Co-op – Page 8 – Fukuji & Lum Physical Therapy

September 12, 2016 By Mark Yanai

The Awesome Experience of Finding Yourself

One of the rewards of working with physical therapy students is being able to witness their amazing growth during their time with us. At the end of their internship, students normally see the success they accomplished with their work and have the realization of a learned skill. But with the Northeastern Co-Op students, it’s often a lot more than what happens in the clinical setting. They end up discovering their identity of who they really are and want to be in life.

While the experience of being in Hawaii for six months seems like an extended vacation, it is often much more than that. There’s a saying “You never leave a place you love, you take a part of it with you, leaving a part of you behind.” I find this is true for many of the Co-Ops, but much more so with Kara, one of our 5 Co-ops this past semester. When I first posted a blog introducing her back in Febuary, she wrote about her hopes to finding out what kind of therapist she could be. Six months went by fast and I could describe her tremendous growth in my words, but it’s more clear when you hear it from her.

My Co-Op Experience: Kara

So I guess now that I’m done with my first semester back I have no more excuses to not write this blog. It’s a big undertaking, however, because I am not particularly adept at putting my feelings and experiences into coherent thoughts. My usual encounter with anyone asking me how my 6-month co-op was in Hawaii might be something like this:

“So how was Hawaii?” Internal dialogue: ‘Ohmygosh it was so great I had so much fun I learned so much Fukuji and Lum is awesome they actually care so much about the co-ops and that we are having a good/educational time and the islands were great/magical/more than I ever imagined and I made friends and swam in the ocean with cute sea creatures and almost fell off a few mountains and ohmygosh I got so fit biking to work every day but it was scary in the rain and everyone was always so concerned and supportive of everything that we did and looked out for us like family wait what was I saying? What I actually say: “uhhhh…. Awesome?!?!”

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I’m pretty sure no one wants to hear me babble on like that, but that’s pretty much still all I can do. I cannot describe what a great experience working for Fukuji & Lum was, or how much all of my amazing coworkers mean to me. It wasn’t just 6 months of sun and fun in a tropical paradise, although there was plenty of that, I was welcomed into the F&L family as a long-lost relative. The Hawaiian concept of Ohana is now engrained in me, not by being told the definition over and over, but by being shown over and over in the kindness and love of everyone I encountered.

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The experience I gained in the different clinics will shape the type of therapist I become. Up till now, being a physical therapist was a VERY distant dream. Being back from Fukuji and Lum and taking classes this summer, this is the first time I have actually felt this dream was attainable. Working as a therapist was something I wanted to do, but honestly up till now it was something I never actually felt I was capable of doing. I continued semester after semester with the growing feeling that I wasn’t good enough, that I wasn’t smart enough. The people at Fukuji and Lum have been great mentors, and the confidence they have shown in me has in turn made me more confident. Since returning from Hawaii I find I have been able to accept the fact that no, I don’t know everything, but that’s ok, that’s what the rest of my education is for.

I am grateful for everything I came away from Hawaii having learnt and seen. In those magical 6 months I made lifelong friends, ate strange and delicious foods (does anyone want to send me some haupia?? no??), collected a hodgepodge of the culture and language, explored, learned much about myself, and fell in love…. with the Islands! So from the bottom of my heart, Mahalo Nui Loa!

Happy at Work

August 29, 2016 By Mark Yanai

More Than Teamwork

Earlier this year, F&L was fortunate to have five Co-Op students join us from Northeastern University as an education requirement of their physical therapy graduate program. Our relationship with the university is now going on nine years as we’ve hosted more than 20 students for their six-month stay at our clinics. Most of the students are placed at our Windward clinics, but since we had five of them this semester, one lucky Co-op was set to join our newest clinic in Honolulu, the Kuakini Physicians Tower in the Kuakini Medical Center.

When conducting interviews for the Co-Op Program, I look for candidates who will fit in well with our value-based organization. I knew that the student selected for our Honolulu clinic would have to be someone who could handle new and different challenges than previous co-ops. It didn’t take long for me to select Amelia, a fourth year student, to be the one to join our Honolulu team and be a part of the opening of our newest clinic. I was impressed by her maturity and work ethic and knew she would fit right in. It’s not surprising that the name Amelia is derived from the Latin words for “industrious” and “striving” as she fits the bill of what we look for in each of our employees.

Amelia is now back to her studies in Boston, but took the time to be a guest blogger for us and reflect on her experience working at the Honolulu clinic.

