Why I came, Why I Stayed: Longtime physical therapist Scott Jensen still wowed by Methodist’s culture

In “Why I Came, Why I Stayed,” you’ll get to know people who are making a difference every day at Methodist and how they contribute to providing The Meaning of Care.

Scott Jensen, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. DN 
Physical Therapist and Outpatient Clinic Manager
Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Physical Therapy, PT East/Sports Medicine

Tell us more about yourself. 

I’m a physical therapist and outpatient clinic manager for Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital PT East/Sports Medicine. I’ve been a physical therapist since 2001 and with Methodist since 2005. I started my Methodist journey as manager of the outpatient physical therapy/occupational therapy clinic in Glenwood until I transitioned to PT East in 2012.

I have a doctorate in physical therapy and master’s degree in business administration with a health care emphasis.

My duties include day-to-day management of operations at PT East and management of our team of athletic trainers who provide services to the high schools in Council Bluffs, Glenwood and western Iowa. In addition, I maintain a full caseload of patients for our outpatient physical therapy schedule.

I’m also certified by the American Physical Therapy Association Board in orthopedic physical therapy, in vestibular rehabilitation and as a dry needling practitioner.

I’ve been married to my spouse, Lou, since 1997. We have two children, a dog and two cats. 

My older daughter is a sophomore at Marquette University. She’s a biochemistry major and was recently in Dallas, playing in the band at the NCAA men’s basketball Sweet 16.

My younger daughter is a junior in high school.  She’s on the school soccer team and plays the marimba in the show choir band.

Why Methodist? What attracted you to the organization?

I grew up in Council Bluffs. I actually received physical therapy for a knee injury while I was in high school in the same clinic where I now work. I was also employed for a brief period after college at the same clinic before moving to North Carolina, where I attended graduate school. I worked there for a few years after graduating but ultimately moved back to Council Bluffs. 

Having grown up in the area, I sought an open position with Jennie Edmundson because of the culture I experienced and grew to trust when I needed medical attention. I wanted to be a part of that.

What is it about Methodist that keeps you coming back?

I’ve stayed with Methodist for the same reason I started working here 20 years ago: the culture. But now I think there’s more to it. I respect and value the people I work with and the reputation Methodist has earned. I feel a sense of pride when I hear people talking about the excellent care they received at Methodist, or the amazing nurse they had while at Methodist, or the awesome occupational therapist they had at Methodist while recovering from a stroke. I strive to provide the best care I can to each patient I see, but these stories I hear about the care that people receive in the community where I live make me beam with pride!

Do you have any favorite Methodist memories?

My favorite memories include Glenwood homecoming parades and the floats our clinic made to participate in the parade; Coach’s Night celebrations at Rosenblatt; providing first aid/medical care at RAGBRAI; and daily interactions with the amazing staff I have at the clinic and with our athletic training staff.

Tell us about a mentor or colleague at Methodist who made a difference for you.

My director, Lisa Fidone, has been a tremendous supporter of me and our PT/OT/ST/athletic training staff. Steve Baumert, a former physical therapist and former president of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, was relentless in promoting of our sports medicine program.

What should people know about Methodist?

At Methodist, you’ll receive incredible care. I confidently recommend all of my family and friends to receive medical care at Methodist.