Alumni Profile: Chase Cole
Chase Cole, PT, DPT, CSCS
College of Health Sciences-Northwest
Class of 2024
Residency: Samaritan Athletic Medicine/Oregon State University
Chase Cole, PT, DPT ’24, CSCS, is a member of the charter class of Western University of Health Sciences College of Health Sciences-Northwest’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Following his graduation in May 2024, he entered the Samaritan Athletic Medicine/Oregon State University residency program.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned from my rotations was how to collaborate with other health care professionals to enhance the plan of care for patients to the best of our ability,” Cole said. “Being a part of a sports physical therapy residency program requires you to collaborate with athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and physicians on a daily basis. Therefore, I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to experience multidisciplinary care during my rotations.”
His biggest piece of advice for students preparing for future rotations is to always prepare for the day ahead and for the week ahead.
“Every day you must come prepared to have an opinion, an answer, or an educated response to any question you may be asked or challenge you may be faced with. That preparation can consist of being organized, getting all of your documentation done the day-of, and always to attempt to write down everything you are taught and told. Showing up 20 to 30 minutes early every day and bringing questions to your clinical instructor,” Cole said. “As students we are told that we must be open for feedback and I would also like to add that we should always ask for feedback whenever we get the opportunity. You must always be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Growth will never occur with comfort.”
The inaugural DPT-Oregon Class of 2024 set a high standard because of CHS-Northwest’s amazing faculty and staff. Cole especially recognized CHS-Northwest Assistant Professor Christina Gomez, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT, CSCS, for facilitating this high standard.
“She always pushed us to ‘do better’ even if we had all the answers. She challenged us to push the status quo in everything we do and that clearly shined in our rotations,” Cole said. “Our standard would not have been set if it weren’t for her.”
The Class of 2024 left its mark through resiliency – the continuous will to push through adversity like COVID, faculty changes, and curriculum development, Cole said.
“It is an honor to be part of the inaugural class at WesternU Oregon. I truly believe that WesternU Oregon has developed one of the best programs in the country. I wanted to be part of this class because WesternU Oregon gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a physical therapist in my home state,” he said. “Lastly, I enjoyed learning, and listening to our amazing faculty and staff. They worked so hard for our class to receive the best possible education and I truly believe they achieved that.”