Guest Blogger: Amelia and the Meaning of “Team-work”

When I initially heard a week before coming to Hawaii that I would be the Co-Op joining the Honolulu clinic, I’ll admit I had a few reservations. My worries about being the only Co-Op at the clinic and the commute without a car were soon washed away and I couldn’t be more grateful to have been a part of the Kuakini family. As cheesy as it sounds, I never fathomed how inspiring and life-changing my experience at the Honolulu clinic would be. On my first day at Fukuji & Lum, a little silver Pontiac Vibe pulled into my driveway just after noon and drove me to see Lanikai beach. This would be the first of many car rides over the Pali Highway full of conversations with Art Lum, from which I have learned a great deal and truly cherish. During that first car ride Art explained to me the values based-culture of F&L, to which I could do little more than nod my head politely in reply.

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[one_half_last]However, after reflecting on my experience it is something I more deeply understand and hope to take with me as a clinician for the rest of my life. I’ve heard many peers and friends talk about the great “team” attitude they share with their coworkers and I’ve experienced it myself at other jobs, but there is something really unique about the F & L culture that makes it so special. I’m not quite sure I can put that into words, but I do know that each person I had the pleasure of working with in Honolulu for has influenced who I will become as a clinician and as a person. [/one_half_last]

[one_half]Art, Shaw, Brittany, Mike, Michelle, Lynn, Julie, and Terrence all went out of their way to make me feel at home; from feeding me endless Hawaiian snacks to teaching me new exercises to giving me weekend tips. They were continuously patient, kind, and supportive of me, of one another, and most importantly of our patients. Each of them brought something special to the table and our bond extended beyond the doors of the clinic to weekend hikes, Filipino restaurants, and Karaoke sessions. They showed me just what the F&L culture is all about and I hope to carry that with me wherever I go. [/one_half]

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Mauka a Makai

After cruising past Lanikai beach on that first day in Honolulu, Art and I headed over the mountains. He explained to me the first Hawaiian words I learned on the island, mauka and makai, to describe the mountains and the ocean. These words stuck with me and have come to mean a lot to me. Art marveled at how lovely the mountains looked that afternoon, and I can remember admiring that after many years in Hawaii he still found a new appreciation for the beauty of his surroundings every day. The beauty of the island was everywhere in Hawaii, filling my heart with joy day after day.

In the 6 months I spent in having some of the most beautiful experiences of my life I came to an understanding that I have taken with me back to Boston. We often think tropical islands are the most beautiful places in the world, yearning for them in daydreams and ending up unsatisfied or unhappy by our own current surroundings. But the simple realization that it is much more about attitude than it is about surroundings has made me more gracious and appreciative, and ultimately more happy. Hawaii has taught me to find beauty and happiness wherever I stand, mauka a makai. Joy can be found under streetlights and in sunsets if I open my eyes to it.

Happy at Work

February 29, 2016 By Mark Yanai

Introducing Mila

Introducing Mila!

As we continuing with our introductions of our five new co-ops, we welcome Mila to the F&L family. She and her classmate, Kaitlin, are currently working at our Kokokahi clinics, both at the pool and Kaneohe clinic. Throughout the next six months, we hope that some of our patients get the opportunity to be a part of her experience in Hawaii.

What school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college?
I attended Ashland High School and my current college in Northeastern University in Boston.

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What drew you to physical therapy?
During my freshman year of college I became very active and started running and working out with a grassroots workout group called November Project. As a retired dancer and a pharmacy major I quickly realized that my passion lay in the preventative side of medicine that focused on patient care and had an impact on patients’ lives. After going to physical therapy myself, I realized that a career as a physical therapist would allow me to explore my interest in the human body and make a huge impact on the quality of life of my patients. It is an extremely rewarding, challenging, and fun career that completely matches my active lifestyle.

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Why did you want to do your co-op in Hawaii?
F&L offers aquatic therapy, which is something I have always been interested in. They also seem to have a family environment within their company, which is something I have always wanted to experience. And… it’s Hawaii; the real question is why would I ever not want to do my coop in paradise! It is so amazing to have a full day at work and then be able to drive 5 minutes to do a sunset hike overlooking the beach.

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What has been your experience like so far?
My experience so far has been absolutely incredible! I can’t believe it has only been a month. I have been hiking, surfing, swimming, eating lots of delicious food, meeting wonderful friends, and getting my tan on.

