Emile Ott Olsen, PT - UNC Hospitals Ancillary Services at Ambulatory Care Center

I chose to become a physical therapist because it combines my interest in wellness/exercise with helping patients navigate challenging periods in their life due to pain and/or injury. I believe that a strong patient-clinician relationship is built by mutual trust, open communication, and collaborative goal setting. I utilize exercise and movement to facilitate recovery and increase patients’ participation in their valued activities. When I am not at work, I enjoy going on walks, being in nature, spending time with my partner, and exploring new cities.

I chose to be an occupational therapist to be able to get people back into activities they enjoy doing. I wanted to choose a career where I could combine my love of science and helping others in a holistic approach. My areas of special interest are hand therapy, outpatient upper extremity rehabilitation, and custom orthosis fabrication. Outside of work, I enjoy baking, cooking, exploring new areas, and hiking on trails.

Combining my love of meeting new people and being creative, Occupational Therapy is the perfect career for me. I love to meet new people and learn what is important to them. From customized orthotics fabrication, to unique treatment ideas, to finding new ways to do normal activities, creativity plays a role in returning clients to their prior levels of function. My years in a level 1 trauma center in Maryland have honed my compassion for each individual. When not working, my other loves include my family (two young girls, a husband and a sweet dog), travel, food and football.