Erin Afshar, MSOT, OTR/L

I chose to become a physical therapist because I believe that all people, regardless of their identities, deserve the ability to participate in their lives without physical limitations. I’m committed to meeting people where they are at and creating a plan that is individualized and collaborative, working with my patients to reach their personal goals. My philosophy of care is that, as a provider, I need to recognize the uniqueness of my patients and how their life experiences, identities and personal attributes shape how they navigate health care and their lives. I believe it is my responsibility to recognize those differences and work to provide empathetic and inclusive care. My areas of special interest include urinary dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, neurologic bowel and bladder, ante- and postpartum care, as well as lymphedema and other secondary cancer-related impairments. Outside of work, I really enjoy moving my body whether that be in a dance class, in a gym, or while walking my dog on our favorite trails. I am also a huge nerd and enjoy watching movies and television shows with my husband. Lastly, I really enjoy baking and cooking. My time in the kitchen is a sacred place for me to unwind after work and on the weekends.

I serve as a vestibular physical therapist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a native of Saratoga Springs, New York, I have served in a variety of clinical settings in Colorado, North Carolina, and Florida focusing on acute and subacute neurological impairments, and I am primarily passionate about vestibular rehabilitation and craniofacial pain. At UNC, I participate in the long-COVID multidisciplinary team and I have worked most recently to develop the vestibular rehab portion of UNC’s Transforming Health and Resilience in Veterans (THRIVE) Program, a multidisciplinary team for veterans suffering from mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

After working with special needs populations in recreation and support settings, as well as English as a second language (ESL) teaching, I decided to pursue speech language pathology. I was able to combine those two interests, as well as open more doors for helping individuals. My top priority as a provider is to establish a comfortable, trusting relationship with the patient and family and to work together as a team to determine goals. My areas of special interest include early childhood development, developmental disorders and bilingual development. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, water activities, skating, skiing and singing.