Physical Therapy Graduates Partner with Hillside Health for Six-Week Rotation in Belize

Fall 2025 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates Dr. Emilee Borchert, Dr. Nicole Cullinan, Dr. Alyssa Wiertsema, and Dr. Matthew Weller returned from a combined six-week partnership with Hillside Health in the Toledo District of Belize. Hillside is an interdisciplinary organization that serves the surrounding community in outpatient, home health, and mobile clinic contexts. Hillside also provides a comprehensive didactic curriculum while in-country, including case presentations, review of the local cultures (Mayan, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Chinese), and discussion on the community-based rehabilitation model. When not treating or in class, there were many opportunities to immerse in the local culture, such as visits to nearby Mayan ruins, and lessons from a local business owner on how to make chocolate, alongside other allied health students representing physician assistants, pharmacists, and public health professionals. Photos include the fantastic Hillside rehab team, and the faculty and clinician mentors who joined our 4 students (Dr. Kathleen Fortier, PT, DPT, MBA, COMT, and Dr. Olivia Meyer, PT, DPT, CBIS). Thank you all for your work, collaboration, and learning on how to best support healthcare in southern Belize!

