Randolph-Macon College alumnae Sarah Cimring ’19 and Lindsei Hamilton ’19 have a lot in common. Both majored in biology, participated in internships, worked extensively with staff from the EDGE Career Center, and attended Boot Camp. And both are currently in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Old Dominion University (ODU).

Cimring and Hamilton first had to complete an essential part of the DPT program: a course in anatomy that all DPT candidates must pass before being officially admitted into the program. At ODU’s White Coat ceremony, Cimring and Hamilton were presented with lab coats as they celebrated with their classmates, friends and families.

“Sarah and Lindsei have always been willing to provide advice and guidance to younger classmates aspiring to pursue careers in health and they continue to provide that help as alumnae,” says Josh Quinn, associate director of professional development and medical careers for RMC’s EDGE Career Center. “I know that they will provide the highest level of care to their future patients.”

Sarah Cimring ’19
Cimring has known for years that she wants a career in which she can help people.

“As a physical therapist, I will be able to help people walk again, or return to the sport they played, or just get back to where they were before the injury occurred,” says Cimring, who minored in psychology, played softball, and was a member of Delta Zeta sorority, the Leadership Fellows, and the Honors program.  

Hands-on Training
At an internship at Performance Physical Therapy, an outpatient clinic in Mechanicsville, Virginia, Cimring helped patients with their exercises; sat in during patient evaluations; and shadowed physical therapists. Biology Professor Traci Stevens helped Cimring secure the internship.

“I love the problem-solving aspect of physical therapy,” says Cimring. “It was amazing to see patients’ progress even in the short amount of time I spent with them. My internship made me even more sure that I want a career as a physical therapist.”

Quinn met with Cimring many times throughout her tenure at
RMC. “Josh was so helpful,” says Cimring. “He answered my questions, helped me stay on track when choosing classes, and walked me through the graduate-school admissions process.”

Lindsei Hamilton ’19
“I chose to go into physical therapy because I want to help people resume normal activities—from playing with their children to sleeping through the night without pain,” says Hamilton.

A mathematics minor, Hamilton was a member of the Yellow Jacket swim team, Delta Zeta sorority and the Pre-health Society. She also studied abroad in Amsterdam between her sophomore and junior years. Her internship gave her an up-close look at the power of physical therapy.  

A Rewarding Experience
Biology Professor Nicholas Ruppel arranged Hamilton’s internship at Sheltering Arms Hanover Neuro Center in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

“The semester I spent there was so rewarding,” she says. “I saw patients with spinal cord injuries, and those who were recovering from strokes, amputations and vestibular issues. The coolest part of the internship was the technology I was exposed to. The clinic has an Exoskeleton—a machine that will essentially walk for a patient. I saw a patient with a severe spinal cord injury walk outside on a beautiful spring day—something many of us take for granted. That was one of the best days of my internship.”

Quinn, says Hamilton, is “one of the best resources at Randolph-Macon. There is so much information out there about applying to graduate schools that it can be overwhelming. Josh even arranged a mock interview, which made me feel confident when I applied to ODU. I’m not sure what I would have done without him!”