DPT Student Escorts Garland at Derby
Suhr will graduate this year
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director
Jamie Suhr, a third-year student in the College of Health Sciences’ Doctor of Physical Therapy program, had the privilege to be one of a few representatives of the United States Navy to escort the Garland of Roses into the Churchill Downs winner’s circle Saturday.
Suhr, a 32-year-old native of Menlo Park, Calif., has been volunteering at the Derby for years, as military servicemen and women annually guard the rails at the race and escort the flowers.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be selected to participate in such a historic and prestigious event,” Suhr said. “It was a moment I will never forget, symbolizing both the respect for the sport and the honor of serving my country.”
Suhr said all branches, except the U.S. Space Force, participate in the Kentucky Derby, and in previous years, he had manned the rails and provided security for the Garland at one of the designated locations around Churchill Downs.
To have the honor of escorting the Garland as a Navy Service member, volunteers go through the U.S. Navy Reserve Center in Louisville. That coordinator decides who gets assigned to carry the Garland.
“I consistently volunteered for shifts that others passed on and stayed committed without complaints,” Suhr said. “Because of that dedication, I was selected along with three others who did the same to take part in escorting the Garland.
“I knew I’d be on a big stage, so I just had to mentally prepare; focus, stay sharp, and rely on that thousand-yard stare we all learned in basic training,” he continued. “My job was to represent the U.S. Navy with pride and stay professional throughout.”
Even though he isn’t from Kentucky, Suhr said it still meant the world to him.
“I’ll always treasure hearing the crowd, standing on that massive stage from a perspective most people never get to see, and doing it all alongside my fellow service members,” he said. “I know plenty of people born and raised in Kentucky have never attended the Derby, let alone experienced it the way I did, and I don’t take that privilege for granted.”
Was he nervous?
“Not really. My job in the Navy is a Hospital Corpsman, with a specialty as a Field Medical Technician,” he said. “One of my core responsibilities is carrying injured Marines or Sailors on a litter (stretcher), and we’re trained to never let it go or drop the person we’re carrying. So, in my mind, I just imagined the Garland as my injured service member and that was all the motivation I needed to hold on tight.”
But the weather conditions were not ideal, he said.
“I was a little worried about the mud. I came close to losing my dress shoes about four times while walking across the muddy track,” he said. “Thankfully, the cameras didn’t catch it. I talked with a few of the other service members afterward, and we all admitted we were curling our toes in our shoes to keep our heels from slipping out while still trying to stay in step and keep a straight face. That definitely added a little extra pressure!”
It was just another big event in what will be a huge year for Suhr. He will walk at graduation in August, and finish his degree this year.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support of my fiancée, family, friends, and the key staff members at UK DPT,” he said. “I’m deeply thankful every day for their belief in me, and I strive to live up to the version of myself that they see. As I move forward, I look forward to carrying that same spirit into serving others both in the field of Physical Therapy and in life.”
We were lucky to catch up with Suhr right after his big day in Louisville, and we asked him about participating in the DPT program. Here’s 5 questions with DPT student Jamie Suhr …
Why did you decide on UK?
I chose the University of Kentucky because of the high quality of education offered by its diverse and well-established faculty, as well as a curriculum structure I felt I could realistically balance alongside my commitments to the Navy. UK’s strong focus on research in neuromotor and rehabilitation science, as well as its emphasis on critical thinking in evaluation and rehabilitation process, aligned closely with my professional goals as a Physical Therapist.
What stood out most was the collaborative and creative approach to teaching. The strong sense of teamwork between faculty and students reminded me of the Navy’s own culture, where we constantly teach and learn from one another to improve our medical practice and critical thinking. That shared value made UK the right fit for me.
Why did you decide on PT?
I chose physical therapy because I want to provide high-quality care to my fellow service members as a Medical Officer, someone who truly listens and responds to their questions and needs. What I appreciate most about PT is the level of autonomy and creativity it allows. It gives us the flexibility to tailor our approach to best support the unique demands of our patients and their current physical/functional limitations.
How has the DPT program shaped you?
The DPT program has provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge, meaningful hands-on experience, and the confidence to practice independently as a physical therapist. It deepened my understanding of the broader medical field and demonstrated how physical therapy can make a significant impact in any environment. That perspective has reaffirmed my decision to pursue this career. I also want to acknowledge the excellent clinical rotation sites the program offers, as well as the incredible professionals I’ve had the privilege to work beside and learn from both of which have further confirmed that I’m on the right path.
What does the future look like for you? What are your plans/goals?
Right now, my primary goals are to complete my final clinical rotations, marry my amazing fiancée Charlotte, and earn my DPT licensure. After that, I hope to find a physical therapy clinic within the area that aligns with my values and approach to patient care. Somewhere that will help me continue growing both personally and professionally. Ultimately, I aim to take the next step toward becoming a Commissioned Medical Officer in the U.S. Navy and I currently don't know how soon that will be.
What advice do you give those who want to follow in your footsteps as a DPT?
Balancing military service with a DPT program can be tough, requiring strong time management and self-discipline. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to make sure you give yourself enough time to rest and recharge. It’s easy to fall into the trap of overworking yourself, and I still struggle with that daily.
My best advice though for everyone is to stay humble and patient with yourself and those around you. Graduate programs are full of motivated, intelligent people, all with their own reasons for being there. Don’t make it a competition. Instead, view it as an opportunity for everyone to bring out the best in each other.