JMSA is very excited to have a mentor-mentee program. The program has connected students with healthcare professionals with students. JMSA is an organization that welcomes not only medical doctors, but all healthcare professionals.
Dr. Miho Urisaka, PT, DPT, OCS, is an active JMSA member as a doctor of physical therapy who has volunteered her time and experience to be a mentor for the JMSA mentor program. She was paired with Kana Okada, who has recently been accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Columbia University—a great achievement worth highlighting.
Below, Dr. Miho Urisaka discusses the value of the mentor-mentee program, for both parties.
Since being matched with us, Kana has been observing me with my patients at the clinic, gaining first-hand experience in our approach to care. Beyond that, she has contributed in meaningful ways—she wrote this blog article on periosteal dysfunction for our homepage and has generously volunteered her time to help us run community events.
With her background as a professional powerlifter, Kana brought a unique perspective to our clinic. She asked insightful questions, particularly about strength training and injury prevention, and even helped us create educational videos about deadlifting.
Having someone with her energy and curiosity has been a great addition, enriching both our team and our patients. We’re excited for her to explore Counterstrain and learn to assess the body from a different perspective before entering PT school. This knowledge could be particularly valuable for the Japanese-speaking community, expanding awareness of manual therapy approaches.
Here are Kana’s own words about her mentorship experience:
“My mentorship with Dr. Miho Urisaka has deepened my passion for physical therapy. Her dedication inspires me daily, and through her guidance, I’ve gained valuable insights into both clinical skills and patient-centered care.
Dr. Miho has also emphasized a holistic approach to healthcare, integrating wellness, lifestyle management, and prevention, which has shaped my vision as a clinician. I’m grateful to the Japanese Medical Society of America for this opportunity, as it has empowered me both professionally and personally. I look forward to continuing to learn from Dr. Miho in my PT journey.”
At Orthopedic Movement Physical Therapy, we strongly believe in interdisciplinary collaboration and community support. Our work extends beyond traditional PT, integrating practices such as yoga, Pilates, and the Alexander Technique. We also provide bilingual whole-body education through our Instagram and YouTube channels, helping patients understand their bodies beyond just treating symptoms.
We’re incredibly grateful to JMSA for facilitating this mentorship opportunity. It has not only benefited Kana but has also reinforced our commitment to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals in diverse fields.
Please sign up to be a mentor or a mentee. JMSA greatly thanks the efforts of the student leaders and representatives for their hard work to keep the program going. We also extend our thanks to the volunteer healthcare professionals that make the program possible.
Information on Dr. Miho Urisaka:
Dr. Miho Urisaka, PT, DPT, OCS
瓜阪美穂 理学療法博士
Orthopedic Movement Physical Therapy
Tel: 212-695-2769
Fax: 646-213-7725
Web: omptny.com
@Grand Central
315 Madison Avenue Suite 1200, New York, NY 10017
on 42nd St between Chick-fil-A and Cohen’s Optical
@Blum Center for Health
34 Rye Ridge Plaza, Rye Brook, NY 10573
facebook.com/omptny
@dr.miho.dpt