Testimonials

“Everything here has been fantastic! The students have been comfortable in the dorms. The cafeteria has been great, the students are raving about the food and are taking pictures of many of their meals. :)

As always, the clinical staff, Armando and all the PTs have been supportive, collaborative and inclusive of my students, they are all learning a lot.

I cannot say enough good things about Adylenne (the speech therapist). She is truly a gem and I am incredibly grateful that my students have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with such a skilled professional.”

I believe this was an impactful experience for our students; they had an amazing time. This year, we refined our recruitment process by focusing on students from specific majors, and it made such a meaningful difference. Not only did it allow the students to participate more effectively, but it also aligned with their career aspirations, which elevated the overall value of the experience.

As always, the staff was exceptional. They created a welcoming and supportive environment, which helped the students connect not only with them but also with some of the patients. Those moments of connection were so special and truly reflected the incredible work that happens at CRISMA.

Also, CRISMA was able to provide lunch to our team during our visit. It genuinely felt like a comforting, homecooked meal, which made our time there even better.

Everything was wonderful, and I’m so thankful for the effort that went into making it such a success. Please pass along my appreciation to everyone involved! :)

My experience at CRISMA was genuinely life-changing. The physical therapists taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, adaptability, and patient-centered care. CRISMA has been the highlight of my graduate experience. The hands-on learning not only enhanced my clinical skills but also deepened my cultural awareness. I highly recommend CRISMA to others! This program is truly like no other!

My arrival at CRISMA was very warm. We were integrated into the therapies, and they answered any questions we had. I learned a lot during the two weeks I was at CRISMA.

Besides loving my time observing and participating in therapies at CRISMA, I also had a great stay in the dormitories. Our rooms were very comfortable. The food was delicious every day—I loved everything!

I am very grateful for all the work and care given to us.

I got to explore the commonalities and differences between my fist language Czech and physical therapists fist language Spanish.

The physical therapist have brought the humanity and care in to medicine. It is my Childhood Development majors goal to provide care for the while person and family in education. This was the fist time I have seen this approach in medicine.

My physical therapist Maff was very kind optimistic and understanding.

It is a great opportunity to have hands on experience administering physical therapy to patients.

A professionally curated and directed trip flawlessly directed by three HSU instructors, each open and available to field any questions. They created an experience that went without a single hitch. In total it was a perfect balance of work-service, historical tours, and time to explore on our own.

Shadowing the physical therapist at CRISMA was truly an extraordinary experience.

I believe one of the best ways to learn is through hands-on experience and CRISMA provided my peers and me with that opportunity. Through their guidance, I was able to complete exercises with the patients. During my time shadowing, I was introduced to many new techniques and manipulations which I will continue to use in my future career.

CRISMA was a family and this was very prevalent in the care they provided to not only their patients, but their patients’ families. The dedication they show to their practice was inspiring. I’m also extremely appreciative of the patience the therapists showed towards me. They took the time out of their busy schedules to educate me on treatments and pathologies.

Other Kinesiology students should consider this opportunity because it allows one to gain hands-on experience that’s difficult to come by in the States. Lastly, students should consider this opportunity because it shows one how to provide supportive and loving patient care. I’m forever grateful for CRISMA!

The experience at the CRISMA clinic was probably one of the most important moments of my academic career. While I have shadowed Physical Therapists in the United States before, we were not allowed to have any patient contact. The American system also requires 7-8 years of schooling in order to become a Physical therapist while Mexico only requires 4 years of school plus 1 year of volunteer service. This meant that the PTs in Mexico were closer to our age and it felt more like working alongside peers.

While I did grew up as a Spanish speaker, it did take me a day to get used to speaking in a clinical setting. Thankfully the PT I was paired with, Ana, was very helpful and guided me through how to use the equipment used. I feel like I learned more from those five days in CRISMA about Physical Therapy than in 3 years of schooling.

The PTs were very knowledgeable in their field and their feedback helped in guiding me on what I should do. By the second or third day the PTs were comfortable with us working alongside them by recommending exercises or using the equipment.

Other Kinesiology students should take advantage of this opportunity because it gives the opportunity to get hands-on experience in a clinical setting. This opportunity can also help clear any doubts students may have about a potential future career in Physical Therapy. The ISLP program also is a great opportunity to experience Mexican culture and Mexican history.

Something that I hold very dear is the interactions the physical therapists had with their patients. My PT was so sweet with all the children she saw. She knew exactly how to interact in every scenario. She also showcased a tremendous amount of patience and comfort. These two aspects are very important for me as my goal is to ultimately be a physician. I must know how to build relations with my patients through trust and connecting on a personal level. To build trust, I saw that it is very necessary to be professional, dress in the appropriate attire and ask the patient appropriate and relevant questions. Being on time and present during the appointment builds upon this trust idea as well. To connect personally, I saw how my PT asked how the patient’s day was or maybe about the new shoes they were wearing, only if they were able to talk. Some patients were nonverbal making the connection a little more challenging but still she would give all her attention and communicate in a way the patient could understand. I saw that the patient would really open up when they were asked about their hobbies. I really saw this exemplified when I worked in the adult department a few times. There was this one patient I worked with and we talked a lot about dance and music. Immediately, he was smiling and speaking energetically. It was amazing to see how the endorphins were being released as a result of discussing a passionate topic with the patient. Knowing that personal life is important to discuss at the appropriate times, is something I will never forget. If I want to calm my patient in the future, I will utilize this technique of discussing the patient's hobbies. I see it in myself as well. I become very uplifted if somebody asks me about dance or yoga or being outside and hiking. It really is a mental game and this is something I really took away from working at CRISMA and observing the PTs. I am a very visual and observant person so oftentimes it was plenty for me to just walk around and notice how other students were interacting with their PTs.

