D.P.T. Alumnus Finds Solace in Writing After Cardiac Event
Tyler Van Benschoten, D.P.T. ’19, Published His First Book Following a Health Scare
When Tyler Van Benschoten, D.P.T. ’19, woke up on October 16, 2022, everything felt normal until about 11:30 a.m. when he noticed his heart started to race. Utilizing his professional experience and New York Medical College (NYMC) Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) education, he assessed himself and found his heartbeat was irregular. He suspected atrial fibrillation. He was correct. After the cardiac event, Dr. Van Benschoten turned to writing to reduce stress and inspire others. More than 40,000 words later, a book was born. “Grateful for the Opportunity: A Journey through Self Growth” was released in June 2023, opening a new channel of communication for Dr. Van Benschoten with anyone looking to grow mentally, physically, or spiritually.
The risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation do not typically align with Dr. Van Benschoten’s lifestyle, so the event was an eye-opener to the former collegiate athlete, who at the time was 28, extremely physically active, and for all intents and purposes, healthy. “Truly anything can happen,” he said. “Continue to take care of yourself but be mindful that anything can happen. That’s why you need to live life to the fullest.” Part of living life to the fullest now for Dr. Van Benschoten includes writing, treating patients, and mentoring future physical therapists (PT).
He is a practicing PT and clinical director for SportsCare in Hillsdale, New Jersey, working mostly with sports medicine and patients with orthopedic conditions. In this role, he also oversees PT students—including a current student from NYMC—fulfilling their clinical rotation requirements as part of their respective curricula. “I love working with students. It’s always nice to have a student from NYMC because they have a familiarity of what I went through and I can get a better judgment of where they are in the clinical level,” he said.
As a student at NYMC, Dr. Van Benschoten recalls establishing a bond with assistant professor of clinical therapy, Kristina Welsome, D.P.T., M.S., PT, MTS, OCS, CFMT,. Her lessons in cardiopulmonary health and wellness stand out. “She was always someone I connected with. I felt that she looked at us as colleagues and professionals from the start,” he said. Their relationship continues today with physical therapy and now, writing, serving as common grounds for conversation. As a published author herself, Dr. Welsome reached out to Dr. Van Benschoten congratulating him on the success of his new book, which is available at major book retail stores.
Recognition was never Dr. Van Benschoten’s end goal, however. “I’m not writing with the intent of creating books. I wasn’t looking to create a career. If you live your life and document it, career and monetization can come with it,” he said.
Dr. Van Benschoten still writes daily; it could be for 10 minutes or a few hours. Whether or not he publishes another book, remains to be seen. For now, he has his sights set on his physical therapy practice and strives to keep uplifting his community through any means necessary.