About Michael Tollan
Michael Tollan’s clinical path started at the University of Puget Sound’s Physical Therapy program, graduating in 1985. He joined the PT Department at Humana Hospital (now Allenmore) in Tacoma soon thereafter. This is where his clinical passion began to take root, eagerly pursuing his own clinical development.
In 1987, Michael joined Olympic Sports & Spine Rehabilitation, a work environment that would serve as a catalyst for a most distinguished career. His pursuit of clinical excellence was now perpetual, and of great breadth and scope. Primarily focused on orthopedic, sports, industrial and manual therapy, earning many of the profession’s most advanced credentials in these areas, he also dedicated himself to other subspecialties as diverse as vestibular and lymphedema care. His clinical curiosity was boundless, as was his view of the physical therapist’s special role. He recognized that PTs were able to provide services that no one else could and, therefore, were uniquely positioned to change lives for the better. Michael knew the best way to maximize that opportunity was to pursue the vast spectrum of skills and knowledge necessary to meet the diverse rehabilitation needs of his patients.
As Michael evolved, he eventually found himself recognized by his peers, achieving national acclaim, and more locally, surrounded by other passionate therapists. They sought him out, knowing that his remarkable knowledge and skills were only matched by his desire to share and, in turn, help others in their own pursuit of excellence.
He gave his time generously to his own staff, making mentorship part of his everyday work. He worked with dozens of physical therapy schools around the nation, teaching their students in this clinic for decades. He sought out the finest clinical educators in the world to come to Olympic Sports & Spine to teach his team. And he taught at the University of Puget Sound, passionately giving back to those who were following in his footsteps. It was this generous nature; this desire to make others great that might have been most impactful of all, because it’s an impact that surely endures.
There is no question, Michael’s influence continues to be felt every day through the work of hundreds of therapists, at Olympic Sports & Spine, and those scattered around the country. Under Michael, these colleagues and students most certainly learned a dazzling array of advanced clinical skills. But they also learned something more. They learned to make a commitment to clinical excellence.
The Michael Tollan Scholarship program is intended to perpetuate his legacy by supporting therapists in their own pursuit of excellence, in particular, those who are dedicated to both their own clinical growth, and those who are equally motivated to facilitate the development of others. Indeed, because Michael was equal part learner and teacher, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate how the clinical learning funded by this program will be used to both help patients and to mentor and or develop others.