Samuel O’melia, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Sam attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology in 2018 and earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2020. Following graduation, Sam elected to pursue a residency in orthopedic physical therapy with the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics. He earned his board certification as a clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy in 2022, and has also been a certified strength and conditioning specialist since 2019.Sam is currently enrolled in Northwestern University’s Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy Fellowship, where he is optimizing his clinical care, conducting research related to pain expectations, and teaching students and early-career clinicians in musculoskeletal assessment/treatment. Fellowship training is considered the highest level of clinical education in physical therapy, and an honor that less than 1% of licensed physical therapists attain.Sam has been involved as a leader …and advocate for the profession throughout his career, including at both the state and national level in various roles with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). He is a founding member and current board director for the APTA Alaska Physical Therapy Community Clinic, a non-profit that provides free physical therapy services to uninsured and underinsured patients in Alaska.In his free time, Sam enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and dog, strength training, and travels up to Alaska to go hiking and mountain running.I value enhancing the patient experience through placing open communication and patient expectations at the forefront of my care and keeping a healthy optimism as it pertains to human movement. I believe that maximizing a patient's self-efficacy and empowering individuals through movement are key drivers in achieving improved wellness. I utilize shared-decision making in joining each patient on their own personal health journey, in order to best address the multitude of factors, beliefs, and social determinants that influence each individual uniquely. I love devoting time in getting to know my patients and collaborating with them in attaining their goals.