SHERRY HERMAN-HILKER

This Spotlight appeared in our February 2025 newsletter.

How did you connect with the Foundation? 

I am a physical therapist at Michigan Medicine at The University of Michigan. I work part-time in outpatient developmental pediatrics and the rest of the time in the Hemophilia and Coagulation Disorders Program. I was first invited to participate as faculty for the VWD Connect Conference when it was virtual during the pandemic.
It wasn’t until I attended in person for the first time in 2022 that I really experienced what it is all about.

What are some interesting things about where you live?

I have lived in Michigan essentially all of my life and although I love to visit other places, I really can’t imagine living anywhere else. My home is near Ann Arbor, Michigan and I appreciate the excitement of the college town where there is always something fun to do. I am especially drawn to the Great Lakes and feel very lucky that it is just a short drive to some of the most beautiful places on earth.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, hiking, taking long walks. I find wandering around new cities and exploring ‘off the beaten path’ especially fun. I am equally happy with an outing to a new place or a quiet afternoon chatting with friends or reading a good book.

How did you get started doing PT specifically for bleeding disorders?

I was working as a pediatric physical therapist at Mott Children’s Hospital in 1995 when a four hour per week position was posted in the Coagulation Disorders Program. Before that I had only ever taken care of one person with a bleeding disorder. I was intrigued, applied, and was offered the position. At the time I was hired primarily to collect joint range of motion data for people with bleeding disorders. It quickly became clear that there was a much larger role for a physical therapist in the clinic. Over time my position grew and today I spend most of my work time in the bleeding disorders program.

How do you think having that focus has changed your practice versus seeing a general population?

Working within the bleeding disorders community has been an exciting professional challenge for me since day one. There is something new to learn every single day. Focusing on supporting the physical therapy needs of people with bleeding disorders has allowed me to participate in lifespan care for many individuals. It is an absolute privilege to be able to consult with people over the long term. This provides the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of the implications of a bleeding disorder on an individual’s life and what will benefit each person. The long-term relationships are unique, and I can honestly say many of my greatest teachers have been those who live every day with a bleeding disorder.

What is the most satisfying thing about your job? What is the most challenging?

I honestly can’t think of one “most satisfying thing” about my job. I love it – all of it. From the day to day interactions with people with bleeding disorders, my coworkers, and the larger bleeding disorders community – to the academic challenges – the constantly changing and expanding science of the medical care – I find it all fulfilling. It is incredibly compelling and I am so grateful that the opportunity that was presented to me years ago set the trajectory for a career I couldn’t have even imagined. The challenge to “keep up” is real – and the learning curve can be steep – but fortunately I have many resources that are helpful along the way.

What is something about physical therapy that you wish everyone knew?

When it comes to physical therapists in the bleeding disorders community specifically—we are a pretty “tight knit” group. We do a lot of collaborating behind the scenes to try to be sure that we are up-to-date and well prepared to offer the best care and support to our patients. Because bleeding disorders such as sVWD and hemophilia are rare, it isn’t surprising that many physical therapists who don’t work in Hemophilia Treatment Centers may not be familiar with these conditions. I hope that folks with bleeding disorders know that there are resources available to support community therapists – no matter where they receive their physical therapy care – and letting their therapists know about their bleeding disorder is important.

Since you missed last conference due to travel issues, are you planning to come back this year and if so what are you most excited for?

I was very disappointed when cancelled flights prevented me from participating in the conference in July 2024. I hope to be able to return this summer! What I am most excited for is the opportunity to sit and talk again with people living with sVWD --exchanging ideas and experiences. I learn something new from every conversation.