We recently connected with Lisa Whisenant and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was your school or training experience like? Share an anecdote or two that you feel illustrate important aspects or the overall nature of your schooling/training experience.

I obtained my Master’s in Occupational Therapy back in 2014. Currently, several OT programs have moved to a Doctorate degree. For specialization in pelvic health, additional training outside of the OT program is required. There are several amazing continued education institutes that offer these type of courses, even specific ones for OT. I truly believe in the value of being a generalist in the field before specializing, but if your heart is in it, then there is nothing wrong with new graduates applying for a job in pelvic health.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, from Texas A&M University (WHOOP!) and continued my education in a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. OT initially appealed to me because I was passionate about helping people with disabilities gain independence in their day to day activities. I worked in the hospital setting from the ICU to outpatient services for 6 years before going into pelvic health. Once I became a mother, I saw how little information mothers received to care for their newborns and themselves during pregnancy and postpartum. We are told things are “normal” when there is actual effective treatments available. I also have dealt with endometriosis and wanted to help advocate for others experiencing pelvic pain issues.
Pelvic floor therapist work with anyone with a pelvis, but I particularly specialize with women experiencing pelvic pain, trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum, and male pelvic health disorders,
I hold a certificate in Maternal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International and am very passionate about addressing the biopsychosocial health of my patients.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Having a great mentor to guide you through the pelvic health world is invaluable. I also have amazing coworkers who are supportive and we trouble shoot treatment ideas off each other constantly. I am continuously learning and love the opportunity to grow for the betterment of my patients.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

No way! This is where I was made to practice. I honestly cannot see myself doing anything different than the path I took to get where I am today. This job is beyond rewarding. I enjoy helping women and men understand the most basic, yet intimate working parts of their body, learning what is normal and not normal, and how to get past barriers to them returning to things they love doing.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.genesisptwellness.com
• Instagram: @lisa.pelvichealth.ot
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/lisa-whisenant-19830398

Image Credits
Erin Beth Birth Photography