What’s the strangest thing that you’ve eaten since arriving? Natto…

What is on your to do list while here?
Hike stairway to heaven, sky dive, check out Big Island and Kauai, paraglide, learn more songs on guitar, eat everything, get very tan, and of course learn how to surf!

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What are your outside interests?
I love to dance, cook, write, sing, read, watch movies, hike, and snowboard.

What kind of therapist do you hope to be?
I would like to be an outpatient orthopedic therapist. I hope to obtain the experience and knowledge to confidently provide each individual patient with the best care and attention to their unique injuries.

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Who is your greatest influence in your life?
I don’t have a single influence in my life. I am blessed to have been surrounded by loving friends and family who have shaped me into the person I am today. I have had the same best friends since the 6^th grade and I am very close to my family. I believe the close relationships I have made so far have been my biggest motivator and have showed me how fun life can be when you’re surrounded by those you love!

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Happy at Work

February 2, 2016 By Mark Yanai

Introducing Natalia

We continue with the introductions of our most recent Co-ops. Meet Natalia, our newest addition to the Kailua clinic. Read about how her detour from the mainland to Hawaii for her next Co-op experience came about in our Q&A session below.
– What school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college?
I went to Jesuit High School in Portland, OR and moved to Boston for Northeastern University‘s six year DPT program.

– What drew you to physical therapy?
I’ve always known I wanted to be in the health profession, so in high school I did a lot of research and talked to a bunch of people from different careers. What struck me the most was how much physical therapists enjoyed their jobs and felt that their work was deeply rewarding and meaningful. I shadowed at an outpatient clinic and it was very inspirational to see the strong rapport PTs have with their patients and how hard they work to help their patients improve.

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– Why did you want to do your Co-op in Hawaii?

I really enjoyed my last outpatient Co-op because I appreciated the depth of a relationship that can be built over a longer timeframe with patients seen in an outpatient clinic as opposed to a hospital setting. I decided the Hawaii Co-op would give me a new take on an environment that I’ve already had some experience with and plan to go in the future, as well as provide me the opportunity to learn fresh techniques, perspectives, and cultural values which will shape my practice down the line.
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– What has been your experience like so far?
It’s been incredible! Honestly, everyone is so friendly and chill. I thought it would be hard to transition to a completely different culture and surroundings than what I’m used to, but I already never want to leave! I have never felt so stress-free and so physically and mentally healthy! I can tell these six months are going to fly by.

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– What’s the strangest thing that you’ve eaten since arriving?
I would probably say the strawberry guava that we picked off the side of a trail during a hike in Temple Valley. It was delicious and not as strange of a texture as lilikoi, but just the fact that I could pick tasty, edible fruit to munch in the middle of our hike totally blew my mind! I also couldn’t figure out if I should eat the small seeds or spit them out!
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– What is on your to do list while here?
My to do list mainly revolves around being fully immersed in the culture and experiences while I’m here and to take advantage of every moment. I am going to try and be outside as much as possible by swimming, biking, running and hiking O’ahu’s beautiful landscapes. My other main goal is to learn as much as I can from the unique culture and clinic opportunities, making sure I come away with an unforgettable educational experience.

– What are your outside interests?
I’m very into tea and I love to cook healthy and try new recipes. I bike everywhere back in Boston and enjoy reading outdoors whenever I get a chance. I really like petting people’s dogs and taking advantage of community volunteer opportunities.

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– What kind of therapist do you hope to be?
I hope to be the kind of therapist who is constantly learning and bettering herself in order to best help other people, putting the well-being of my patients above all else. I really value education and continual learning which I believe is crucial for providing the best possible health care.

– Who is your greatest influence in your life?
That’s hard to say, because everyone I’m close to has influenced me in some way — my family, friends, teachers, peers, and coworkers alike. If I had to choose one person, I would say my sister. She’s the one who’s given me my love of outdoor adventure, shaped my taste in music and literature, and honed my skills in vegetarian cooking. She has showed me what it means to be a compassionate and altruistic individual. She has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and has been there whenever I’ve had to make tough decisions. She definitely is likely the reason why I chose a career in physical therapy.

Happy at Work

January 25, 2016 By Mark Yanai

Mahalo & Aloha Victoria

As we introduce our new Co-Ops, we also say goodbye to those who have completed the fall semester. Victoria guest blogs for me as she reflects back on the past six months and her experience with F&L.

