Welcome to Season 2 of PT Path!
In this episode, host Amber Fitzsimmons speaks with alum Emily Gee about her journey from cellist to physical therapist to Assistant Professor and Director of Musician Wellness at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Emily shares how her own rehab experience shaped her passion for helping performing artists, and how she now blends education, injury prevention, mental health, and wellness support for musicians in a truly unique academic role. Her story demonstrates how sometimes the most rewarding opportunities are the ones you never expected.
00:00 Welcome to PT Path
00:35 Meet Emily Gee
01:46 From cello to rehab
03:25 Choosing the cello
04:20 Recovery and playing again
05:24 Path to CU Boulder
11:18 Clinician to academia leap
14:30 Imposter syndrome
20:31 Director role explained
25:49 Stress and autonomy shift
28:52 Dreaming your next move
30:47 Support systems and risk
31:35 Transferable PT skills
34:35 Who are performing artists
36:27 Identity pressure and perfection
38:10 Mental health and curriculum
39:49 Wellness class
42:33 PTs in prevention roles
44:15 APTA service and advocacy
46:23 House of Delegates explained
48:28 Program growth and research
50:37 Marching band and injury prevention
53:15 Advice for DPT students
55:17 Closing reflections
