Meet Renee Riley, PT, MSPT
Have you met Renee?!
Get to know one of our physical therapists, Renee Riley, PT, MSPT! We asked her some questions to learn a little bit more about her background, how she got into physical therapy, her hobbies outside of work, and more!
Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
I was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in Capitol Heights, MD.
Did you play sports in high school / college? If so, what?
No, I didn't play sports in school, although I'd like to think I'm athletically inclined (and more than a little competitive). I played sports in the neighborhood as a kid or with friends throughout the years, but never for an organized team.
How did you end up going to your college/university/higher education alma mater?
When I was fifteen I decided that I wanted to become a physical therapist. Howard University offered me a full scholarship and had a physical therapy program that would allow me to combine my last year of undergrad with my first year of grad school. It was a perfect fit for me!
What are some of your favorite things about living /working in the Upper Marlboro area?
Since I grew up in Prince George's County, working here makes me feel like I am giving back to the community that helped shape me. Occasionally, I am reacquainted with my former educators, neighbors, and classmates when they become patients.
How did you end up at Physical and Sports Rehab?
Although I am clearly much younger than Paul (that's our running joke, but it's true), he and I were in PT school together at Howard and worked for the same company before he opened Physical and Sports Rehab. We had a similar approach to patient care, a great working relationship, and a long-standing friendship. I don't remember the specifics of the conversation, but it was understood that I would come on board once he needed another therapist. The practice grew quickly, so I started within the first year of opening.
What’s your favorite part working at Physical and Sports Rehab?
I love being a physical therapist, but it is truly a pleasure to do what I love in an environment where people genuinely care about each other. We are like a small family. In fact, William, one of the other therapists, and I have been friends since middle school and he is like a brother to me. Everyone at the clinic has a vital role and we do what we can to support each other in those roles. No one has the attitude of "that's not my job" or "that's not my patient." Everyone is willing to help out however they can. Laughter is therapeutic, and we make sure we get that in while we're working, too.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
The business side of health care is the most challenging part for me. It is frustrating when rehab is interrupted or discontinued based on insurance limitations when continued care is warranted.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
When patients achieve their goals or hit personal milestones. We take so much for granted when we can move freely without pain. The excitement patients have when they regain their independence or get back to their sport makes me happy to have contributed to their progress.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies?
I love to get lost in a book. I exercise consistently enough for it to be called a hobby, although truthfully I don't enjoy it enough for it to be deemed one. I am a novice tennis player and an amateur food critic. I love to play games--video games, board games, etc. That's where the competitive part comes out again.
Is there anything else you would like to share? Any other interesting facts? (i.e., interests, hidden talents, run ins with celebrities, pet peeves, etc)
Two random facts: 1) I love sneakers. 2) Approximately 51% of my thoughts are food-related.