International Women’s Day Spotlight: Shelby Phillips
March 7, 2026
Shelby Phillips, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, COCH
“I also hope that by being in this space, I can help other Native women feel like they belong here, too.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in Physical Therapy?
Growing up as an athlete, I’ve always loved physical activity, but it was a knee surgery in high school that showed me how much we rely on that freedom. My own recovery process felt a bit cold and disconnected, and it made me realize the value of a therapist who truly listens and connects. By blending my interest in anatomy with my love for staying active, physical therapy was the perfect fit: helping people get back to doing what they love through the science of movement.
What does it mean to you to represent Native women in healthcare?
Representing Native women in healthcare is about being a bridge of trust. For a long time, our people have felt dismissed or invisible in medical spaces, and I have the privilege of giving my patients a different experience. I carry a deep understanding that our history and generational trauma are not just stories—they are physically held in our bodies. Our pain can be a reflection of what we’ve carried, and I want to be the person who finally hears that story instead of ignoring it.
I also hope that by being in this space, I can help other Native women feel like they belong here, too. Our shared experiences—the things we’ve carried and the challenges our families have overcome—are actually incredible assets in healing others. I want to make sure the door stays open for the next generation of healers to step through and bring their own strengths to the table.
What is most meaningful about the role you play in patient care?
What I find most meaningful is the gift of time physical therapists get. In a fast-paced healthcare world, I get the unique opportunity to spend 45 minutes with my patients once or twice a week for months. This allows me to truly be eyes that see and ears that hear for someone who might feel discouraged by years of pain.
There is nothing more rewarding than helping a patient reclaim the life they thought was gone—whether that’s finally being able to walk through a grocery store again or being able to sit in a car for a long trip to see their grandkids.
What advice would you give young women who are interested in careers in healthcare or physical therapy?
My biggest piece of advice is to simply believe that you belong in the room and are capable. The path to healthcare can feel long and overwhelming, but you just have to take it one step, one class, and one day at a time.
Spend time shadowing a physical therapist or a healthcare worker to see what a day in the life is like. There are challenging moments along the road, but I promise that being able to help someone reclaim their life makes every bit of the effort worth it. You can do it!
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