Student Spotlight: Jackie Dooyema '12

Recovering from two ankle surgeries in high school inspired Dr. Jackie Dooyema to pursue a career in physical therapy. 

That decision started her down a path she never imagined. As owner of Fearless Physiotherapy in Sioux Falls, Dr. Dooyema specializes in women’s pelvic floor health as it relates to the prenatal and postpartum stages of life. 

“I chose USF for my undergraduate degree because I preferred smaller, more personal class sizes and the Christian faith component,” she explains. “As I was earning my exercise science degree, I interned with some fantastic physical therapists and made valuable life connections.”

One of those connections was especially significant. 

“I met my husband Sam at USF,” she says. “We share a deep faith and he is my biggest supporter.” 

After receiving her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at USD and gaining experience at an outpatient orthopedic clinic, Dooyema and her husband moved to Nashville where she worked in a pelvic floor outpatient clinic. There, her desire to provide specialized women’s care was ignited. When the Dooyemas moved back to South Dakota, she felt led to establish Fearless Physiotherapy.

“I provide cash-based, in-home physical therapy,” she explains. “The concierge service allows me to focus on each person and provide customized care.” 

Fearless Physiotherapy was inspired by Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” 

“I want women to be strong, confident and fearless when it comes to their health. There is a stigma surrounding pelvic floor dysfunctions,” she says. “Just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s normal.” 

After Dooyema became a mother and lost her oldest daughter at just twenty weeks, her advocacy for specialized prenatal and postpartum care deepened. So did her expertise. 

“I became a certified birth doula,” she explains. “I also spent two years receiving obstetrics physical therapy training from the American Physical Therapy Association.”

In 2024, Dooyema received USF’s Alumni Pacemaker Award, honoring graduates under age 35 who make a noticeable impact in their field. 

“This wasn’t possible on my own,” she says. “All the glory goes to God.”