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Author: Michael Rosentreter, PT, DPT

Michael Rosentreter, PT, DPT, is a recent graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to receiving his three undergraduate degrees in the Twin Cities, the majority of his adult life was spent avoiding formal education and pursuing lived experiences outside a classroom setting in addition to exploring a variety of unrelated career options. He is passionate about experiencing the world from different perspectives and enhancing the lives of the people he encounters. His explorations eventually led him to the profession of physical therapy. Dr. Rosentreter currently resides in Austin, Texas, where he is pursuing his interest in neurological rehabilitation with an emphasis in acute neurological conditions.

Healing Hands: A Street Medic in the Twin Cities Uprising

This unique reflective narrative presents a harrowing account of a clinician’s experience trying to heal the wounds of demonstrators during the Twin Cities uprising this past spring. Michael Rosentreter and Jáime Gonzalez vividly describe Rosentreter’s time spent navigating flash grenades, tear gas, and other threats as he provides medical support to demonstrators. The experience helped him realize how valuable the role of a physical therapist in emergency settings truly is. Reflecting on the lessons learned during those nights, he realized, “However elevated the risk to me, nothing I experienced compares to the fear and danger people of color continually face.” He states his commitment to the role of advocacy in physical therapy to recognize and dismantle systemic, institutional, and individual racism.