Her Story
About Kellye
Kellye Booker is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a strong background in orthopedic rehabilitation, women’s health, and evidence-based patient care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Western Kentucky University before completing her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Kentucky in 2016. Throughout her education and career, Kellye has remained committed to advancing her clinical expertise through specialized training, including certifications in dry needling and Women’s Health & Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. Kellye began her professional career in outpatient orthopedics, spending approximately eight years providing skilled rehabilitation services while treating a diverse range of musculoskeletal conditions. During this time, she advanced into leadership roles, including clinic management, where she helped launch and develop new outpatient locations in Louisville. Her clinical experience has focused on delivering patient-centered care, improving functional outcomes, and educating patients to support long-term success in their recovery. Currently, Kellye serves as a Physical Therapy Advisor with Sedgwick, where she played an integral role in helping establish and grow the physical therapy utilization review program from its early stages as the second PT hire to a team of nine clinicians and growing. In addition to her work in utilization review, she continues to provide services in women’s health, including pregnancy and postpartum return to activity in her spare time. Kellye is passionate about expanding access to quality rehabilitation, supporting safe return-to-work outcomes, and developing education initiatives that help physical therapists better serve injured workers and specialized patient populations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kellye
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong support system I have built throughout my life. I believe we are shaped by the people who encourage us, challenge us, and stand beside us through every season. Whether it is the family we are born into or the family we choose, having people who lift us up during difficult moments and celebrate our successes is essential. I truly believe no one achieves success alone, and the relationships we build play a meaningful role in our growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received was to create healthy boundaries between my professional and personal life. Early in my career, a clinical instructor taught me the importance of completing my work, leaving the emotional weight of the day behind, and protecting my own well-being. I also learned that I should never feel trapped or too comfortable in one path. If something no longer aligns with my goals, it is okay to make a change, explore new opportunities, and recognize that my skills can open many different doors.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering my industry to build strong networks, remain open to new opportunities, and understand that growth often requires change. It is important to stay true to your values, advocate for yourself, and recognize that changing your mind or taking a new direction is a sign of growth, not failure. As opportunities continue to expand, women have the ability to create space for themselves in fields that have traditionally been male-dominated by leading with confidence, integrity, and authenticity.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating financial pressures, including declining reimbursement rates, rising costs, student loan responsibilities, and the challenge of maintaining financial stability while doing meaningful work. At the same time, there are many opportunities because the skills and expertise within physical therapy are highly transferable. The field continues to offer diverse career paths across different settings, allowing professionals to find roles that align with their interests, strengths, and goals.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of the most important values I carry in both my professional and personal life. I believe in doing what I say, being honest in my actions, and staying accountable to my commitments. I also value self-advocacy and believe it is important to take responsibility for protecting my own well-being, setting boundaries, and recognizing my needs. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance allows me to show up fully in both my career and personal life while supporting my overall mental and emotional health.
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