Evan Sanford, DPT, Idaho State University, Boise State Alum
Evan Sanford is a recent Idaho State University and a full licensed DPT at Sawtooth Physical Therapy in Boise, Idaho. He hails originally from Bainbridge Island, Washington, and graduated with both a Master of Science in Kinesiology(May 18) and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (May ’15) at Boise State University. He loves the outdoors and being active. Learn what Evan has to say about his experience below.
Three adjectives that describe you:
Friendly, Hard-working, and let’s be honest….talkative.
What are you reading right now?
I’m kind of going back and forth between three books. “The Residence”, “Red Rising”, and “The ABC Murders”.
What is it like being a physical therapy student during a pandemic?
Zoom school was different, it required a different kind of diligence and it was a struggle at times. Working during the pandemic has presented unique challenges as well. The best thing we can do is take it one day at a time, one patient at a time, wear a mask, and find joy in the small things.
Do you think Boise State prepared you for physical therapy school?
Absolutely. The coursework prepared me for PT school, but all the lessons I learned along the way about myself ultimately helped form the person and professional I am today.
What resources did you use at Boise State to prepare you for your career as a physical therapist?
I saw my advisors frequently, I used different tutoring centers/opportunities, I used the library a lot. Take advantage of your free access to research articles while it lasts!
What do you think was the most important experience you had at Boise State?
It was outside of the classroom, building friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime.
What were your three most meaningful extracurricular’s?
Being a Research Assistant really stimulated my curiosity. I got to learn, test my limits of knowledge, and grow. Running the fitness challenge was a fun way for me to pass on what I had learned and help create a fun environment for people to exercise in. Finally, Boise State Football games. I swear, it’s more than a game it’s a cultural experience. Everyone there together, excitedly celebrating sport, welcoming fans from other cities, and yelling ourselves hoarse. I am truly lucky to have gotten to enjoy all of these during my time at Boise State.
Did you receive any scholarships, participate in student organizations or have any specific roles on campus?
I worked the morning shift at the Rec Center for 2.5-3 years (I can’t quite remember) where I met and got to know countless people including Dr. Ronal Pfeiffer who would go on to write me a recommendation for PT school after. I was a research assistant to Dr. Hammons & Dr. Gao for a year. I ran the Kinesiology 432 fitness challenge for Dr. Simonson for 3 semesters where I got to know and help all the amazing kinesiology students and all of the wonderful faculty from around campus!
What do you wish you would have known before becoming a physical therapy student?
The paperwork is endless!
What would you tell yourself now knowing what you know now about applying to physical therapy school?
It’s not easy, but just take it one day at a time and have faith that you will land exactly where you need to be.
What are you most grateful for?
My professors. Every one of them. Dr. Kempf, Conger, Martin, Lucas, Hammons, Gao, and Simonson. They did more than just teach me, they mentored me. They met me where I was at when I had lost all self-confidence and built me back up. They rooted me on every step of the way. Tina Freeman & Erin Colburn were my rock-star advisors who helped every step of the way when it came time for me to apply to PT school. They were in my corner every step of the way. I cannot understate just how grateful I am for having met them.
Would you like to talk with Evan more about his experiences? If so, please contact Erin Colburn at erincolburn@boisestate.edu.