Tufts DPT-Phoenix Alum Deah Boonsrisart, DPT25, on Building a Career in Physical Therapy

March 23, 2026

This Q&A explores the Tufts DPT-Phoenix experience, including mentorship, clinical rotations, and the transition from student to practicing physical therapist.

Choosing where to earn your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a defining step in building a career in patient-centered rehabilitation and movement science. For many students, finding a program that combines academic rigor, clinical preparation, and meaningful mentorship is key to developing the confidence and skills needed to succeed as a practicing clinician.

In this Q&A, Deah Boonsrisart, DPT25, a graduate of the Tufts University School of Medicine Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Phoenix, reflects on her journey from aspiring student to practicing physical therapist. She shares what inspired her to pursue a career in physical therapy, how the program’s hybrid, accelerated format supported her goals, and the role faculty mentorship played in shaping her professional identity.

Now working as an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist in Austin, TX, Boonsrisart discusses how her experiences at Tufts prepared her for clinical practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing professional development. She also reflects on the importance of mentorship, patient-centered care, and what earning her DPT means as a first-generation healthcare professional.

What inspired you to pursue a career in physical therapy, and what led you to choose the Tufts DPT-Phoenix program?

"My interest in physical therapy really started with my mom. She worked for many years as a table games dealer and developed pain and nerve issues in her arms from the repetitive nature of her job. As a first-generation Asian American, I often went with her to medical appointments and helped translate for her, which gave me an early look at how difficult the healthcare system can be to navigate for many families.

Later, while working at an outpatient neurovestibular clinic during my undergraduate studies, I saw firsthand how physical therapy could help people regain their independence and quality of life, which ultimately led me to pursue the profession.

When I was applying to programs, I was struggling with the idea of leaving home. Around that time, I learned that a few programs offered a hybrid format, something I hadn’t really considered before. Tufts stood out to me right away, especially because it also offered an accelerated timeline that aligned with my personal goals. Knowing Tufts’ strong reputation made the decision feel like the right fit."

How did the hybrid, accelerated structure of the Tufts DPT program support your goals, and what was your overall experience like as a student?

"The hybrid structure allowed me to pursue a rigorous program while still staying connected to my support system in Las Vegas, which was important during such a demanding time. What stood out most to me at Tufts was the level of mentorship and support from faculty. Dr. Tara Dickson, Dr. Amy Schlessman, and Dr. Melissa Burgemeister all played meaningful roles in my journey, especially during some of the more challenging moments in the program. Their encouragement and guidance helped me grow not only academically but also in confidence as a future clinician."

Were there specific courses, clinical experiences, or moments at Tufts that played a key role in shaping your professional identity as a physical therapist?

"A few experiences during the program really shaped how I think about patient care. Courses like Clinical Population Health and Patient-Centered Care stood out to me because they created space for conversations about the real challenges people face in healthcare, whether that’s cultural differences, financial barriers, or language access. Those discussions resonated with me not just as a student, but as someone who had experienced the healthcare system firsthand while helping my mom navigate her own care. It reinforced that the part of physical therapy I find most meaningful is building trust with patients and understanding the context of their lives, not just treating the condition in front of you.

My clinical rotations helped bring those ideas to life. I began with the same organization that originally inspired me to pursue PT, which helped me step into the role of student clinician with a lot more confidence. Later, during my pelvic health rotation, I had the opportunity to connect with patients in a much deeper way and lean into one of my strengths, building meaningful relationships and understanding the many factors that influence someone’s health. My acute care rotation then pushed me outside of my comfort zone in ways I didn’t expect, but it ultimately gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the healthcare system and the importance of working alongside an interdisciplinary team."

What was the transition like from graduating the Tufts DPT program to entering clinical practice?

"The transition into clinical practice felt very smooth because Tufts prepared us for more than just the clinical side of the profession. The program emphasized communication, patient-centered care, and navigating real-world situations clinicians face every day. We also received guidance on evaluating job opportunities and understanding the professional aspects of entering the workforce. That preparation helped me feel confident stepping into my first role as a physical therapist."

What motivated your move to Austin, Texas, and how did you transition into your current role?

"My move to Austin was influenced by both personal and professional reasons. My boyfriend was already living here, but the opportunity that ultimately brought me to Texas was a position with Texas Physical Therapy Specialists. During the interview process I connected with my clinic director and was offered a role as an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist along with the opportunity to pursue an orthopedic residency. That chance to continue developing as a clinician made the move an easy decision."

Can you describe your current position and your mentoring responsibilities?

"I currently work as an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist at Texas Physical Therapy Specialists in Austin, TX and completing an orthopedic residency with plans to sit for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) exam in 2027. In addition to patient care, I currently manage our tech team. Outside of the clinic, I serve as an ADEPT clinician mentor alongside Dr. Amy Schlessman, supporting students who are navigating the Tufts hybrid program or exploring careers in physical therapy. Mentorship has become an important part of my role because I benefited greatly from mentors throughout my own journey."

How do you approach mentorship, and why is supporting others important to you as a physical therapist?

"One of the most important lessons I have learned early in my career is the importance of meeting people where they are. Everyone enters the profession with different experiences and different needs, and mentorship means understanding how to best support their growth. Sometimes that support looks like encouragement, and other times it means providing honest feedback that helps someone improve. I try to approach mentorship with the same guidance and support that others provided to me throughout my own journey."

Looking back on your journey, what has earning your DPT represented for you personally and professionally?

"Earning my DPT is incredibly meaningful to me as a first-generation student. It represents the sacrifices my family made and the path they helped create for me. Professionally, it is an honor to be someone who patients trust during vulnerable moments in their lives and to help them regain independence and confidence in their bodies. Becoming a physical therapist allows me to give back by helping patients navigate healthcare in a way that feels supportive and empowering."

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