Kali Benoit says she always knew she wanted to work with people and promote active, healthy lifestyles. In 2018, she graduated from the University of Kansas and was enjoying her work at the YMCA in Wichita, Kansas. But, it wasn’t until a serious car crash in January 2019 that she realized her true passion was physical therapy.
Kali was on her way to work at the YMCA to start her first day in a newly-promoted position when a truck crossed the highway median and hit her head-on. As a result, Kali broke bones in both legs, broke her elbow and sustained brain trauma. She spent two weeks in the intensive care unit at Wesley Medical Center before coming to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals for eight weeks of rigorous, daily physical, occupational and speech therapies. Time spent in the Work Re-Entry program gave her the confidence she needed to continue her career aspirations.
“When I left Madonna, I went home and was eager to get back to my life,” Kali said. “I started working toward my personal training certification. I took that exam six months after my accident and passed! In November of 2019, I got back to work and started working as a certified personal trainer.”
Shortly after achieving her goal and her certification, Kali says she realized physical therapy was her calling. She is now in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Wichita State University. Eyeing a graduation date of May 2024, Kali knew she needed to return to where her rehabilitation journey began for her clinical rotations. This summer, she’s been hard at work, studying and doing hands-on training with Madonna physical therapists and patients.
“It’s been incredible working alongside some of the clinicians that were helping me through my rehabilitation,” Kali said. “They gave me my life back, and I’m excited that I can do the same for other patients.”
Working at Madonna, Kali uses her rehabilitation experience to relate to the patients she serves.
“I understand the struggles, the emotions, the good and the bad days,” she said. “Every patient is going through something different, but through listening to my patients and empathizing with them, I’m able to really help them achieve their goals, and that’s really special.” Kali is also hoping she can show her patients that a full, meaningful life after a serious injury is possible. In addition to studying for her doctorate, she’s also enjoying life as a newlywed and is expecting her first child in December with her husband, Matt.
“I tell my patients that if you set your mind to something and you work hard, we’ll get you there,” she said. “I know that God has put me on a path and there’s good that can come from my experience. I can use my experience to relate to my patients, and this has given me a purpose in life.”