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Five University of North Georgia (¹û¶³´«Ã½) physical therapy students and faculty member Dr. Don Walsh held their annual Appalachian Trail Hiker Injury Clinic this spring.

Three of the students are in ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s traditional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, while two are South Korean students in the post-professional DPT program.

Sydney Foster, a second-year DPT student from Ball Ground, Georgia, enjoyed the opportunity to be the first to help hikers dealing with injuries, as physical therapists often see patients after a referral.

"It was a great opportunity to highlight what physical therapy is to people who may not know what we do," Foster said. "It was also a good way to reach out and serve the community."

Jingu Im, a post-professional DPT student from Daejeon, South Korea, enjoyed a chance to assist hikers and has liked learning from ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s physical therapy faculty members.

"It was a very rewarding experience for me," Im said. "I could apply what I have learned to help hikers reduce their pain and improve their hiking abilities."

Foster, who earned her bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science from ¹û¶³´«Ã½, said physical therapy is a natural field for her because of her desire to build a rapport with those she serves.

"I enjoy the idea of helping people become independent," Foster said. "Physical therapy is so personal to everyone, and I love helping people with their personal goals. I love spending time with people."