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Rick MewesRick Mewes ’96

Clinical faculty in DPT program;
physical therapist and clinic supervisor, Institute for Athletic Medicine, Edina, Minn.

The importance of patience: “As a St. Kate’s PT student I was impatient. I wanted to work. I was poor and tired of how long it took to get through it all. And I was ‘all about orthopedics.’”

Rick says that he didn’t understand why he had to spend so much time on subjects like neurology, but now he thinks differently. “I use the neurology I learned all the time.”

Perspective gained from teaching: “I work with teachers now who were my teachers. As a student, I didn’t appreciate the dedication it took to teach. Now I do!”

The St. Kate’s difference: “St. Kate’s curricular approach is making a difference for students. New graduates are prepared socially to interact with patients more effectively. Students go into clinics within first couple weeks of the program and every week thereafter for two years.”

Who is this approach right for? “It’s great for anyone who hasn’t spent much time with patients or is nervous about interacting with patients. The clinical experiences allow them to get comfortable with patients before they practice professionally. It’s also an excellent way to augment your learning. What you see in the clinic reinforces what you learn in class.”

Personal recipe for health: “Be steady and consistent with your exercise. Eat right. It’s the weekend-warrior, home improvement fix-it types whom I see most. Take care of yourself so you don’t have to see me.”

For fun: “I still play soccer, I run and I like downhill skiing. I have three daughters and I coach my two older daughters in soccer.”

Education: B.A., biology, Saint John’s (Minnesota) University; MPT, physical therapy, College of St. Catherine; certified by the American Physical Therapy Association.