Growing up, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate Sarah Grady, DPT '25, was very close to her grandparents and saw how chronic illness—specifically Parkinson's disease—impacted their daily lives. Even though she didn't fully understand the condition back then, she felt a strong desire to help other people battling similar diseases.
“My interest in physical therapy began when my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson's,” Grady shared. “I noticed he walked differently, needed more rest, and had a tremor. When I was in college, I took a course on chronic disease management and saw how physical therapists helped patients with Parkinson's improve their gait and mobility. That was a powerful moment for me—it's when everything clicked and I knew I wanted to be a physical therapist.”
When deciding where to go to school, Grady was drawn to PCOM Georgia because of the welcoming, genuine environment she experienced during her interview.
“From the moment I walked in, I felt like I belonged. Everyone—faculty, staff, students—were so warm and authentic. Compared to other interviews, PCOM Georgia felt supportive, comfortable, and student-focused. I knew that environment would challenge me—and that's exactly what I was looking for in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.”
Grady knew that she wanted to be part of a profession that not only treats impairments, but also empowers people to live confidently and independently.
Throughout her time as a PT student, she engaged in numerous activities that reinforced her commitment to serving others, including volunteering at the National Amputee Coalition Conference, community outreach at the Atlanta Science Festival, volunteering at the Powerlifting event for the Special Olympics, and supporting patients at Dr. Miller’s limb loss clinics. As PT Club president, she participated in several community outreach initiatives like blood pressure screenings for underserved populations.
“Whether it's volunteering, joining clubs, attending events, or supporting your classmates, some of the most meaningful experiences for me came from stepping outside the classroom and connecting with the PCOM community,” Grady said.
Having recently passed the National Physical Therapy Exam and her LSVT BIG certification—a specialized program for Parkinson's and neurological movement—Grady now sees herself working in a hospital alongside a multidisciplinary team.
“I want to contribute to a team that helps patients rebuild their independence after major diagnoses or injuries,” she says.
She also aspires to serve as a mentor for others, as mentorship has personally impacted her journey.
“I intend to remain actively engaged in my community, especially with organizations that support individuals with neurological conditions and limb loss. My goal is to be both a dedicated clinician and an advocate, working to create meaningful change in patients' lives and advancing the profession as a whole.”
PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Joy Deibert
Assistant Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: joyde@pcom.edu
Office: 470-572-7558
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