Emily Poirier

I realized I wanted to become a physical therapist after I worked part time in an assisted living facility while I was in high school and college. I enjoyed getting to know the residents and I realized I wanted to work one on one with people. I also had a deep love of running from high school track and cross country that made me choose physical therapy over other healthcare fields. As I started to learn more about physical therapy specialties during my undergraduate and graduate schooling I started to find the pelvic health space interesting and loved how much educating people on how their bodies function could be so powerful for their well being.

I completed my undergraduate schooling at Ohio University and received a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. I then attended the University of Cincinnati where I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019. Since then I have completed Herman & Wallace’s Pelvic Function Series as well as several other pelvic health related courses.
Who influenced your career path (who have you enjoyed learning from, mentor, etc)?

My career path has come from several different places, some traditional, some not. My professors at the University of Cincinnati, particularly Dr. Chalee Engelhard and Dr. Nancy Talbott, helped fuel a hard work ethic and a drive for better understanding. Additionally, my father and even some of my friends in other industries who are small business owners have helped me to understand the importance of making connections with people not only to provide excellent customer service but to make sure they feel seen and heard.

I chose physical therapy as my field within healthcare and medicine because I wanted to spend more time with patients in order to build a relationship with them. I believe that the therapist/patient relationship element is key to making physical therapy one of the most satisfying and fulfilling fields to work in as a healthcare professional. I get to know and understand my patients in such a way as to impart as much benefit and care as possible. Every time a patient sees a win in PT it makes my day.

I really enjoy working with a variety of clients which is why I’ve always treated orthopedic and pelvic health populations. I believe a diverse patient population keeps the work interesting and helps me learn even more. In particular, I like working with weekend warrior types who have a lofty goal.

My unique combination of clinical expertise and ability to create connections with a variety of patients. I also believe in frequently re-evaluating treatment plans to adjust and adapt to changing symptom presentation and recovery progression.

My mission is to empower others in their healthcare and as stewards of their own bodies. One of the things that is important to me is making sure my patients understand the “why” behind treatment and are able to learn as much as they can from me to better understand themselves and how to care for their physical well being.

I firmly believe that getting into strength training roughly a decade ago fundamentally changed my life and has had ripple effects I could have never foreseen. Hitting a new personal best in the gym or on a competitive platform is one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever experienced.

I also love the feeling of finishing a book you couldn’t put down, cooking a delicious meal, reconnecting with a friend you haven’t seen in a while, and bonding with animals.

I’ve been a competitive powerlifter for the last four years and a casual distance runner. I also enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with my husband, Luke, my two dogs, Spike and Luna, and my cat, Rogue Tempo Squat