A child’s first steps or first bike ride are moments parents never forget. For pediatric physical therapist Emily Burdette, moments like these define her career.

 "I love building connections with my patients and their families and watching them reach their goals," Burdette said. "Whether it's a baby learning to walk or any other milestone, witnessing the joy it brings to their family is so fulfilling."

At TMC for Children, pediatric physical therapists help kids move, grow and explore. They guide children through challenges whether they’re recovering from an injury, navigating a medical condition or working through developmental delays.  

“We’re always looking at the most recent research to make sure our therapies are the most impactful,” said Burdette. “Play-based therapy is my favorite!”

But becoming a pediatric physical therapist is not child’s play. It takes years of dedicated education, including earning a doctorate in physical therapy and completing specialized training in pediatric care. Beyond education, it takes patience, compassion and the ability to connect with children and their families.

At TMC Pediatric Therapy, children play at the Panda Cares Center of Hope indoor playground, where every step, wobble and hop is guided by physical therapists to improve mobility, strength, balance, coordination and confidence. It’s more than just fun and games, each activity is expertly designed to help young patients achieve their goals by transforming play into treatment.

Children can receive therapy during a hospital stay or at the outpatient clinic. Family involvement is always encouraged and pediatric therapists teach families how to continue therapy at home. For Burdette, one of the greatest rewards is seeing how far her patients have come.

"I follow some patients from the NICU or pediatric unit all the way to our outpatient clinic,” she said. “Seeing them go from being sick to being healthy and active is so rewarding. It’s what keeps me going.”

To learn more about TMC for Children Pediatric Therapies, click here.