#PTonICE Podcast Episode 1970 - Confidence, growth, and the path to becoming a PT
Sep 3, 2025
Rachel Selina, the Chief Administrative Officer at ICE and a lead faculty for rehabilitation, shares her passion for ice climbing and endurance athletics. The discussion dives into the importance of continuing education for building confidence and autonomy in physical therapy practices. Rachel reflects on her career journey, including the innovative ice immersion course development and the leap from clinic employee to gym owner. Her insights reveal the challenges and rewards of balancing personal passion with professional growth in the physical therapy field.
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Multiple Hats: Admin, Clinic, Coaching, Ice
- Rachel describes juggling an ICE admin role, a small cash-based clinic inside a CrossFit gym, coaching, and seasonal work at an ice-climbing facility.
- She runs programs, coaches classes, and climbs/teaches at a constructed ice tower near Fenton, Michigan.
Dirtbag PD: Sleeping On Tables To Learn
- Rachel recounts taking ICE lumbar and cervical spine courses during her second year of PT school and driving to multiple weekend courses.
- She describes sleeping on massage tables and attending early ICE courses in garages and homes with a tight-knit crew.
Practical Models Beat Conceptual Noise
- Rachel felt ICE's approach made clinical reasoning about the spine usable compared with confusing classroom concepts.
- That clarity gave her confidence to approach clinic rotations without feeling lost.