Physical Therapy student’s Italian clinical rotation gets the gold
When Grace McIntosh arrived in Italy for her final clinical rotation, she expected
a challenge. She did not expect to find herself treating complex hand injuries by
day and attending the Olympic Games by night.
McIntosh, a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at UNT Health Fort Worth, is completing her terminal clinical experience at a specialized hand clinic within a Milan hospital. The opportunity is part of the program’s effort to place students in international rotations, expanding their clinical training beyond the United States.
“I first heard about the possibility of an international rotation during my first year of PT school,” McIntosh said. “At the time, it felt like a distant opportunity that was exciting but abstract.”
As she entered her final year, the prospect became more concrete after she spoke with a student from the cohort ahead of hers who had gone abroad. McIntosh applied through EduGlobal, completed interviews and documentation, and committed to what she described as “a leap of faith.”
“I knew it would challenge me in the best way,” she said.
Originally from Lantana, Texas, McIntosh earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology on the pre-physical therapy track at the University of North Texas in Denton. During her undergraduate years, she worked as a personal trainer, drawn to fitness and helping clients reach goals they once thought unattainable.
“Through training clients, I realized I wanted to reach a broader population — not just individuals focused on fitness, but people navigating pain, injury, surgery or chronic conditions,” McIntosh said. “Physical therapy allows me to combine movement, science and motivation to help people live healthier lives and return to the activities they love with fewer limitations.”
In Milan, McIntosh entered unfamiliar territory. She had never worked in a dedicated
hand clinic before, noting that in the United States hand therapy is often primarily
within the scope of occupational therapy. Before leaving, she reviewed upper extremity
conditions and practiced Italian on Duolingo.
“What surprised me most was the variety and complexity of cases we see daily,” McIntosh said. “The documentation process and healthcare structure in Italy differ significantly from the U.S., and adapting to that system has been a learning experience in itself.”
At the clinic, physical therapists and occupational therapists collaborate closely. The physical therapists have completed an additional master’s program focused specifically on hand therapy, elevating what McIntosh described as the precision of care. She is working alongside another physical therapy student from Texas Woman’s University, providing mutual support as they navigate both clinical and cultural differences.
Her responsibilities have included fabricating custom splints for a wide range of upper extremity conditions, treating pediatric congenital conditions and managing cases such as CMC arthritis, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, distal radius fractures, metacarpal fractures, UCL injuries and complex regional pain syndrome. She has also participated in care for complex trauma cases and observed multiple surgeries in the operating room.
“Every millimeter matters in hand rehabilitation,” McIntosh said. “That level of detail has sharpened my assessment and treatment approach.”
The experience has also reshaped her communication skills. Treating patients who do not speak English has required careful attention to nonverbal cues, demonstration, body language and translation tools. She has incorporated the Italian she studied independently, strengthening both her clinical communication and cultural competence.
“It is inspiring to see Grace take full advantage of her time abroad in Milan and immerse herself in a new clinical environment,” said Dr. Michael Furtado, chair and program director of the DPT program. “Being present during the Winter Olympics adds a once in a lifetime dimension to an already meaningful experience. We could not be prouder of how she represents our department.”
Being in Milan during the Olympics has added another layer to the experience. McIntosh
attended the Opening Ceremony and watched the USA women’s hockey team compete against
Canada, witnessing a record-breaking performance.
“The energy in the stadium was electric,” she said. “Balancing clinical responsibilities with such a historic global event happening around me has been something I’ll never forget.”
McIntosh will graduate in May and plans to begin working at Therapy Partners of North Texas in Denton, bringing with her advanced skills in upper extremity rehabilitation and patient communication.
For students considering an international rotation, her advice is direct.
“If you’re considering the Italy rotation, go for it,” McIntosh said. “You will grow clinically, culturally and personally in ways that are hard to replicate in a traditional setting. Stepping outside your comfort zone is where the most growth happens.”