As UAB PT celebrates its 60th anniversary, we want to spotlight a few of our many successful alumni and hear how the department has impacted their journeys.

With that said, we are pleased to introduce you to Dhara Shah, PT, DPT, OCS, alumna of our DPT Class of 2015. Currently, Dhara is president of APTA Georgia and a physical therapist at Motion Stability Physical Therapy Group in Atlanta.

What is your favorite memory from your time at UAB PT?

Honestly, I have so many great memories at UAB PT. I am so thankful to UAB PT for giving some great years and cherished memories. Memory #1 - In my first month of starting the program, I became a citizen of the United States of America. It was a big day for me, and my classmates made it even better by throwing me an "AMERICA" party. Memory #2: I had the opportunity to be a student usher and be roommates with Dr. Cecilia Graham at the APTA House of Delegates in 2014. I will cherish that memory since I was able to have that time with Dr. Graham. That event, thanks to Dr. Lein, sparked my interest in leadership within our association.

What are you up to now and how has UAB PT potentially influenced that?

I am currently the APTA Georgia President, and I attribute that leadership from what was instilled in me at UAB PT. I work at Motion Stability in Atlanta, Georgia, a private practice that prioritizes one-on-one care for patients and provides an environment in which I continue to learn and grow.

What is something you learned from UAB PT that you have taken into your career?

I have learned how to be a leader in our profession and be a part of the change of what I want the future of physical therapy to look like. I put my patients first and aspire to be a top-notch healthcare provider because of the skills that were taught in the program.

If you could give one piece of advice to current PT students, what would you say?

I would encourage current PT students to not settle for mediocrity. You're too good for that.

*Have someone you want featured? Please email Elena Potter at emp2@uab.edu.