From the moment he began physical therapy as a child, Josh Geer knew he had found his calling. Diagnosed with Diplegic Spastic Cerebral Palsy at just nine months old, he spent much of his early life in clinics, learning to move, persevere, and build confidence. Those early experiences shaped his lifelong goal of becoming a physical therapist specializing in outpatient pediatrics or sports rehabilitation. “I always knew what I wanted to do in life, and I thank God for letting me know my purpose early. I didn’t choose PT; PT chose me,” he said.
Josh’s journey brought him to Walsh University, where he could stay close to home while immersing himself in a program designed to develop well-rounded, skilled clinicians. “Walsh was the most local program to where I live, so it allowed me to stay home and commute as well as the opportunity to serve the communities I call home,” he explained. Beyond the program’s strong reputation, Josh found a supportive community that encouraged his personal and professional growth. “Being surrounded by peers and faculty who genuinely care about your growth pushes you to do your best and challenges you to step into your purpose every day,” he reflected.
At Walsh, Josh has combined rigorous academics with hands-on experiences and leadership. He currently serves as Vice President of the Walsh DPT club Special Olympics Ohio Young Athletes, where he works with children ages 2–7, teaching basic sports skills and helping young athletes build confidence. “It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things,” he said, quoting Theodore Roosevelt.
His commitment to service extends beyond the club. Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse, assisting at Summa Health as a Student Mobility Aide, and participating in multiple clinical rotations have given him valuable insights into patient care. “These experiences have fueled my desire to work with diverse patient populations, encouraging lifelong participation in physical activity. In the future, I hope to empower patients with similar experiences to mine and help them achieve their fullest potential,” he said.
The Walsh DPT curriculum has also provided a structured path to success, from four clinical rotations to a year-long evidence-based research project. “All faculty members are amazing! Many of the faculty practice and specialize in different PT settings and patient populations, which has really helped me grow as a student and future clinician,” Josh explained.
Josh’s personal journey with cerebral palsy gives him a unique perspective on patient care. “As a kid, I despised going to my PT sessions as any kid would, and those PTs became the very people I look up to today. The lessons I learned from having CP and being in sports built my interest in exercise,” he said. This understanding fuels his passion for helping children who face similar challenges, seeing himself in the patients he treats. Reflecting on the motivation that drives him, Josh shared, “As I sit in the waiting room at Akron Children’s and see these kids, I see myself in them. That motivation is all I need to get up every day and strive to achieve my goals.”
