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FPTA Spotlight: Melissa Penhollow, PTA

Where do you practice?

I work at Moffitt Cancer Center, an acute care cancer hospital in Tampa, Florida.


Tell us about your practice.

I have worked at Moffitt for over 14 years. I was primarily in Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, and then throughout the whole hospital. I have worked with patients recovering from surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. I recently moved to the new Moffitt McKinley Hospital, which is all surgical.

What led you to become a physical therapist assistant?

After being a graphic artist for 25 years, I returned to St Petersburg College for a new career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. My interest in physical therapy was piqued by a 4-month stay in rehab following a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in my mid 30’s.  I had to truly start over, learning to walk again. It was a profoundly life changing experience. I could not have done it without the wonderful Physical and Occupational Therapists who worked tirelessly with me. This experience led me to my passion for rehabilitation. I have now been a PTA for more than 14 years, all dedicated to Moffitt Cancer Center.

What’s your favorite thing about being a PTA?

My favorite thing about being a PTA is watching my patients improve, and return to their lives/activities. Cancer is a scary time in people’s lives, and any help I can give to make this time easier is a win.



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800 N Calhoun St #1A
Tallahassee, FL 32303

Phone: 850.222.1243
Fax: 850.224.5281​

Email: info@fpta.org

PT for Me is a project of the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA), an organization dedicated to improving the health, wellness and quality of life of people in Florida by advancing the practice of physical therapy. FPTA educates Floridians, health care providers, and public policy decision-makers about the key role physical therapists and physical therapist assistants play in restoring and improving motion, as well as in improving the health of society.

For more information, visit www.FPTA.org.

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