There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t wish I could be back in Hawaii (especially with Boston’s current 30 degree weather). I had wanted to apply to the Fukuji and Lum co-op ever since I first heard about it three years ago. As someone who loves to travel, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to continue my physical therapy education while living in and experiencing a new place.

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While the thought of moving halfway around the world for six months seemed intimidating, the Fukuji and Lum family welcomed us with open arms and showed us the true meaning of “Aloha” from day one. I feel truly lucky to have had the privilege of getting to know both the staff members and patients at F&L. From giving me my first spam musubi to inviting us to an Okinawan festival, everyone went out of their way to ensure we experienced all aspects of the Hawaiian culture. The always calm and friendly Hawaiian spirit was impossible not to catch and is something I hope to always keep with me.

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My weeks in Hawaii were filled with learning while I worked at the Kailua and Kaneohe Clinics as well as the Aquatic Therapy program in Kaneohe. The dedicated physical therapists and PTA’s were always there to encourage me and answer my many questions. Thanks to them, I have come back to Boston knowing more than I ever thought I could learn in six months and with a greater drive to continue learning and complete my final three years of physical therapy school.

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Growing up a swimmer, Kaneohe pool’s Aquatic Therapy program made me feel at home immediately. Working with physical therapists Rachel, Jocelyn, and Joy, as well as the rest of the aquatic therapy staff, Deb, Billy, Wes and my fellow co-op Connor, there was always somebody ready to show me new techniques or answer a question. During my six months, I was able to watch the program grow and have gained a greater understanding of Aquatic Therapy and the many benefits it provides.

In the Kailua clinic I worked closely with Randall Fukuji and Clarise who introduced me to PRI (Postural Restoration Institute), an approach to physical therapy that I had never heard of before coming to Hawaii. In the clinic, I instructed patients in their exercises and assisted with some manual techniques. I’ve learned the importance of keeping an open mind and always continuing my education as a physical therapist.

In Kaneohe’s Lower Atherton Clinic I was able to assist and observe physical therapists Jamie, Brad and Nate, and gained an appreciation for the many different ways each of them treated patients. Also, PTAs Colleen and Janie were always there to teach me new exercises and answer any of my questions. From observing evaluations, manual therapy, and attending different in-services, the Kaneohe clinic kept me constantly learning.

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Outside the clinic, my weekends were always exciting and filled with different adventures. My favorite memories include many muddy hikes and beautiful beaches, as well as kayaking to the Mokulua island, spending days on the North Shore, and swimming with wild spinner dolphins. I don’t think thank you is enough to describe how grateful I am to each one of my coworkers, patients, and new friends for making Windward Oahu feels like home.

Aloha,

Victoria

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Mark's Blog

January 23, 2016 By Mark Yanai

Introducing Amelia

Here we go again! The new Northeastern University Co-ops are here and we have FIVE of them this semester! This is most that we’ve ever employed for a semester, but with the growth of our organization, we’ve taken the plunge into staffing a student at each of our four clinics. See some of my previous blogs and our website for information about our relationship with Northeastern University.

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Fukuji & Lum welcomes Amelia, one of the five Co-ops staying with us for the next six months. She is currently working at our NEW Honolulu clinic at the Kuakini Medical Center. Amelia is braving the morning traffic from Kailua to town, working as a medical receptionist and assisting our therapists, Shaw Okawara and Art Lum.

Amelia shared some thoughts about coming to Hawaii and her experiences so far.

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– What school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college?

I graduated Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and I’m currently in my fourth year at Northeastern University.

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– Why did you want to do your co-op in Hawaii?

I love traveling in general but I wanted to come to Hawaii to immerse myself in an entirely different place for a Co-op. I wanted to experience what practicing PT was like here as well as explore the culture. I’m hoping I’ll be able to take back a new perspective on my PT practice as well as life in general when I return to Boston. I’m also grateful to have escaped the wicked New England winter.

– What has been your experience like so far?

I love it so far! There are beautiful things everywhere you look. I’ve been really enjoying weekend adventures and all the outdoor activities. It’s hard to do a lot of those things in the city back home, so I’ve really been trying to soak it all in while I’m here!

– What’s the strangest thing that you’ve eaten since arriving?

My roommates and I have been eating any weird fruit we can get our hands on. So far I’d probably have to say it’s lilikoi. We’ve also eaten quite a few things we don’t know the names for…

– What is on your to do list while here?

