Olivia Wolfe, SPT is a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Emory University. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont. After losing her good friend to a brain tumor at a young age, Olivia started a non-profit organization and youth triathlon to raise money for the Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation to increase funding and awareness for pediatric cancer research. It was through this experience that she observed the importance and need for compassion and humanism in the healthcare system and found a passion for a career in physical therapy. She strives to continue her learning and use her knowledge of humanistic practice to increase empathetic and quality care while working as a physical therapist with Veterans Affairs to treat our nation’s Veterans.
How does a student cope with isolation during a forced four-month break from clinical rotations? Olivia Wolfe enrolled in an online course, Humanism in Health and Healthcare. Its impact inspired her to use her “voice and privilege to uplift and support essential causes fighting the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and racism.” She details her journey to a new commitment to humanism at home and in the clinic.