Tracy Lovett has been a physical therapist for most of her life. For the last seven years, she’s helped orthopedic patients at Beaufort Memorial regain abilities they’ve lost to injury and build them back after surgery.
Whether helping her patients recover from joint replacement or a back or neck surgery, Tracy draws her energy from seeing people recover.
“I’m a people person,” Tracy says. “I love working with patients and helping them get their lives back.”
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Setting a Good Example
Tracy enjoys motivating her patients to move, something that has been a running theme throughout her life.
“At first, I was going to be a PE teacher, but then I did some athletic training, which is how I found out about physical therapy,” Tracy says. “I was always interested in sports because I played basketball.”
She continues volunteering as an athletic trainer at Holy Trinity Classical Christian School. She also runs marathons and likes to ride her bicycle.
“I think you have to be a good example for the people you’re helping out,” she says. “You’re teaching them exercises, so I feel like I need to do the same thing.”
In addition to active living, Tracy has a passion for seeing the world. She has hiked Machu Picchu with her daughter and took the long-distance hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back. Both were once-in-a-lifetime experiences, she says.
In addition to her personal adventures, Tracy has journeyed across the U.S. as a travel therapist. Much like traveling nurses, traveling therapists can work where needed, and Tracy has had the opportunity to work in Texas, Arizona and Montana.
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What’s Next?
Seven years ago, Tracy settled in Beaufort so she could be close to Charleston, where her father lives, and near her extended family in Georgia.
Tracy has no plans to retire — at least not for now. Working hard is a family trait. Her father worked as a pharmacist until his 70s and her mother is still working and owns an insurance agency. Tracy can see herself following a similar path.
“I want to work as long as I can because I enjoy what I’m doing,” Tracy says. “But if my daughter has a baby, I might have to slow down a little bit!”
Having served her patients for more than 40 years, Tracy still finds her work fulfilling.
“Treat other people like you want to be treated,” Tracy says. “That’s my motto for the work I do. I try to use the talents I’ve been given to help people.”
Looking for somewhere to put your skills and passion for service to work? Browse current job openings at Beaufort Memorial.