It was during a 12-week clinical rotation in the intensive care unit that I first encountered patients with critical illness. Those early student experiences made me forget my initial desire to work in sports physical therapy.

My unexpected and circuitous path has yielded many serendipitous opportunities. Working in the ICU Recovery Clinic at University of Kentucky has permitted me to treat and develop meaningful relationships with patients recovering from critical illness, and has taught me a lot about life with and after critical illness. The uncertain nature of critical illness is life-altering. I am forever grateful to the survivors who have allowed me to play a small role in their recovery. This perspective is dedicated to the survivors, the ones still in recovery, those we have lost, and their family members.