[Phar26] Women’s History Month Spotlight: Dr. T.R. Goins - Physical Therapy

[Byrd, Kenley E]

Dear CPHS Community,
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are excited to spotlight Dr. T.R. Goins, a distinguished member of our Physical Therapy faculty.
March marks Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. In honor of this month, CPHS Student Affairs will be highlighting inspiring women faculty from our programs who have made a lasting impact in healthcare, science, and education. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday as we showcase their journeys, achievements, and contributions to the fields you are pursuing today.


[cid:3413031d-a165-4700-990c-0bfe23d9a865]


📌 About Dr. T.R. Goins:

Assistant Professor

Physical Therapy

💡 Q&A Highlight:
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in Physical Therapy?
    I have a passion for science, movement, and pediatrics. Physical Therapy is often misunderstood in terms of the complexities of the practice and the specialties. I was fortunate enough to spend time with a pediatric physical therapist during college that solidified this was the path for me.

Q: Can you share a defining moment in your career?
    For me, it is anytime I see someone accomplish something (a movement, an understanding of a complex topic) that they thought they could never achieve. I am always honored to be in that moment and part of their growth.

Q: What challenges have you faced as a woman in science, and how did you overcome them?
      At times I would say being “seen” is a challenge whether it is as a business owner or in academia. However, I would say men have pushed me forward as much as women. I think educating anyone about my knowledge, my background, the diagnosis I am treating, the topics I am teaching usually breaks down those barriers.

Q: How has your work in physical therapy contributed to the advancement of science?
      My hope is that my work has contributed to future clinicians working with an individual with special needs, at any age, and stepping into the arena to help them as a physical therapist.

Q: What advice would you give to students, especially women, who are pursuing careers in physical therapy?
      My advice would be to not be afraid to have a voice, to provide a counterpoint if you do not agree, and to come to the table with knowledge. Knowledge is powerful. Let someone finish their point but be ready to provide your counterpoint with knowledge. Listening is vital to resolution and resolution is necessary for growth for everyone.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about working in education and mentoring students?
      When students enter their third year of the DPT program I usually reflect on who they were in the first year. There is always evolution of that individual on some level and knowing this is the starting point for further growth. I thoroughly love hearing the student who is confident they are only treating an orthopedic patient reach out to me to say, “I saw a patient today with cerebral palsy and I knew what to do.” That is what I want for each of them. There is a growing population of children with developmental disabilities moving into adulthood and confusion about which type of PT to see. I hope to bridge this gap by decreasing fear and improving their confidence.

Q: What does Women's History Month mean to you?
      First, it is an honor to be part of this conversation. I celebrate women’s history month daily with my business partner and my colleagues. This month highlights those individuals and those voices that may or may not be known and their contribution to progress. Progress pushes us forward in all areas with the goal of everyone coming to the table. It cannot be just one group, one person, one voice. We need each other and this month highlights that to me.

Q: Is there a woman (past or present) who has inspired your career or life?
     Yes, the pediatric physical therapist I initially volunteered with changed my life. I do not stay connected with her, but she was inspiring for me and unstuck me in a time I was not sure of myself. She gave me a chance and I try to remember that when I feel stressed with mentoring needs. I would not be where I am without her.

Q: How do you think we can continue to support and uplift women in physical therapy?
     By remembering there is space for all of us. By remembering there are no parameters on how big this circle is.

Q: What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
     That it is okay not to know at this exact moment, that you are going to fail as much as you succeed, and that everyone fears not being enough.

Q: How do you balance your professional and personal life?
      I make sure my professional life is fulfilling and that carries over into my personal life.

Q: What book, podcast, or resource would you recommend to students or professionals in your field?
As a pediatric physical therapist: Books by Lois Bly to understand motor skill acquisition, developmental kinesiology, movement patterns and facilitations. This book solidified my foundation and kept me on the hook for loving movement. “Motor Skills Acquisition in the First Year”

As a human: I am currently reading “Thinking Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman which is helping me professionally and personally.

Join us in celebrating Dr. T.R. Goins and all the amazing women shaping the future of healthcare and science. Stay tuned for more inspiring spotlights every Tuesday and Thursday!

All the Best,

Office of Student Affairs | Campbell University | College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://list.campbell.edu/pipermail/phar26/attachments/20250321/de5c1663/attachment-0001.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image.png
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 56296 bytes
Desc: image.png
URL: <https://list.campbell.edu/pipermail/phar26/attachments/20250321/de5c1663/attachment-0001.jpe>