Columbia Alumna Emma Massarelli

How/ why did you come to Columbia?

I wanted to attend Columbia because of the physical therapy program’s commitment to excellence, dedication to its students, and incredible elective and clinical opportunities, particularly in orthopedics and dance medicine. I also was entranced by the faculty and knew immediately upon my first interaction with them that I wanted to learn from such incredible minds in the field. I began my physical therapy education in the fall of 2020 and graduated in May 2023. Columbia was the perfect place for me to receive my physical therapy education, and I am so proud to be an alumnus of the program.

What event in your life triggered your decision to pursue becoming a Physical Therapist?

I always knew that I wanted to be a physical therapist - however, I was unsure of when in my career this would occur. I attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts as a dance major and sprained my ankle halfway through the program. Working with the dance program’s physical therapist opened my eyes to the world of dance medicine, and I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue sooner than later. During this time, my father also began developing symptoms concurrent with his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis; this also played a large factor in my decision to enter the world of physical therapy.

How do you think your Columbia education prepared you for the work you're doing?

The Radio City Rockettes rehearse six hours a day, six days a week, for six weeks to prepare for the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. We also can perform up to four shows a day, which adds up to over 300 eye-high kicks. I have been using my Columbia education to my advantage - I am identifying muscular weaknesses that are hindering my performance, I am using my knowledge of pathology to differentiate between normal aches and more serious injuries, and I am making sure to implement proper warm up and cool down routines into my everyday practice. Thanks to my education from Columbia’s Programs in Physical Therapy, I have the skill set to keep my own body healthy and strong, with the knowledge that I will be prepared to treat patients effectively once the season ends.

How was your experience after you graduated from the program?

I had been working towards my goal of becoming a Radio City Rockette simultaneously while obtaining my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I am so blessed that both of these dreams came true - I graduated from Columbia in May of 2023, and found out that I would be performing as a Radio City Rockette in the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes soon after passing the NPTE in August 2023. I have been enjoying every second of rehearsals and performances as a Radio City Rockette, and still cannot believe that I have the incredible opportunity to spread Christmas cheer in front of 6,000 people every night until January 4. After the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes closes for the season, I plan on treating patients until next Christmas rolls around!

Have your pursued an advanced degree, residency/fellowship, continuing education?

Due to the busy nature of the Radio City Rockettes season, I have not yet pursued any type of continuing education. However, I feel as though I am gaining so much knowledge from observing Radio City’s Athletic Training and Physical Therapy departments, and from being an athlete and patient myself. I am learning what pathologies are most common in this style of dance, observing how the team helps dancers with chronic injuries handle the stress of the show every night, and appreciating the multidisciplinary approach between MDs, ATs, and PTs. I will definitely use what I’ve learned through observation in my treatment plans when I begin to work with patients in January.

What advice do you have for future students of our DPT program?

Do not limit yourself to what you can accomplish - both in and out of the classroom! I never thought at the start of my physical therapy education that I would be in the position I am in now, and I truly felt like I was biting off much more than I can chew when making the decision to start training to become a Radio City Rockette during my time at Columbia. With the support of the CUDPT faculty and the consistent focus on both of my goals, I am able to live out both of my dreams and I truly could not be more thankful. You are capable of so much more than you realize, and this program will show you that!

Please speak a little about yourself, what your hobbies are, anything that you would like us to know.

I was born and raised in Bayonne, New Jersey, and have been dancing since the age of 3. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and I am currently in my first season as a Radio City Rockette in the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. I also enjoy long distance running and have completed 10 half-marathons and three full marathons.