Julia Ricard, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Interim Clinical Leader of Rehab Services
At South County Health, patient care excellence and professional growth go hand in hand. Physical Therapist Julia Ricard exemplifies this in her path from a dedicated staff therapist to a leadership role while continuing to focus on her passion for patient care.
From Staff PT to Interim Clinical Leader: Exploring New Frontiers
"I started as a South County Health staff physical therapist one year after graduating in May 2018. Initially, I thought I’d stay as a staff PT for life, but through watching the leadership here at SCH, I realized I wanted to explore this area more. As Interim Clinical Leader of Rehab Services, I’m able to dabble in leadership while maintaining my direct patient care responsibilities. It's the best of both worlds."
Mentorship and Growth: Building Leadership Skills
"Julie Parrillo, hands down, has been a vital person in my professional and personal growth. She instilled in me the value of curiosity and the importance of breaking down barriers so staff and patients can work and live with more ease. She saw the potential in me to grow as a leader and supported me in understanding my own morals, ethics, and values. Julie has been there to support every decision I’ve made, even when I’ve been wrong—which is part of being human."
Valuable Benefits: Camaraderie and Support
"Honestly, my coworkers are the greatest benefit. I'm one of many staff members who love their jobs and the people I get to work with. Healthcare can be challenging and emotionally heavy, so finding friendship and support from colleagues, whether they’re nurses, PCTs, doctors, or EKG techs, is invaluable. We provide light to each other during difficult times."
Looking Ahead: Formalizing Leadership Goals
"My goal is to transition my current role into a formal Clinical Leader position. Over the past year, I’ve realized how much I want to pursue leadership full-time. The opportunity to grow my leadership skills while still working closely with patients has been a defining experience for me."
Educational Foundations and Teaching: Preparing for Leadership
"I completed both my undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of Rhode Island through an expedited six-year program. Each year, I mentor a full-time physical therapy student from URI, and last year I assisted in teaching their Acute Care class. Teaching has provided me with skills that are crucial for leadership. It has helped me become a better communicator and a more effective leader."
Why South County Health?
"South County Health has a lot to offer, but for me, it is the variety of patients I work with, the growth I’ve experienced in both PT and leadership, and the kindness of my coworkers. There’s a small community feel here that makes South County Health unique, and that’s what I value most."
Advocating for Growth: Advice to Colleagues
"Advocate for what you want—both to yourself and to your leaders. Take charge of your own growth and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need."
Future Hopes: Leading with Clarity
"I would love for my role as Clinical Leader to be formalized, and I think it would be beneficial to develop a Clinical Leader onboarding binder. This could help new leaders by providing clear job expectations and guidance on processes within SCH. I’d be excited to assist in developing such a resource."
Life Outside Work: Family, Nature, and Adventure
"I’m happily married to another physical therapist, Chris Ricard. We have a beautiful pit bull named Pistachio, and together we love trail running, rock climbing, and gardening. No matter the weather, you’ll find us outside. Supporting and enjoying the earth is a core value for both of us."
Are you ready to explore leadership and professional growth at South County Health? Discover the many career paths available and join a team committed to supporting both your personal and professional journey. Learn more at careers.southcountyhealth.org.
