Sandy Willett named MMI’s director of physical therapy

When Sandy Willett first came to the Munroe-Meyer Institute, it was 1986 and she was a UNMC physical therapy student on a clinical internship.

Now, she is the director of the MMI Department of Physical Therapy.

“That’s not anything I ever anticipated doing,” she said during a recent interview. “I came here because I loved pediatrics and the academic medical setting, the ability to do both clinical care and pursue higher education, and I was excited about the possibility of teaching students.”

In announcing her appointment, MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, M.D., Ph.D., praised Willett’s work ethic, thoughtfulness, innovative ideas and exceptional management skills.

“This is was an easy choice for me, as she is the perfect person to lead the department through the upcoming phase of growth and moving into our new MMI building in the next few years,” Dr. Mirnics said.

One reason why Willett, who worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 18 months following graduation before returning to MMI for good, has made a home at the institute is that she appreciates its many facets.

“I liked the mission, clinical, educational, research, and outreach combined,” she said. “There was always a challenge. I liked that and the fact that no two days looked alike. I always came home feeling like I had learned something new — it never got stagnant. And that was important to me.”

After serving as the interim director, Willett is taking over a department and a team she regards highly.

“I’m so proud of our team,” she said. “We have a really vibrant, enthusiastic team that is wanting to grow, to reach out and understand the needs of the community in a holistic way. They are not just focused on their discipline alone. They see the big picture and want to be a part of transformative interdisciplinary care.

“This team wants to be cutting edge. They want to push the envelope. It’s incredible to watch and play a role in that enthusiasm.”

Willett pointed to initiatives such as the Go Baby Go! Partnership to create mobility devices for toddlers, the clinical translational work of Max Kurz, Ph.D., and his team, and the department’s community outreach efforts such as volunteering to coach a TOPS soccer team for children with developmental challenges as particular points of pride.

“Our community engagement team has been phenomenal in looking for ways that we can reach out and support the community,” she said. “That is, of course, our role — to provide support to our clients and their families through clinical care, education and research — and I’m excited to be a part of it!”