It has been one year since we awarded one of the two Fitzgerald PT scholarships to Thomas Sica. He’s a 2023 graduate of Wilmington High School, and has now completed his first year at Merrimack College majoring in Exercise Science. Let’s catch up with him to see how it all went!

Q: How was your first year of college? Were you able to take any PT classes?

My first year at Merrimack College was a huge learning experience. My first year at college required me to take the lessons learned throughout my time within the Wilmington School System and enhance them to match what was required for me to have a successful first year. Given the fact I only just completed my first year of college, the courses specific to Physical Therapy have not yet begun, but as I progress at the college I should see some more classes that pertain to my career goals. The classes I did complete all went well and gave me an idea for what is expected by college students within my Exercise Science major at Merrimack.

Q: Where have you worked during the school year and what have you learned?

Following my internship for my senior year of high school, the Fitzgerald’s graciously hired me for the summer. I worked as a Rehab Aide within the Wilmington and Woburn clinics, occasionally assisting with admin tasks. As my fall semester at Merrimack approached, Holly had me stay on as a Rehab Aide and Admin, allowing me to journey to all three clinics and continue my learning in a practical setting. As a commuter at Merrimack and a member of the Merrimack College Bands, my continued employment worked great and the staff could not have been more understanding in regards to my schedule, working with me if dates of conflict came up. Balancing my academics at Merrimack College and work at Fitzgerald Physical Therapy has taught me how to properly manage my time, while also allowing me to apply my knowledge gained in class within a more practical setting. My consistent assistance in patient care has greatly increased my confidence and communication skills. 

Q: What was the hardest thing you learned this past year about PT?

After working with each therapist personally, assisting with their patient care throughout the day, I have grown to gain a deep understanding for just how hard working each therapist is. I have learned about the intense level of detail each therapist takes to create a specific program for each patient, tailored to their needs as they progress, while also maintaining a professional environment where the patient is always treated as family. Their ability to find a balance of professionalism and maintain their personableness is admirable.

Q: What was the best/most exciting thing you learned this past year about PT?

A year into working within the field, the excitement about my future has been able to grow greater each day I step into the clinic. I am incredibly excited to be able to work with patients, determine their needs, and create a program specific to meet their eventual goals. Fitzgerald Physical Therapy has highlighted this type of treatment, making me excited to be able to do the same for patients I may see in the future, truly focusing on a path to success, guided by a treatment plan that has been molded to the individual. 

Q: How has it been being a part of the #FitzFam and PT community? 

Being a part of the #FitzFam community for the past year has been nothing short of incredible! I have been given an opportunity others are not as lucky to experience, and for that I am eternally grateful. The Fitzgerald’s and the team they have assembled have created a welcoming environment, which is consistently adjusting to fit the needs of each of their employees and patients. Because of this attention to detail, the #FitzFam community has become an efficient machine of progress and consistency. I am excited to see where the next year takes me and couldn’t be happier to have the #FitzFam with me along the way!

We are so happy to have you at Fitz PT Thomas! Can’t wait to see you do big things in the PT world!