creativity and take my mind off the stress of being a student, and going out to eat is my favorite way to celebrate every milestone along this journey!“ Her friends describe her as positive, adventurous, supportive, and loyal.
Confluent Health Culture: A Perfect Fit
What drew Renna to Confluent Health? The positive environment that values both providers and patients. From lighthearted physical spaces to fun events like the Halloween costume contest, she resonates with the priority of enjoying each treatment session and workday.
Future Contributions and Innovation
Renna sees constant improvement and innovation as integral to the future of physical therapy. Her view of the future is one where every clinician values the commitment to improvement. “Those who choose to apply their education and experience to solve important problems, increase efficiency, and improve outcomes through developing innovative technology, programs, treatments, and more are awesome.”
Renna is committed to staying engaged through knowledge sharing with her peers and industry. She looks forward to applying advancements in practice, sharing knowledge, data, and research, and providing feedback.
Advice to Aspiring PTs: Explore, Learn, and Connect
For those considering physical therapy as a career, Renna encourages exploration. Talk to as many people in the field as possible, gain exposure to diverse settings, and discover the multitude of paths available after earning a DPT degree.
Shaping the Future with Passion
Renna Thomas is more than a Future PT Ambassador; she is a dynamic force shaping the future of physical therapy at Confluent Health. Her commitment to excellence, love for learning, and vibrant spirit align seamlessly with the organization’s values, making her a beacon of inspiration in the field. As Renna embarks on her journey, she brings with her the promise of positive impact and a dedication to making a difference in the lives of patients.