Coleby Clawson, PT, DPT, CSCS, is a 2013 graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP). Clawson currently works as a faculty member in RMUoHP’s DPT program, serves as the Board President of the Alumni Association Board, and is a student in RMUoHP’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences program with a concentration in Human and Sport Performance.
Clawson has always wanted to work in healthcare. During Clawson’s undergraduate education, he explored multiple different healthcare higher education options before settling on physical therapy. Clawson reasoned, “Physical therapy felt like it would allow me to do everything I was passionate about—working with patients in the healthcare field, while still helping patients, clients, and athletes achieve optimum performance.” Clawson decided to enroll in the then newly-founded DPT program at RMUoHP because he “could feel the excitement around the new program and wanted to be a part of it.”
Clawson’s career path ended up being different than what he had imagined for a long-term career. Immediately following graduation, Clawson took a job working in an outpatient orthopedic clinic. After just one year, he was hired to manage and grow the Community Rehabilitation Clinic (CRC), RMUoHP’s physical therapy pro-bono clinic, and become adjunct faculty at RMUoHP.
Clawson later became a full-time faculty member for RMUoHP, where he currently works to build and shape the minds of DPT students today. “Teaching graduate students is especially enjoyable because most of them are hungry to learn and become good PTs. This keeps me motivated to continue learning and keeping my clinical skills sharp,” said Clawson.
Clawson also impacted the growth in the CRC and all of its programs. The CRC was established to treat indigent and low-income individuals and families around Utah County as well as give students educational opportunities in a clinical environment.
Clawson describes his work for the clinic as one of his greatest professional accomplishments. “We have given educational opportunities to hundreds of undergraduate and PT students, evaluated and treated thousands of patients in multiple PT specialties, and have donated well over one million dollars of service to the community and these patients,” explained Clawson.
Clawson helped spearhead new projects at the CRC, including the growth of their electrodiagnostic services, developing an at-home health program, a for-credit undergraduate PT internship program, and a PT and wellness program for veterans of the armed services.
On top of all of his work responsibilities, Clawson is dedicated to professional growth. He is currently enrolled in the PhD program at RMUoHP in Human and Sports Performance. Clawson is in the process of completing his dissertation involving the training of young athletes and helping them develop athletic movement competencies.
In addition to his PhD training, Clawson has taken on a new PT specialty in electrophysiology. “This specialty involves examining patients with nerve problems using electrodiagnostic equipment,” said Clawson
Clawson’s endeavor to further his learning and skills was born out of attending RMUoHP. “I felt that I received a quality PT education at RMUoHP, and they instilled in me a desire for continual learning and growth,” said Clawson. “I never dreamed I would be in school for this long, but it has allowed me to become a specialist in topics I am passionate about, and I have had a very fulfilling career already.”
For those interested in continuing their education, Clawson advised “not to fear the long journey of education and specialty training, even if the road seems long and difficult. Develop a love and a hunger for learning. Becoming an expert in your field will give you a sense of fulfillment in your career and will give you the best outcomes for your patients.”
To physical therapists, Clawson says, “Be confident in your skills as a physical therapist. Over my career, I have gained confidence in our ability to help patients. We have the ability to help people move better, and better movements lead to a better life. We live in a time where people are recognizing the value of moving and keeping their bodies healthy and strong through conservative means. We have a big role to play in teaching people to be healthy now, and even more in the future.”
Clawson is an extraordinary representative of the University’s alumni and the RMUoHP Alumni Association Board. For more information about the RMUoHP Alumni Association Board, and Clawson’s service, visit rm.edu/alumni.
