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Internship Stories: Evie Gomez
Evie Gomez
Major: Biology
Minors: Integrated Health and Wellness, Exercise Science
Grad Year: 2026
Hometown: Whittier, CA
During the fall of 2025, I volunteered in the inpatient acute care rehabilitation department at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Hospital. My role was to support the physical therapy team in providing patient care while helping maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming hospital environment. I had the privilege of observing the full rehabilitation process from initial evaluations to the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans.
This experience was a key component of my BIO 483: OT/PT Capstone course. I had already completed shadowing at two outpatient orthopedic clinics, so I was looking to explore the inpatient side of the field. My capstone instructor, who also practices as an outpatient physical therapist at OHSU, helped me navigate the application process to get the specific setting I wanted.
My primary goal was to bridge the gap in my understanding between outpatient and inpatient physical therapy, which helped me clarify my career interests. I discovered a personal preference for the long-term patient relationships which are fostered in outpatient settings, but nonetheless my time at OHSU solidified my commitment to physical therapy as a career.
The most impactful moments were often the quietest. Seeing a patient regain their independence, sometimes when they felt completely hopeless, was incredibly powerful to see and it is an experience I will never forget. Being even a small part of that recovery journey was a strong reminder of why I chose this field.
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