On this episode of HealthMatters, Joe Bernardo Jr. speaks on his experience as a Physical Therapy student at Boston University and his practicum experience.
Joe's Bio:
My name is Joseph Bernardo and I am a third year physical therapy student at Boston University. Prior
to my enrollment at BU, I completed a Master's degree in Exercise Science and a Bachelor's degree in
Health Sciences, both from Merrimack College. I have participated in several clinical experiences thus far
during my education at BU, all occurring in the outpatient orthopedic setting, which is where I anticipate
my practice will begin once I graduate in May. I enjoy treating a variety of patient populations and
presentations, with a particular emphasis on runners.
For most of my life, I have been a person who stutters and I often struggled to find my voice in social
situations, due to experiences of bullying as a child. I have firsthand experience with the underlying
anxiety and sense of hopelessness that can arise from the negative social interactions and stigma that an
individual who stutters can experience on a daily basis. My goal for this project is to provide education,
real-life experiences, and communication strategies revolving around the stuttering condition to my
classmates and the general public, so that individuals who stutter may experience less stigma and a
strengthened therapeutic alliance when seeking physical therapy care, as well as a reduction in the
stigma these individuals can experience during every day social interactions.