But what was most inspiring was seeing the patients with very little mobility with big smiles on their faces when working with the PTs. It’s like the PT has a special power to lift the spirits of these kids. But also, some kids just smiled no matter what. This inspires me to be more thankful and happy with what I have.

Students with a kinesiology background will gain a better understanding of PT through the hands-on experiences at CRISMA. The PTs asked what exercises would be best, making the student think more about what treatment should look like. I think one of the best things the PTs did was asking us students what exercises should be done next. While watching is valuable, actually stepping in and directing is such a vital experience as it puts one into the shoes directly of being a PT. This will really help one understand if this field is right for them. Walking in with some background knowledge is definitely very helpful. I think anyone looking to be in the healthcare industry should take advantage of such an opportunity to see if working with people is really something they would like to do. Connecting with the PTs, the patients, and other students all provide many learning opportunities. Gaining knowledge is one of the best things possible. Just keep learning and CRISMA really reiterated this aspect.

This place fueled my curiosity and understanding of human connections and health. Gaining hands-on experience is rare to come by sometimes but this trip will ensure you walk away with some!

At CRISMA, thanks to the depth of the PTs’ knowledge and their willingness to help forge the health professionals of the future, I got to not only learn about rehabilitative technologies I’ve never heard of before (like ESTIM and compression therapy), but I even got to experience them and administer them myself. I also learned a lot about how to engage with patients and keep them motivated, as well as when to help distract them by chatting.

Since I got the opportunity to work alongside a physical therapist, I got to see how to balance professionalism and approachability with patients. I got to see how PTs interact with their patients – without a filter; I learned the importance of conversation, as even the simplest exchanges can be as valuable to rehabilitation as the exercises.

Shadowing physical therapists or at least interpreting at CRISMA was an valuable experience that deepened my understanding of patient care and the versatility of physical therapy and the terms involved. I learned about how each treatment plan is customized to meet a patient's unique needs, whether adjusting exercises for post-surgery recovery or managing pain. The hands-on moments I did experience, like helping set up equipment and observing therapeutic techniques, gave me a firsthand look at the attention to detail and creativity required in PT. I also witnessed how important communication and empathy are in building trust with patients, which is essential for their recovery.

The mentorship I received and noticed at CRISMA was impressive. The therapists were always willing to explain their decisions and thought processes. They taught me about the physical techniques but also emphasized the emotional support needed in patient care. This experience showed me how much more physical therapy is than just exercises. It's about treating the whole person, that is every aspect of a person specifically mentally and physically. I would highly recommend this opportunity to kinesiology students, even though I'm not one because it offers a unique and practical insight into the field that will essentially benefit anyone pursuing a career in PT.

Shadowing the psychologist at CRISMA was a transformative experience that provided valuable insight into methods and the field of psychology. One key learning moment for me was observing how therapist followed treatment plans to meet each patients unique needs.

The mentorship and guidance I received at CRISMA were exceptional. The psychologist took time to explain their treatment strategies, answer my questions, and provide insights into their clinical decision-making processes. Their openness and willingness to teach created a supportive learning environment that inspired me to think critically about patient care. I would highly recommend this opportunity to other social work, phycology and kinesiology students. Shadowing at CRISMA not only enhanced my knowledge of therapy but also provided a deeper appreciation for the dedication and creativity required in the field. This experience clarified my career goals and equipped me with a new perspective.

1.) CRISMA has given me the confidence I need working with patients side by side with their wonderful staff. The support and mentorship I received along the way is something that I will cherish and take with me moving forward in my career and in life in general.

2.) Although I am not a Kinesiology, I would encourage other majors like mine in social work to jump at the opportunity to be a part of CRISMA. It is an experience of a lifetime where you will have the pleasure of spending time with some of the friendliest and skilled professionals healthcare has to offer. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience, the staff, and patients at CRISMA. Don't hesitate it's an opportunity of a lifetime!

3.) While at CRISMA I was lucky enough to not only develop a deeper understanding of Physical Therapy but the experience has also shaped my values and understanding of what patient care should look like. CRISMA and the staff there sets an example of what Physical Therapy and Patient Care should be.

4.) One of the most valuable learning moments I encountered while at CRISMA was just how invaluable patient care and building rapport with clients and staff is. I realized there that it's just as important as having the right credentials especially in a small community... and there is an overwhelming sense of community and positivity at CRISMA. I only wish I had more time to get to know everyone.

