Four LVC Physical Therapy Graduates Provide Sports Injury Care for Athletes

Local athletes in the Hershey/Harrisburg area who suffer an injury have a new choice for sports rehabilitation-one staffed by four Lebanon Valley College alumni.

Four LVC Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates staff the Hummelstown, Pa., location of True Sports Physical Therapy. Led by Regional Director Dr. Andrew Livingston '16, D'18, this office of the Maryland-based business also includes Dr. Jared McCabe '18, D'20, Dr. Sara White '21, D'23, and Dr. Tim Ervey '22, D'24. Twelve LVC Physical Therapy alumni are employed across True Sports' 15 locations.

Livingston, the group's veteran leader, enjoys being surrounded by other LVC alumni.

"I consider it a privilege because I know the quality of clinician and person that comes out of LVC and its PT Program," said Livingston. "I know, for the most part, what they have and have not learned, so this gives me a jump-start on what we need to cover with them for mentoring, as well as where some of their interests may lay."

Livingston, a former Flying Dutchmen football player, completed a Sports Physical Therapy Residency after LVC, where he confirmed his career path in sports physical therapy and gained valuable experience to achieve his board certification as a sports specialist. He also credits LVC with developing the much-needed soft skills for his career.

"Because it was a small school, you have more of an opportunity to build close relationships with your classmates and faculty-this is paramount in our practice and treatment of patients today," said Livingston. "Not only is having a strong foundation in sports injuries important but so is connecting with your patient in front of you.

McCabe, meanwhile, cites his final clinical experience with Rehab 2 Perform as the greatest impact on his professional development. He primarily treated high school athletes and an occasional collegiate or professional player.

"Rehab 2 is where I received most of my pre-graduation education regarding rehabbing athletes and sports medicine exposure, which prepared me for sculpting a product and service that athletes will best benefit from," said McCabe. "I'm thankful to have had clinical experiences that emphasized quality care and treatment over treatment volume, allowing me to hone my treatment and interpersonal skills."

McCabe's injury experience during high school baseball also motivates him as a clinician.

"Going through the grind of being injured and trying to find my way back to competitive sports shaped my perspective of what my patients and athletes are going through," said McCabe. "I love the aura around sport and competition-it's always driven me to better myself. I see that same drive in so many of my patients."

Livingston emphasized how his years as an athlete taught him about teamwork and overcoming adversity; and now, they influence his treatment of patients.

"As an athlete, one of my biggest fears was being held out of practice or a game," said Livingston. "This caused me not to disclose many of my smaller or nagging injuries, which is not smart as it impacts performance and the ability to train during the season and after. Having this understanding, I can communicate with high school and college athletes, as well as their medical staff and athletic trainers, to educate them on how we can work on rehabilitation while still performing and playing at their best."

Looking ahead to future cohorts of LVC Physical Therapy graduates, McCabe stresses the importance of honing hospitality and patient experience skills.

"Being a great clinician and providing excellent care is a must, but establishing your clinic or your practice as a staple in the community you choose strongly correlates to your ability to provide a quality overall experience to your patients," said McCabe. "Patient perception of quality care includes things like opening your schedule for patients when able, staying late or starting early when necessary, and going the extra mile to research equipment or activities that suit your patient best. Don't be afraid to go above and beyond."