Her Story
About Kristen "KT"
Kristen "KT" Townsend, PT, DPT, OCS, CLT-LANA, is an orthopedic board-certified clinical specialist and certified lymphedema therapist at UCHealth in Colorado. With nearly eight years of experience in physical therapy, she specializes in orthopedics, lymphedema therapy, and oncology rehabilitation, including care for patients experiencing swelling and functional challenges following breast cancer and other cancer treatments. She also treats a broad range of conditions, including post-operative recovery, return-to-sport needs, and general orthopedic conditions. KT earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus after completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. She completed an orthopedic residency at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and graduated from the DPT program with honors. Her academic achievements include the Outstanding DPT Student of the Year Award and the Pauline Cerasoli Academic and Clinical Excellence Award. At UCHealth, she also serves as a subject matter expert in blood flow restriction training, helping educate colleagues and advance evidence-based rehabilitation practices across the system. Beyond clinical practice, KT is committed to education, mentorship, and professional collaboration. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, facilitating physical therapy labs, and mentors participants in the CU/UCHealth Residency Program. She regularly participates in journal clubs and professional education to promote research-informed patient care. Her professional involvement includes membership in the American Physical Therapy Association, Lymphology Association of North America, and the orthopedic and oncology sections of the APTA.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristen "KT"
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to several factors, most notably my faith in addition to my personal experience with several health conditions including idiopathic scoliosis, hypermobility, and autoimmune disease. My health journey inspired my passion for physical therapy and helping others overcome mobility and health challenges. My journey from working in restaurants to becoming a physical therapist, including launching into the profession after spinal surgery, has strengthened my resilience, perseverance, and dedication to serving others. I also credit my education at the University of Colorado, clinical training, orthopedic residency, and board certification for shaping my clinical expertise and commitment to lifelong learning. Today, my roles at UCHealth as a PT specialist and as adjunct faculty in the CU PT program allow me to continue growing as a clinician, educator, and advocate for others. Together, these experiences have shaped the person and professional I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received was not to specialize too early. PT's practice in a large variety of settings and specialties, and the DPT program is rigorous, and can lead to early burn-out. I decided to practice for 2 years prior to beginning my residency training in orthopedics, and this allowed me to not only build clinical reasoning, but also confirmed that I was in the right area of practice for my skillset. I'm extremely grateful for the many excellent mentors I have had along the way including Emily Stone, Becky Liebold, Matt Carlson, and Lindsay Krause to name a few who inspired me to continue learning, growing, and giving back. Their example has motivated me to mentor others, serve as a clinical liaison for research studies, and support residents in the CU/UCHealth Residency Program as they prepare for board specialty exams.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women pursuing a career in physical therapy is to believe in themselves, remain curious, and never be afraid to take up space. This is a profession that offers so many opportunities to grow, lead, teach, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Seek out mentors who support and challenge you, and remember that your career does not have to follow a single path. Define success on your own terms, protect your well-being, and never lose sight of the passion that brought you to this profession. Most importantly, trust that your unique experiences and perspective are strengths. You belong here, and the profession needs what you have to offer.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge facing physical therapy is that our value is often greater than the way the healthcare system currently pays for and utilizes us. I think there's a particularly important opportunity for the next generation of women in PT to move beyond simply becoming excellent clinicians. They can become practice owners, researchers, educators, administrators, advocates, entrepreneurs, and healthcare leaders.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are authenticity, perseverance, and giving back. I value being able to share my story while working with others to improve their lives in meaningful ways through education, movement, compassion and caring. I strive to be the best I can at everything I do from my job as a PT to my sport of weight lifting and my hobbies including crochet and rock climbing. I'm also a huge animal lover, and we have 3 huskies at home.
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