“13 Questions” with Aaron Woodman, PT

Top to bottom: Aaron Woodman at Husson University; demonstrating the fish is really this big; showing off his guitar skills to niece Kaelynn; and dressing up for date night with Tabitha Bogue.

Before I interviewed Aaron Woodman, physical therapist at Day Kimball Healthcare Center in Danielson, I kind of already knew he has some “awesomeness” about him because  fellow therapist Kelly Hunt had called him out as Champion of the Human Spirit and shared a story about him working with a patient. (Hear firsthand from Steven Krzywda how Aaron took his patient from “eye-rolling” to “inspired by the integrity of his professionalism.”) I can tell you I was even more impressed with Aaron after chatting with him.

It turns out Aaron was a four sport athlete in high school (soccer, baseball, basketball, track – where in the long jump he flew 19 feet 11 inches!) He had speed on his side, but also had some aches and pains. He discovered his teammate’s mother was a physical therapy assistant so went to her often for advice on how to make things better – and in fact, she did. This stuck with him, and he later found himself studying physical therapy at Husson University in Bangor, ME earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees. It was there that he discovered Northeast Connecticut through his college roommate Alan Meisler from Thompson, CT. Turns out the Quiet Corner has a lot in common with Maine and felt like home. He shared, “I like being in the woods enjoying outdoor activities like camping, fishing and hunting.”

Working with his physical medicine and rehabilitation team in Danielson, Aaron appreciates the level of experience all around him and the continuous learning process. He shared he finds gratification in figuring out holistically what’s happening with his patients, doing his research on how to personalize therapies to meet patients where they are,  and help them get better. He said, “I’m always attending courses.” 

Another thing he’s kept up with is his music. He studied chorus and had a small band in high school, and in college he picked up the guitar to better enjoy his study breaks. Today, he relaxes with alternative acoustic, but admitted he’d like to be playing more. He’ll have to fit that in between rounds on the golf course and perfecting his mother’s recipe for homemade chicken shepherd’s pie. 

Perhaps Aaron could host a dinner party and guests can discuss the pros and cons of loyalty to Tom Brady post- deflategate while he plays; that could take care of a few of his interests at once. Until the invite comes, read on to learn more about Aaron’s awesomeness.

 

1. I grew up in: Dexter, ME
2. Who’s on your playlist? The Beatles, Foreigner, and Hootie and the Blowfish
3. What’s your favorite movie? Anchorman
4. What’s your favorite color? Blue
5. What was the last thing you read? The Maze Runner
6. Who is your hero? Tom Brady
7. Pets or no pets? No pets – hope to have a dog in the near future!
8. Name something on your bucket list. Skydiving
9. What’s your “go-to” comfort food? Homemade Chicken Sheperd’s Pie
10. Smartphone, tablet or desktop? Mostly smartphone and tablet
11. People would be surprised to know that I: play guitar and love to sing
12. What’s your current health focus? Strength training and healthy eating
13. What’s your favorite place in Northeast Connecticut? Raceway Golf Course at Thompson Speedway