
Amy Pawlik, PT, DPT
Co-owner, Physical Therapist
Board-Certified Specialist in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Professional Background:
Amy Pawlik is the co-founder of Vitality and a board-certified cardiopulmonary physical therapist with extensive experience in rehabilitation for orthopedic, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions. Prior to starting Vitality, Amy spent over a decade as a physical therapist in the ICU at the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she played a key role in helping patients recover from severe injuries and complex surgeries. Her calm, steady approach and deep empathy have always been appreciated by her patients and colleagues.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Amy has a rich background in teaching and research and is currently an Associate Professor in Northwestern University’s Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences. At Vitality, her teaching and mentoring skills are used to guide Vitality’s clinical team in mastering topics such as pain science and cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, preparing them for advanced certification and creating a strong foundation for professional growth.
In her current role at Vitality, Amy has transitioned from direct patient care to focus on clinic operations, managing key aspects like billing, customer service, and human resources. Her focus is on ensuring that both Vitality patients and staff are met with a kind, caring and individualized approach to help meet whatever their goals may be.
Personal Interests:
Outside of her work at the clinic, Amy enjoys spending time with family and friends, indulging in her love for art and reading. She is passionate about living a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and she brings this same focus on well-being to her work with patients.
My favorite thing about cofounding Vitality…
Vitality has given me an incredible opportunity to live a more flexible, focused, and healthy lifestyle, and the feeling of having more control over my life is something I want to give back to every woman who comes to Vitality.
My favorite thing about being a PT…
I am a natural builder and love the idea of meeting a need that doesn’t exist today. At Vitality, this means understanding the needs of women and addressing those needs in an effective, comprehensive way. It’s been a really powerful experience to see first hand how Vitality impacts our patients’ lives for the better. I love the experience of working alongside my colleagues and patients as they accomplish their goals.


Education
- Doctor of Physical Therapy: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science: Truman State University
Board Certification
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Memberships
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- APTA Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
- APTA Acute Care, an Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association
- American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Teaching
- Northwestern Physical Therapy: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Associate Professor
Research
- Hillegass E, Fick A, Pawlik AJ, et al. Supplemental oxygen utilization during physical therapy interventions. Cardiopulm Phys Ther J. 2014;25(2):38-49.
- Pawlik AJ, Kress JP. Issues affecting the delivery of physical therapy services for individuals with critical illness. Phys Ther. 2013 Feb;93(2):256-65.
- Pawlik AJ. Early mobilization in the management of critical illness. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2012 Sep;24(3):481-90.
- Pohlman MC, Schweickert WD, Pohlman AS, Nigos C, Pawlik AJ, et al. Feasibility of physical and occupational therapy beginning from initiation of mechanical ventilation. Crit Care Med. 2010; 38(11): 2089-94.
- Schweickert WD, Pohlman MC, Pohlman AS, Nigos C, Pawlik AJ, et al. Physical and occupational therapy in mechanically intubated, critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial. Lancet. 2009 May 30;373(9678):1874-82.
