Sarah Hobbs
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Your voice matters. We are in an exciting time for physical therapy. In the midst of health care reform and direct access many changes are underway, changes that will directly impact the physical therapy profession. I want to make your voice heard by serving on the Nominating Committee and bringing forth the best candidates to represent us as students. As a Nominating Committee member, I will use my position to build personal relationships with as many students as possible. I intend to work closely with the core ambassadors and faculty or student contacts across states to identify students with the passion and desire to serve. I will work diligently to identify roles where we can use your strengths to develop our profession.
I am a second-year student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. My passion for APTA and the Student Assembly began last November when I attended National Student Conclave in Minneapolis. Prior to the conference, I was not familiar with the Student Assembly, but—after visiting the Student Assembly booth—I decided that I needed to be more involved. After NSC, I was honored to receive the role of core ambassador for Wisconsin. During my term, I have increased the number of school contacts across the state and spread information about The Loop. With the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association's support, I have planned social events to build relationships among students across Wisconsin. In the spring, I represented the students of Wisconsin at the Federal Advocacy Forum and co-chaired a petition in support of the Student Loan Repayment Act. I also have remained active in my program by serving as the vice president of our student organization.
Prior to attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison, I worked as a project manager at Epic, a health care software company. Working closely with doctors, nurses, and therapists, I assisted organizations in configuring electronic medical records. My past career gave me an understanding of the current changes facing health care; a strong work ethic, seeing all projects through to the finish; and the ability to communicate in diverse situations. I also learned the value of having the right people in the roles that best match their strengths.
If elected to the Nominating Committee, my primary goal will be finding the best students to represent you. I will make my focus getting to know you, our student members, and improving communication between students and the Nominating Committee. Our current board has made many great strides, and I hope to build on their work. I agree with John Buchan's description of leadership when he says, "The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people but to elicit it from them, for the greatness is there already." We all have great ideas and opinions to share. I hope that I can help you find your voice. I have the passion, drive, and energy to find the best candidates to represent you. Thank you for considering me to serve on your Nominating Committee.