Hello, my name is Madi Hidalgo, and I am a junior studying physiology. I have always been interested in medicine, but I have not yet decided on a specific career path. To help me explore the options available in the medical field, I decided to volunteer my time as an intern. As a former athlete, I was exposed to physical therapists and athletic trainers throughout my volleyball career, which initially sparked my interest in this area of medicine. I was curious to learn more about how professionals in these roles help people recover from injuries and improve their physical health.
While searching for internship opportunities in the Tucson area, I discovered The Physio Shop. It is conveniently located just 15 minutes from campus and offers both physical therapy and strength and conditioning internship programs. Applying was straightforward and only required a cover letter, resume, and an interview. Although I originally applied for the physical therapy internship, I was selected to join the strength and conditioning team. Since both sides of the practice work closely together, this turned out to be the best of both worlds and allowed me to gain exposure to multiple aspects of patient care.
As a strength and conditioning intern, my main responsibilities were assisting clients with their workout programs. This included demonstrating exercises, cueing clients to ensure proper form, and making adjustments based on their individual needs. I learned quickly that clear communication is essential for helping clients feel confident and safe during their workouts. Compassion also plays a huge role, small words of encouragement and patience can make a big difference, especially for clients recovering from injuries or returning to exercise after a long break. The staff were incredibly supportive, teaching me key skills such as proper cueing, exercise modifications, and strategies to prevent further injuries.
One of the biggest lessons I took from this experience is that even exercises that seem simple can require thoughtful adjustments when working with different clients. Observing how the staff adapted programs to meet each person’s unique needs was both impressive and educational. My advice for anyone interested in this internship is to keep an open mind and be ready to learn from every experience. My time at The Physio Shop not only gave me a deeper respect for physical therapists and athletic trainers but also strengthened my interest in exploring a career in medicine.