Meet Jeremy Fleischmann. An Army National Guard captain in Florida, he began pursuing his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2019 but was forced to place his education on hold when he was activated the following year and deployed to Qatar. After completing his assignment, Fleischmann resumed his studies and will graduate as a member of the Class of 2023. Described by peers as a calm, encouraging and positive influencer, Fleischmann is already focused on his next mission: a job in orthopedics, and ultimately, his own practice.
Jeremy Fleischmann
Hometown: Niceville, FL
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
What will you be doing after graduation?
After graduation, my wife and I will embark on a well-deserved and hopefully restorative cruise to the Caribbean before we visit with family. Once back home, I’ll be ready to hit the coffee and books to prepare for the national licensure exam. After achieving my license, I am eager to secure a full-time position in outpatient orthopedics where I can both learn, grow, and gain valuable clinical experience from seasoned mentors. Ultimately, my goal is to become the best PT I can be to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients.
What are your long-term career plans?
My long-term career goals include opening my own private physical therapy practice, while also contributing to a faith-based medical missions organization. Ideally, my wife and I would like to participate in short/mid-term medical missions, providing not just physical, but spiritual healing to those in need. If we are called to remain stateside, we hope to serve as a support system to individuals who possess the desire to participate in such missions. Ultimately, my long-term goal is to make a tangible difference in the lives of others by facilitating their physical and spiritual well-being.
What accomplishment from your time at UCF are you most proud of?
Among my proudest achievements is making it through the challenging transition back to classes after taking a year-long leave of absence to deploy to the Middle East. The first year of DPT school is a bit like drinking from a fire hose as you strive to lay a strong foundation in all things related to the human body. Returning to doctoral-level study after a year of knowledge degradation was an uphill battle, but I’m grateful for the unwavering support I received from exceptional faculty, family, and friends to help me be successful.
What did you love the most about your time at UCF?
Without a doubt, the most enjoyable aspect of my time at UCF has been the incredible staff and students in the DPT program. Throughout my deployment, before and after, I was blown away by the immense amount of support I received from both groups. I’ve never seen a more dedicated faculty who genuinely cares about their students’ success, both in and out of the classroom. They are committed to developing knowledgeable and healthy clinicians, ensuring their students are well-prepared for a long and satisfying career. The exceptional classmates I’ve had the privilege of studying with have become dear friends, and I’m thrilled to see the remarkable accomplishments they’ll undoubtedly achieve.