My time at CRISMA was deeply rewarding and exceeded all my expectations. I came into this opportunity as a psychology major rather than a physical therapy student, and I wasn’t sure how much I would relate or add to the work being done in a primarily physical therapy clinic, but I left with a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of physical and emotional health.

This was also my first time gaining any hands-on experience in a psychology setting throughout my years in school, and I was surprised by how much I learned in just five days.

Sitting in on psychology sessions, though rare due to the delicate nature of the process, was truly an eye-opening experience. Most of the sessions I observed were with children, but one, in particular, stood out, a meeting with an 18-year-old who felt uncertain about his future after high school. As I listened to him express his anxieties, I couldn’t help but recall my own experiences at that stage of life. I felt I was able to connect with him on a meaningful level, helping him explore his concerns and find a sense of direction. That interaction was just one of the many life-changing exchanges I had with clients at CRISMA.

Beyond the psychology sessions, shadowing the physical therapists gave me a broader understanding of how patient care operates in a mostly community-centered clinic. I learned about the importance of tailoring care to individual needs, while observing how therapists adjusted treatment plans for clients with various conditions and levels. The guidance and mentorship from the staff and students were exceptional. They were always willing to answer my questions, even when they extended beyond physical therapy, helping me understand the bigger picture of how mental and physical health intersect. One student, in particular, involved me in the care of a woman recovering from a broken arm who was also struggling emotionally after the loss of her daughter. Knowing that this experience would both challenge and teach me, he encouraged me to connect with her. I suggested she explore the clinic’s psychological services and consider engaging in outside activities to aid her healing process.

For psychology and physical therapy students alike, I can’t recommend CRISMA enough. It offered more than just clinical observation, it provided me with an opportunity to engage with real-world challenges in healthcare, to see how cultural and socioeconomic factors influence care, and to witness the effects of a patient-centered approach. For me, it wasn’t just about shadowing, it was about connecting with people, broadening my perspective, and gaining invaluable skills that I will carry into my future forever.

I have thought about this trip and our work at CRISMA every single day since we left there. The people I met and the people we got to help will have changed me forever. I was initially anxious about working there. I had never had hands-on experience in a facility, I had only every babysat and that had nothing to do with medical experience, and I had never spoken Spanish in anything besides traveling with family and schools. However when we walked in and introduced ourselves I felt instantly welcomed and wanted there. I can not speak highly enough of how great the physical therapists were at mentoring and teaching us. It felt more as a partnership and we were all learning from each other. I have heard that working in other medical facilities in the United States is more of shadowing and following the doctors and PT’s around. It is still a very good opportunity but working at CRISMA I actually got to do hands-on work with patients.

One of my favorite moments at CRISMA was that Ana the PT I was working with allowed me to put together a program for one of the patients. She made sure I was comfortable with what the patient needed to work on and then she allowed me to walk the patient through the exercises to help improve his coordination. Having her believe in me enough to do that was very encouraging and made me believe in my abilities a little more.

Ana taught me so much that will help me in my future career and she was so encouraging about how well she thinks I will be as a nurse. This experience has taught me how to encourage and work with patients to get them to work on what they need to even if it does not go as planned because of how the patients are feeling. It was very interesting to talk to Ana because she said she has activities in mind but does not plan out the whole session until she knows how the patient is feeling.

I wish I could keep this experience to myself so I could go every single year, but I feel this is a thing that will benefit everyone. If someone is wanting to work in anything kinesiology related or dealing with patient care, I think this would be such a beneficial experience that will shape anyone who will attend. I got to learn how to work with patients 4 months old all the way to 17 years old, I got to learn how to properly assist a patient in and out of a wheelchair, how to calm children when frustrated or uncomfortable (we would work with children with cerebral palsy and worked on mobility and stretching with them), and I learned so much more than that. After this I have considered reaching out to come back for longer and volunteer again.

Working at CRISMA completely transformed my perspective on the medical field. The team treated every patient like family, creating a deeply supportive environment. I felt incredibly fortunate to be part of such a hands-on, educational experience.

This program is an exceptional opportunity for anyone passionate about working in medical settings, offering a chance to expand both knowledge and compassion.

CRISMA was a perspective shifting experience compared to what I've experienced in the medical clinics here. I do not study in the medical field, so this is the outside perspective of someone with no prior knowledge in the physical therapy field.

I learned that CRISMA operates with community in mind while I saw work being done with the patients, I also saw other workers that would talk to the family members who brought them to keep them company or just to have conversation. I was very nervous to be hands on with the patients as I'd never treated anybody, but Joselin (my therapist) was a great example and answered any questions questions I had.

I was able to form connections with the patients and I remember one in particular whose name was Jose. He was in their for a knee injury and I was able to start a conversation with him. He learned that I was from the states and was a little hesitant to open up, but once we started there was endless jokes and stories about his life that we (including Jocelin, Armando, and I) listened to.

The quality of mentorship was amazing and very inclusive to where they would ask you if there was anything that you wanted to try while also guiding you in the direction of what their objectives was with the patient. I would recommend this to any kinesiology students who wants the hands on experience, regardless if you've had any or not. Spanish would be recommended, but even if you familiarize yourself with some Spanish medical terms you should be fine. This is an experience of learning and one that you couldn't forget.