Katelynn Downey, PT, DPT

Dr. Downey is running for Delegate at Large in the 2022 APTA Colorado Elections. 

Dr. Downey earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs in 2018 and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in 2021. She is in the Regis University Orthopedic Residency Program to become a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. She has a dream of one day becoming the President of the APTA. Dr. Downey is passionate about providing an individualized, evidence-based, and empathetic approach to patient care that allows her patients to return to what they love to do. She also has a special interest in the neurologic patient population including Vestibular, Parkinson’s Disease, and patients experiencing balance deficits. Dr. Downey is a native to Colorado, being raised in Monument, CO. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, exercising, and takes pride in her plants as a plant mom!

What strengths do you bring to the Colorado Chapter and what strengths would you bring to the position you are running for?
I have previously held the title of Physical Therapy Clinic Director at the student run DAWN clinic while I was in DPT school. Additionally, I had the opportunity to mentor a new grad PTA during down time that introduced me to the feeling of one day becoming a CI. Through my residency program, I continue to be inspired to become a mentor and/or CI in my near future. I want to continue to develop my leadership role through the APTA and my daily work in the clinic. A few strengths I possess are my strong work ethic, positive outlook, and big goals for this profession. I am able to maintain neutrality in differing opinions while keeping the big picture mindset. These attributes will help me assist the CO Chapter to success.

What are weaknesses of the Colorado Chapter and what improvements would you like to make?
The weakness we have in the Colorado Chapter include the lack of membership, lack of student involvement, and lack of access of information. I know I am able to advocate for increasing membership as I have done this previously and have been successful in encouraging others to become members of the APTA and supporting their state chapters. Student involvement is vital to maintain our profession's advancement and making the Colorado Chapter more accessible is something that I will focus on. For the PTs who are not yet members of the APTA and CO Chapter, information is not easily accessible on the current happenings and future plans- this is something I would like to help change.