Tiffany Black is not the ordinary physical therapy graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Without warning, the profession became personal to Tiffany. She had to learn what it really meant to be a physical therapist, and learn it fast. On February 7, 2007, Army Sergeant First Class Travis Vendela, Tiffany's husband, was leading a group of Humvees in Iraq when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. As result of this bombing, Travis lost both of his legs above the knees, among other injuries.

Tiffany was faced with a situation that can't be learned in medical school.

Tiffany Black: Class of 2008 Physical Therapy Graduate, DPT Hometown: Pavillion, WY. UnderGrad: University of Wyoming,                   Exercise & Sports Science Parents:  Dennis & Myra Black

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though it was tough, looking back she now views it as a learning opportunity indispensable to her career. From working with Travis and his rehabilitation she gets to see first-hand how his body develops and the nerve pain and alignment problems associated with it. She has also gained knowledge she wouldn't have had the chance to otherwise about diagnosis tests, prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation from the other doctors caring for him. Something Tiffany sees as important that she's learned is how and how not to treat her patients.                        

   Plus, she's more confident now about being able to understand her patients. Travis' accident has brought home to Tiffany the difficulties and frustrations rehabilitation patients are faced with.

“I can see kind of what my patients have to endure and I think I could be a good a person to come to, who can maybe have some answers for something difficult in the community,” she said.

 

 

 "I am really thankful for the program and how much support I got,” she said, “because I honestly don’t think I would have been able to finish anywhere else.”

 

 

 

 Tiffany and Travis were married on May 24 and are eagerly looking forward to their future life together. Tiffany started an acute care job in June at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in Wyoming while Travis is hoping to eventually start a leadership group for troubled teens. The experience has opened up new doors for Tiffany. Initially interested in orthopedics, she is now hoping to get into neuro-rehabilitation.

Tiffany says that she didn’t always plan on going into physical therapy, but knew she wanted to be somewhere in health care. She wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and it seems with Travis that she has proven she’s more than capable for the job.

 “For every person this is a life-changing event, and you want to have somebody there who’s willing to explain it to you and help you get through it," she said. "I think being on the other side I have somewhat of an advantage towards my patients and somewhat of an understanding, which I’m very thankful for." 

 

Instead of quitting or taking time off from school like most students would have done, Tiffany pressed on. She graduated in May from the UND SMHS. She says that she couldn't have done it without the support she received from the administration and her fellow classmates.