Traveling to the bright lights (February 9, 2009)

From Rachael Bloom ‘07 and Dorothy Fernandez…

Hi, thanks for reading our blog! This is Rachael Bloom ‘07 and Dorothy Fernandez, both second-year DPT students, writing from Las Vegas at the 2009 Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Leading up to the trip, we were full of nerves and excitement, not knowing what to expect with a projected 7,000-plus therapists in attendance. After four short hours crammed in the back of a plane, we arrived at the Las Vegas airport and took a shuttle bus to Excalibur Hotel and Casino. Everyone registered for the week’s events (man, there were a lot of people!), before getting dressed up for the opening ceremony and reception.

You can’t imagine how far the Excalibur was, just two hotels away from where the conference is being held at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. As we attempted several routes of travel, the norm was a brisk 20-minute walk.  Ready for action, we located the opening ceremony, honoring more than 800 therapists who have received specialist certifications. We found a line leading into the ballroom and were ready to jump in, until a kind assistant informed us that the line was intended for those being recognized. What a surprise that would have been, walking into those bright lights! We listened to the inspiring speeches and then headed in for some delicious hors d’oeuvres and upscale desserts.  Now, off to plan out a busy day of classes for tomorrow!