I’m really hoping to do cage diving with sharks off the North Shore. It’s been #1 on my bucket list since I was about 13. Also, surfing lessons.

– What are your outside interests?

I’m a voracious reader, I’ll read pretty much anything. I like art museums, cooking, hiking, yoga, and horse back riding. I also thoroughly enjoy long walks to the fridge.

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– What drew you to physical therapy and what kind of therapist do you hope to be?

My mom is an occupational hand therapist so I’ve always grown up around rehabilitation. I took an anatomy class in high school and she’d always tell me cool things I didn’t learn in class, which sparked my interest in PT. She’s also incredibly caring towards her patients, often working late hours just to fit them all in and coming up with custom contraptions so her patients could get back to their daily lives. I’ve never seen a therapist as hardworking and humble, and I hope one day I can be even half the therapist she is.

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Happy at Work

August 24, 2015 By Mark Yanai

The NEU Experience @ WORC by: Cody Gilliss

Cody Gilliss arrived in Hawaii early in January 2015 and began his 6 month Co-operative experience at F&L’s Windward Occupational Rehab Center (WORC). I had interviewed Cody four months prior and knew that he would be a great fit for the unique setting that WORC has to offer. After returning to Boston a month ago, Cody took some time to reflect on his experience and share it with us.

Having the opportunity to work at Fukuji & Lum Physical Therapy was a once in a lifetime experience for me, and I can’t thank everyone at F&L enough for my 6 months in paradise. It’s sad to believe my short time with F&L is already over and I’m back in Boston, but Hawai’i, the memories, and the friends I made along the way will be with me for years to come.

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Being my first real move from home, I was worried how I would fit in with the culture, the people, and everyone I was working with. Fortunately for me, I was lucky enough to work with some of the best people I’ve ever met – and had the opportunity to work with so many amazing patients. Thank you all for making my move to Hawai’i truly a breeze.

Prior to this work experience, I knew I wanted to experience something different than what I would get at home in Boston. I was greeted by a crew of talented and passionate forward-thinkers that really revolutionize and break the mold of the physical therapy practice. The WORC clinic uses a lot of cutting-edge and exciting new methods to rehabilitate their patients, and it was a pleasure to be a student learning from everyone there.

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Every day I knew that I would learn something new, or have a new book sitting at my desk. The amount of knowledge and insight I have gained through everyone at F&L is amazing and I am very grateful. Mark emphasized to me that it’s important to forever be a student, and now I realize how true that really is. I learned you should always strive to be better, to learn more, and to be responsible for your own education.

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Working at F&L under Mark, David, Stacy, Jessie, Lisa and Ross taught me so much about how to be a great physical therapist and a great healthcare provider. They work so hard to put the patient’s health and wellbeing first, and it’s something I look forward to providing for my patients in my professional future down the road.

Every patient that walked through the door seemed to be a part of the F&L family, and it was a blessing to be a part of that family, or Ohana, while I was there. I now definitely understand what it means to practice physical therapy “with aloha”, and it’s something I will bring back here to the mainland!

Sports Day at WORC

Speaking of things I want to bring back to the mainland, there are so many things I want to bring back here. First and most important – my favorite Hawaiian snack… Foodland’s very own, Spicy Ahi Poke. I’m currently looking around the local fish markets to recreate it on my own. Thank you again to Jessie and Lisa for the extra furikake and poke-mix! It will be put to good use, I promise!!!

Cody’s Homemade Spicy Ahi Bowl

There isn’t a day I spend without thinking about my experience in Hawai’i and how it has made me a better person. The people, the ocean, the weather, the culture, and the Aloha spirit – It’s a time in my life I’ll never forget and it’s something I’ll take forward with me every day. Thank you all again for making it so special. I can’t wait for the day I can come back to Kaneohe, hopefully this time for much longer.

Aloha,
Cody

Happy at Work

February 9, 2015 By Mark Yanai

The New Co Ops Are Here! Meet Sarah! (Part 3)

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MEET SARAH!

Sarah Agustin is our third Co-op from NEU who joined F&L this January. She is a graduate student in the physical therapy program and will soon graduate later this year. Sarah is also our very first student who is “homegrown” right here in the islands from the Nuuanu area.

Here’s a little bit about Sarah and her perspective of what it feels like to be from Hawaii and going away to the mainland for school.

What school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college?

