Artemis Deslandes
Thomson Leadership &
Innovation Award
Florida International University
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Amount Awarded: $30,000
Artemis Deslandes is a graduate of Cayman Prep & High School (2019) and Darlington School in Rome, Georgia (2021) and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida in 2025. She is pursing a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the Florida International University.
“My long-term goal is to open my own physical therapy practice specializing in both acute and long-term neurological care-an area that is currently underserved in our healthcare system. Through innovation, dedication, and advanced rehabilitation techniques, I aim to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from neurological conditions.
I have gained broad exposure to the field of physical therapy through hands-on experience in both private and public healthcare settings. At Align Wellness Studio, I have worked closely with professionals who specialize in all areas of physical therapy, while my summers shadowing and interning at the Health Services Authority (HSA) allowed me to observe a variety of patient cases across multiple specialties. These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in patient care, clinical decisionmaking, and rehabilitation strategies. However, my passion for neurological physical therapy has truly solidified as I now have the opportunity to specialize in this field. Currently, during my final semester of my undergraduate degree, I am interning 30 hours a week at a neuro clinic, where I am gaining firsthand experience treating patients with complex neurological conditions
Pursuing my doctoral degree in physical therapy with a focus on neurological rehabilitation is not just a personal ambition but a commitment to serving my community. The Cayman Islands currently lacks a sufficient number of specialists trained to address neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injuries, as well as traumatic brain injuries. These conditions often require long-term, specialized rehabilitation that is not always accessible locally, forcing many residents to seek treatment abroad or face limited options for care. My goal is to fill this gap by bringing advanced, evidence-based rehabilitation techniques to the Cayman Islands, ensuring that those affected by neurological conditions receive the quality care they need close to home.
After graduating from a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, I will become a licensed physical therapist with exposure to all areas of rehabilitation, allowing me to treat a wide range of patients across various specialties, beyond just neurological rehabilitation. However, my ultimate goal is to specialize in neurological PT due to the significant gap in services available within the Cayman Islands. Additionally, I want to establish community outreach initiatives that educate the public and caregivers on managing neurological conditions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for affected individuals.
Pursuing a doctoral degree in physical therapy is the first critical step in making this vision a reality. This scholarship would allow me to acquire the specialized knowledge, clinical expertise, and leadership skills necessary to bring this big idea to life.”