Physical therapist Jamie Fuqua of McPherson is the newest addition to the physical therapy department at St. Luke Hospital in Marion.

“In eighth grade I was job shadowing a physical therapist,” she said. “I went and observed and fell in love with it.”

Fuqua received her physical therapy degree in May from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo.

She enjoys helping people improve their lives.

“Even being able to stand up straight and walk without pain is a big deal for some people if they haven’t for a long time,” Fuqua said.

The hiring of an additional therapist will allow the physical therapy department to take on a bigger caseload, and it is related to St. Luke Hospital’s renovation and expansion campaign.

Fuqua works Tuesday and Thursday in Marion. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday she works at Memorial Hospital in McPherson.