I was born and raised in Honolulu and graduated from Iolani School in 2008. I completed my undergraduate degree at Concordia University in Irvine, CA majoring in Athletic Training. I am currently a Post-Baccalaureate of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University.

What drew you to physical therapy?

Being in the athletic training program I had the opportunity to shadow several physical therapists and see the impact they made on athletes’ lives. Seeing the process from acute care to post op, I knew this was my niche.

Why did you want to do your Northeastern Co-op in Hawaii?

Being from Hawaii I wanted to find a way to return to the islands to give back to the community. F&L offered a wide variety of therapy services that i could learn from which will allow me to build a better foundation.

What has your experience been like so far?

I was excited to return home after being away for a year to enjoy warm weather, ono grinds, and family and friends. I am excited to show the Co-op students what Hawaii has to offer.

What have you missed about Hawaii that you realized being away for college?

Being away for college I realized how lucky I was to live in Hawaii. I really missed the variety of foods and the Aloha spirit. I missed being able to wear my “rubbah slippahs” daily and not worry about the weather today, tomorrow or the next day.

What was the first thing that you were looking forward to eating when you came home?

Right off the plane my first stop was Nimitz BBQ for meat jun packed with a variety of Korean vegetables. Over the next several weeks I enjoyed Grandma’s Filipino food, Poke bowls, and Helena’s Hawaiian food.

Being the first Co-op from NEU to return to Hawaii at F&L, what are you hoping to find out about the experience?

During the first month at F&L I have witnessed a variety of skills and extensive knowledge throughout the staff. I am hoping to gain a better understanding of each of their specialties and how I can apply it to my future career. Such as: Graston techniques, manual therapy, and aquatics.

What’s been unique about F&L from your other experience in physical therapy clinics?

F&L is unique in that they focus on creating relationships not only between their employees but also with their patients. I really value that F&L embraces change, encourages growth, and challenges me to grow in my profession.

What is on your to do list while here in the Islands?

On my bucket list is to do many different hikes but most of all tackling Kalalau on Kauai. I also want to leave this Co-op experience with a better understanding of our profession.

What are your interests outside of school and work?

I love hiking, going to the beach, and spending quality time with my Ohana. I also love staying active and seeking new adventures.

What kind of therapist do you hope to be?

I hope to be a therapist that has a vast understanding of various modes of physical therapy techniques. I have an interest in specializing in hand therapy and prosthetics.

Who is your greatest influence in your life?

My greatest influence is my parents who have instilled the importance of a good work ethic. They have encouraged me to set high goals and to never give up.

Happy at Work

February 2, 2015 By Mark Yanai

The New PT Co-Ops are here! Meet Teagan (Part 2)

MEET TEAGAN!
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Teagan Ferguson is studying to become a physical therapist and is in her 4th year at Northeastern’s Physical Therapy program. She is returning to the islands to work for F&L as part of her school’s Co-Op program. Teagan is currently working at our Kaneohe Clinic and Aquatic Pool located at the Kokokahi YWCA.

Teagan told us about being in the physical therapy field and her experience in Hawaii these past few weeks.

What school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college?
I attended Haddam Killingworth High School in Higganum CT before graduating and continuing my education at Northeastern University.

What drew you to physical therapy?
In high school I really liked engineering but knew I wanted to go into the medical field. Physical therapy was a mix between the two worlds for me and has turned out to be a pretty good fit.

Why did you want to do your Northeastern Co-Op in Hawaii?
I knew I wanted to do my co-op in Hawaii because it’s a place I’d love to return to after school. I’ve never really had a home town since I’ve moved a lot but Hawaii was where I was born. Since part of my family returned to the island it seemed like a good time to come back and see how things have changed.

What has your experience been like so far?
My experience so far has been amazing. I love that I can work in both aquatic and land therapy here and the PTs and PTAs that I’m working with are great teachers. All of the patients I’ve worked with are very friendly and I’m excited to enjoy the rest of my co-op.

What’s the strangest thing that you’ve eaten since arriving?
The strangest thing I’ve eaten here is probably a Spam Musubi. It’s one thing I’d never had before and didn’t think I’d like.

What is on your to do list while here in the islands?
Visiting my family and taking my nephew to Hanama Bay are two big things on my to do list. I also plan on exploring more of the windward side of the island and spending some time by North Shore.

What are your interests outside of school and work?
Outside of work I enjoy taking photos of nature and animals as well as playing video games. Since being here I’ve really come to enjoy kayaking as well.

