Dream Job: This is a job working with cancer survivors. Could it be yours?
The Job: Inpatient physical therapist to work with patients recovering from all types of cancer. The job includes providing rehabilitation to patients in a variety of settings, from intensive care to the bone marrow transplant unit, and helping patients build strength and regain daily living skills.
Why this is a dream job: The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is internationally known as a top cancer treatment facility in the United States, drawing a diverse group of patients from all over the world. The center sits on a medical campus that boasts nine hospitals and two medical universities.
Therapists can work with patients needing a variety of therapies. Postoperative patients require skilled rehabilitation for bracing, bed mobility, and transfer, gait, and endurance training. Following chemotherapy, patients need assistance to build up deconditioned muscles. Therapists provide vital help to relieve pain, and restore motion and strength through prescriptive exercise programs.
Types of patients and injuries you would
work with: Patients range in age from infants to the elderly, with therapeutic needs corresponding to age and type of cancer. Most therapy involves returning patients to pre-cancer stages of development and skills at day-to-day tasks.
Word on the street - what your colleague has to say about this employer: "A lot of people think it must be depressing, but the patients are so appreciative of what the therapist can do. Our patients want the therapy because they want to live - they're survivors," says Pamela Massey, PT, director of rehabilitation services.
What you could do for fun if you lived here: Houston is an international city with a rich cultural environment. Good restaurants abound, and ballet, opera, museums, and a symphony add balance to a range of well-loved major league sports. A short drive south puts you at the Gulf of Mexico, although you can visit lakes and the scenic hill country closer to home. The cost of living is low, so housing is affordable too.
What you would be paid: Salary ranges from $52,000 to $78,000, commensurate with experience. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is part of the University of Texas, which means employees receive state benefits. There is dedicated CE money for all staff, plus additional educational opportunities.
Interested? Here's who to contact:
Michele Shifflett, HR senior recruiter
Tel: 713.745.6195
www.mdanderson.org/careers
