Alumna Profile: Trisha MacConnell
Trisha MacConnell was looking for a college where she could explore her passion for anatomy and physiology while maintaining close relationships with professors. She found a fit in Alma.
“The professional skills I acquired while interacting individually with professors at Alma has given me confidence as I have begun to interact with patients, doctors and physical therapists in professional settings.”
“Alma has a strong physiology program, something that appealed to me because it was so uncommon among liberal arts colleges,” the 2007 graduate says.
MacConnell came to Alma planning to attend medical school, but her advisor, Robyn Anderson, professor of exercise and health science, helped her explore other health care options. She eventually decided to pursue a career in physical therapy.
“Alma College has a wealth of opportunities for undergraduate students,” she says. “ I was able to obtain cadaver dissection experience, which has proven invaluable as I have begun graduate classes, and has definitely given me an advantage over many of my fellow students.”
“I was also able to participate extensively in research during my undergraduate career, an opportunity that would have not been as feasible at a larger school,” she says.
MacConnell entered Duke University in the fall of 2007 to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She would like to work as a physical therapist for a professional athletic team or in a clinic, specializing in sport or dance rehabilitation.
“Duke is a nationally-renowned program,” she says. “The professional skills I acquired while interacting individually with professors at Alma has given me confidence as I have begun to interact with patients, doctors and physical therapists in professional settings.”
Graduating summa cum laude from Alma, MacConnell also was an award-winning Highland dancer. She was involved in the exercise and health science and chemistry honoraries, the national leadership honorary, Student Congress and the Kiltie Highland Dance Team.