What kind of therapist do you hope to be?
I would love to be an outpatient physical therapist and I’d like to do aquatic therapy at least part of the time.

Who is your greatest influence in your life?
My greatest influence is my mother as she’s always teaching us to both set big goals for ourselves and work out butts off to achieve them. She’s very supportive and let’s us make our own choices because she knows different people have different paths to being successful.

Please give Teagana a warm Aloha when you see her at the pool or the Kaneohe clinic.
Next blog post: Meet Sarah!

Happy at Work

January 27, 2015 By Mark Yanai

The New PT Student Co-Ops are Here! Meet Cody Gilliss (Part 1)

For the past 7 years, F&L has been in partnership with Northeastern University’s Physical Therapy Cooperative Education Program. Twice a year our organization accepts outstanding NU physical therapy students as full-time employees and gives them the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in an outpatient orthopedic clinical setting. These students primarily assist our highly qualified physical therapists with outpatient care at our clinic locations in Honolulu and Windward Oahu, including the outdoor heated pool at the Kokokahi YWCA. The journey to Hawaii will offer students tremendous life-changing experiences as they strive to balance work, play and new discoveries during their 6-month employment.

We start this year with three excellent Co-Op students: Cody, Sarah, and Teagan, who will be working at various F&L clinics. They will be featured in the next few blog posts.

MEET CODY!
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[image title=”Cody Gilliss, NEU Co-Op Student” caption=”Cody Gilliss, NEU Co-Op Student”]https://fukujilumpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cody-e1422322359173.jpg[/image][/fancy_images]
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Cody Gilliss, a 4th year student in Northeastern’s Physical Therapy program, decided to head out to the islands for his final Co-Op experience before he graduates. He is currently working with our therapists at the WORC location. We asked how his experience has been so far and here’s what he had to say!
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What school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college?

I attended Manchester-Essex Regional HS in Manchester, MA. I currently attend Northeastern University in Boston, MA.

What drew you to study physical therapy and become a physical therapist?

After a great experience as a physical therapy patient myself several years ago, I realized what a rewarding and fun profession it is. It’s a great way for me to help others get back on their feet and back to what they love doing, whether it be their own jobs, extracurricular activities, or spending time with their family and loved ones.

Why did you want to do your Northeastern Co-Op in Hawaii?

I really wanted a cultural and professional experience completely different than what I experience back in Boston. F&L is cutting-edge and has a way of treating patients that is not only effective, but unique and exciting for me to learn.

What has your Oahu experience been like so far?

My experience here on O’ahu has been fantastic. So far, I’ve been hiking (Olomana), sight-seeing the North Shore, and I also got to spend some time in town around the Ala Moana and Waikiki area.

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What’s the strangest thing that you’ve eaten since arriving?

Nothing too crazy. Although it’s not strange, Ahi poke bowls are 110% my new favorite food. After my first bite I knew that I’ll miss them once it’s time to leave!

What is on your to do list while here in the islands?

Surfing, learning about the Hawaiian culture, more hiking, and relaxing after a busy year at school.

What are your interests outside of school and work?

I grew up on the ocean back home, so anything related to the water. Surfing, beach, fishing, spending time on boats. I also spend a lot of my time around the gym as well.

What kind of therapist do you hope to be?

I hope to be a very well-rounded and well-educated therapist some day. I believe it is very important to be always educating myself about my profession even after I graduate. My professional journey has only begun as a student, but I know my time here in Hawai’i is a great stepping stone towards my professional future.

Who is your greatest influence in your life?

My parents are by far my greatest influence in life. They motivate me every day to experience as much as I possibly can every day . They’re my #1 support system and I am truly grateful for everything they have done to get me where I am today.

We welcome Cody to the F&L Ohana and look forward to his stay with us for the next 6 months!

Next blog post: Meet Teagan!

Resources:

Northeastern University

NEU Co-Op Program

Manchester-Essex Regional HS

Happy at Work

Pay Bill

Tag: Co-op

The Awesome Experience of Finding Yourself

More Than Teamwork

Introducing Mila

Introducing Natalia

Mahalo & Aloha Victoria

Introducing Amelia

The NEU Experience @ WORC by: Cody Gilliss

The New Co Ops Are Here! Meet Sarah! (Part 3)

The New PT Co-Ops are here! Meet Teagan (Part 2)

The New PT Student Co-Ops are Here! Meet Cody Gilliss (Part 1)