Cole Strober

Man wearing a white lab coat

Cole Strober

Physical Therapy - DPT

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford

What inspired or interested you about your field of study? And why did you choose Oregon State?

I have always been interested in how the body works and what makes us go. Since a young age, I loved sports and exercise and it has always been a key component of my life. Without exercise, I would not be the same and I have always been inspired to share the importance of it with others and how it can change lives and motivate you to be the best version of yourself. I chose OSU because I believe it shares the same passion and drive that I possess, and it can help me turn my interests into a career and a reality.

What did you work on during your internship?

During my clinical internship, I worked in the Motion Analysis and Sports Performance Laboratory at Stanford Children's Hospital. I worked with children with orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions helping adolescents return to sports after an injury or improve their performance.

What do you see as the greatest value of your internship?

During this internship, I used all the information and tools I learned in the classroom in real-time on real patients.

The two previous years of didactic information I learned at OSU prepared me well for the internship but finally getting hands-on work with high level athletes gives you an experience that really prepares you for jobs outside of school.

Having mentorship at all times throughout the internship taught me new skills and strategies that I will use for the rest of my career. 

What do you think of your experience at OSU?

I have really enjoyed my experience at OSU. I’m at the OSU-Cascades campus in Bend and it feels so new and state-of-the-art with a great community.

The faculty in my physical therapy program show they care about me and find joy through my success. Everyone there has made me feel comfortable and I could not have asked for better mentors and educators that I can now call my friends and colleagues.

A combination of the great faculty and small class sizes made me feel like I made a family there and that I created lasting relationships.

What are your post-college dreams/plans?

I plan to live somewhere in Oregon or Washington and I am interested in continuing to work with and rehabilitate athletes after injuries, helping them return to sports and the activities they love.

More internship spotlights

  • Tyler Quillin shares how his type 1 diabetes diagnosis led him to Oregon State University's dietetics program and his mission to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.

  • Cole Strober shares his experience as a physical therapy intern at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, and why he chose OSU-Cascades' DPT program.

  • Online MPH student Vee Escobar works to address health disparities while advocating for LGBTQ+ communities through her internship with OSU Student Health Services.