For Cristina Lugo, ‘24 DPT, the journey to becoming a physical therapist has been anything but ordinary. From moving to the Midwest from Puerto Rico, to balancing her education with her service in the US Army National Guard, Cristina’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and dedication.
Cristina grew up in Puerto Rico but always wanted to continue her education stateside, as she found the culture fascinating. Before attending St. Ambrose, she made the move and has developed an appreciation for the unique qualities and experiences the Midwest offers.
“It was the little things that impacted me, like how the houses glowed, the squirrels, and the changing seasons, which are widely different than Puerto Rico’s tropical maritime climate,” Cristina said.
Her experience in a variety of cultural settings gives Cristina an edge when interacting with patients. Knowing multiple languages allows her to connect with patients on a deeper level and better understand their experiences and needs, which allows patients to feel more comfortable.
“You can see how people relax the instance that you either speak Spanish, speak their own language, or get to know their culture,” Cristina said. “Just showing that interest and wanting to know more about them and their practices indicates your respect towards them.”
Cristina’s clinical approach is informed by what she learned in one of her favorite classes at St. Ambrose: Issues in Patient Care. This class moved beyond the traditional physical therapy curriculum to focus on the quality of patient care, including ways to approach interactions that make clients feel safe and cared for.
“This class covered psychosocial issues within the physical therapy environment. It's an asset to know how to get to know people, provide them resources, and build a connection with your patients,” Cristina said.
On top of her courseload in St. Ambrose’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Cristina also served in the US Army National Guard. This kept her schedule very packed, and she knew she could be asked to travel and be away from home for weeks at a time.
Though balancing her service with her studies was a challenge, her military experience provided her with a unique perspective on the medical field.
“Being a combat medic, people's personalities, people's views, even when it comes to humor, are vastly different than in the civilian world,” Cristina said. “In the civilian world, when I am working with a veteran, I am able to bridge that gap.”
After she graduates in December, Cristina plans to join the military full-time as a physical therapist. She is eager to gain field experience while she awaits the next application window.
“I'm interested in getting my feet wet, getting out there, and getting my own caseload. I'm excited to go into the military full-time and work in different states or countries. I'm excited that I will be able to travel the world while also doing something that I love,” Cristina said.