Oral history interview of Katey Blumenthal, conducted by Tallie Casucci (audio and transcript)

Katey Blumenthal (b. 1984) grew up in Manhattan, New York, and was introduced to rock climbing at a young age was interested in both the movement and the culture of climbing, such as the independence, silliness, satire, and creativity. Beginning in college, Katey spent time doing anthropology work in the Himalayans and volunteering with NGO's such as the dZi Foundation, where Katey was inspired by local healthcare providers' thorough physical examinations, listening skills, and ability to treat with just their hands. In 2013, Katey moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah's Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. Katey loves the listening, puzzle-solving, and diagnostics elements of physical therapy. Katey's current perspective is based on what she sees in the clinic as a physical therapist, including climbers at their low points and expressing raw emotions. She values the privilege of gaining patients' trust and having a clinic that respects their dignity and privacy. Most of the challenges Katey sees in clinic and the climbing community revolve around self-worth, dignity, and values. Specifically, Katey discusses both the diagnostic challenges, along with the culture and societal challenges, such as sport compulsion and obsession, (over)training, and self-worth, with treating climbers. Katey views disordered eating and restrictive eating as an important health topic within climbing, but that it's a symptom of not always being a community that identifies and supports emotional health processes. Katey also treats pediatric pelvic health and discusses incontinence and shame surrounding incontinence both in children and athletes. Katey touches on transgender climber health and advocates for policies that put human dignity first. Katey teaches a University of Utah Physical Therapy course and mentors other health care providers and students who are interested in treating climbers and pelvic health. Katey also collaborates with USA Climbing and supports Zack DiCristino at World Cup events, and expresses a deep need for more mental health professionals. The oral history concludes with Katey's personal wellness and adventures.