Alumni Spotlight: Paul Mangiafico ’17
The Alumni Advancement office recently interviewed Paul Mangiafico ’17 (Applied Exercise Science), D.P.T. ’19 (PM) about his 51СƳexperience and current career.
What brought you to Maine and the University of 51СƳ?
PM: I spent seven years at UNE. I went on a tour of the Biddeford campus as senior in high school and immediately liked it. I had an amazing four years in Biddeford, and then a really, really amazing three years on the Portland campus for education in physical therapy. It was an all-around wonderful experience. The student base and culture on campus are what drew me in.
I am originally from Newtown, Connecticut. I came up to Maine for school and have been here ever since! I now live in Rangeley, Maine, working as a full-time physical therapist. After graduation, while studying for board exams, a classmate posted an opportunity for employment with Rangeley Health and Wellness Center. I applied, interviewed, and visited the clinic. I am enjoying the work and the region of Rangeley.
Tell us about your 51СƳexperience.
PM: I ran four years of cross country as an undergraduate student while studying applied exercise science. Having that mixture of learning about exercise science while also doing athletics at the same time was definitely enriching.
Cross country led to many natural interprofessional interactions as an undergraduate student. Many others on the team were in different health care majors so we found common ways to interact and partner that were a result of spending time together outside our academic pursuits. On the Portland Campus, I would see and interact with people from various programs. I recall one event where we were given a patient case to review as a group comprised of varied health professionals. We discussed the case from each of our professional perspectives. It was a cool experience to have that level of collaboration as a student.
If I could go back, I wouldn’t change anything. 51СƳis just a great school.
A little more about what Paul has been up to since graduation:
When Mangiafico submitted his illustration, “Skull and Cervical Spine Study,” to the student-run journal of narrative medicine, Akesis, he did not expect it to lead anywhere.
“I've always liked drawing anatomy, such as skeletons and the muscles. When Akesis accepted my submission, my professor learned about my illustration skills and asked for my help,” he said.
The professor, Amy Litterini, PT, D.P.T., associate clinical professor of physical therapy, needed someone with knowledge of physical therapy and artistic talent to provide illustrations for her new textbook, “Physical Activity and Rehabilitation in Life-threatening Illness.”
Mangiafico agreed to help, and, together with co-author Christopher M. Wilson, PT, D.P.T., D.Sc.P.T., the book was published in the spring of 2021.
Mangiafico plans to continue both gaining experience as a physical therapist and practicing his skills as an artist.
“My dad always said, ‘mind, body, soul,’ which I really believe in,” he reflected. “Always challenge your mind, always challenge your body physically for health and wellness, and then there’s your soul. I think the soul part for me is my art.”
What is next for your career and in your life?
PM: I definitely want to continue as a physical therapist, build on my experience, and continue practicing. It's been very fulfilling already just practicing now for over 10 months. I also definitely want to continue with art and drawing. I think, with having passion, and a little bit of talent, for it, that if I didn’t pursue it, I’d kick myself 10 years from now. The balance of things is important to me. I’ve continued running after finishing cross country as a student athlete. I want my life to be a balance of all these things.