Zarrah Akmal

I am a 2025 graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Midwestern University, Glendale, dedicated to empowering lives through rehabilitation. With a strong foundation in cultural competence and a compassionate approach, I provide tailored care for diverse populations. My proficiency in multiple languages enhances patient communication and trust, fostering an inclusive therapeutic environment. I am committed to ongoing learning to remain at the forefront of healthcare.

• Communication
• Active listening
• Empathy and compassion
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Team collaboration
• Adaptability and time management
• Attention to detail

License Number: LPT-034718 (expires in August 2026)

Certificates: BLS and First Aid (expires in 2027)

First Clinical Rotation - Concentra Urgent Care - Tempe

• Completed first clinical rotation in a thriving, fast-paced, high-volume environment as a primary provider, managing 90% (75%required by CPI) of the full time entry level case-load.
• Independently evaluated, diagnosed, developed care plans, and discharged patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, including sprains, strains, rotator cuff tears, tendinopathies, radiculopathy and hand injuries.
• Enhanced manual therapy skills and applied therapeutic modalities such as heat and ultrasound.
• Educated patients on lifestyle modifications and proper body mechanics to prevent re-injury and promote long-term wellness.
• Collaborated with physician as a patient advocate to ensure return-to-work.
• Applied advanced clinical reasoning and hypothetical deductive reasoning to accurately diagnose and manage diverse orthopedic cases.
• Created and modified exercise programs based on individual patient progress and maintained documentation.

Second Clinical Rotation - Advanced Neurologic Rehab – Chandler

• Treated diverse neurological conditions such as Cerebrovascular Accident, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, neuropathy, encephalitis, concussion, quadriplegia, and other high-risk fall patients with gait and balance impairments.
• Independently managed 100% of the caseload including highly complex patient without any patient falls.
• Developed innovative and engaging interventions tailored to individual patient goals, enhancing motor learning and functional outcomes.
• Utilized equipment such as Lite Gait, SARA Steady, Eva Walker, NMES, Blaze Pods, and therapeutic games to maximize patient engagement.
• Conducted comprehensive evaluations, progress assessments, plans of care, and discharge planning independently.
• Addressed patient barriers such as fear of falling, frustration with slow progress, and kinesio-phobia, leading to measurable improvements.
• Researched and applied evidence based practice for managing freezing of gait and other complex neurologic symptoms.

The Caring House, Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, Gila River - Sacaton 

• Delivered skilled physical therapy in memory care, long-term care, and skilled nursing units for a diverse Native community.
• Established rapport and engaged patients with psychosocial, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
• Independently managed standard and double caseloads, treating complex conditions including poly-trauma, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, arthritis, amputations, respiratory and infectious diseases.
• Implemented evidence-based interventions and advanced modalities tailored to individual patient needs.
• Conducted comprehensive evaluations, re-evaluations and discharge planning. Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, and maintained timely documentation.
• Managed administrative duties and trained support staff to enhance quality of care.
• Efficiently provided culturally sensitive, patient-centered care in a challenging environment.
• ]plansfor optimal outcomes.

• During each academic year, I held 1st division standings.
• Award for second position at University of Health Science (UHS) Lahore: Awarded by Gulab Devi Postgraduate Medical Institute (GDPGMI).
• Two Silver Medals: Awarded by GDPGMI, UHS for high academic standing.
• Certificate of Excellence: Awarded by the District Manager of The Home Depot Inc.
• President's Honor Roll: Awarded by the President of Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC).
• Honors Achievement Scholarship: Awarded by CGCC.
• Selected as a Peer Tutor for Biology and Chemistry at CGCC.
• Recognition for exceeding quality expectations at Amazon Central Operations.
• Selected as a Physiology tutor at Midwestern University due to high academic standing.

• Drawing, sketching, and painting.
• Traveling, hiking and cooking.
• I love to serve the community. I have served at Helping Hands, Wildhorse Ranch, Without Walls Church, Health Outreach Through Medicine and Education (H. O. M. E) program and Paz de Cristo Community.

Dr. Rita Ator, PT, DPT, ATC - Midwestern University Glendale

Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

rator@midwestern.edu                            623-572-3927

Dr. Lorelei Louise Wood - Chandler Gilbert Community College

Professor of Chemistry (Retired)

loreleithemermaid@hotmail.com           480-329-2646

Marcy Baines - Home Depot Inc

Store Manager

marcellette_baines@homedepot.com    480-786-5402