Skip to main site navigation Skip to main content

Virtual Tour | Visit Campus | Contact Us | Apply Now

Utica University Logo
  • Academics
    • Programs
    • Online Programs
      • Online Business Programs
    • Honors Program
    • Graduate Study
    • International Ed & Study Abroad
      • Study Abroad
    • Exceptional Faculty
    • Student Support and Success
    • Schedules, Catalogs, and Resources
    • Institutes and Centers
    • Utica University at Florida
      • Tuition and Fees: ABSN Program
      • Accepted Students
    • Current Offerings
    • General Education
      • Planning Sheet
      • Themed Pathways
    • Opportunity Programs
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
    • Understanding Financial Aid
      • Value
      • Excelsior, Explained
      • University Scholarships
      • Annual Awards
    • Applying For Financial Aid
    • Tuition and Fees
      • Utica Campus Programs
      • Online Programs
      • ABSN Program
    • Net Price Calculator
    • Pioneer Passport
  • Admissions
    • First-Year Admissions
    • Transfer Admissions
      • Articulation Agreements
    • Graduate Admissions
      • Graduate Inquiry Form
    • International Applicants
      • International Inquiry Form
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Visit
      • Utica University Campus
      • Virtual Tour
      • Why Not Fly?
    • Apply Now
    • Contact Us
    • Accepted Student Info
    • High School Counselors
    • High School Bridge Program
  • Community
    • Living on Campus
      • Res Life & Student Living
      • Student Involvement & Leadership
    • Wilcox Center
    • The Utica Area
      • Hotels and Restaurants in the Utica Area
    • Utica Stories
    • About Utica
  • Athletics
    • Intercollegiate Athletics
    • Esports
  • News & Events
  • Alumni
  • Giving
  • Apply Now
  • Directory
  • About
  • Library
  • Logins
Utica University

Into the Unknown: Melissa Ortiz Dorset ’03, G’05, ‘08 DPT

  1. Utica Community
  2. Utica Stories
  3. Into the Unknown: Melissa Ortiz Dorset ’03, G’05, ‘08 DPT
Melissa Ortiz Dorset in face mask and shield in hospital.

“I’ve seen this virus affect people of all ages, all ethnicities, and from all walks of life.”

As an acute care physical therapist atMontefiore Medical Center in The Bronx, NY, Melissa Ortiz Dorset has seen firsthand the devastating effects of COVID-19 - even after patients recover. 

 

UM: What are you seeing in patients who have recovered from COVID-19? 

MOD: The change in their endurance is the big thing. They become short of breath doing everyday things, they’re weaker and limited in their ability to live life as normal. We’re still learning about the long-term effects of COVID-19, and it varies so widely from patient to patient. But it’s significant to see how lasting the consequences have been.

 

UM: What’s the biggest misconception about this virus? 

MOD: People don’t seem to understand how unpredictable it is. I’ve seen this virus affect people of all ages, all ethnicities, and from all walks of life. I’ve seen 20-year-olds who contract COVID and have mild symptoms, and others who end up on ventilators and feeding tubes. As a healthcare worker, that unpredictability is scary. We’re always trying to do what’s in the best interest of patients while protecting ourselves. With this virus, there’s still so much unknown.

More Stories

Prospective students gathered in the Concourse to talk with members of the Utica community at a November 2025 Open House event.
On Campus

Open House Attracts Incredible Crowd of Enthusiastic Future Pioneers

Early season snow didn’t slow traffic onto the campus, as a large crowd of prospective students and families, brimming with...
Black and white image of Forrest Vosler receving medal from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Alumni

A Dream Fulfilled: Medal of honor recipient Forrest Vosler

Picture this: a young American World War II airman, blinded by shrapnel and badly wounded, his B-17 crashing into the...
Pratiksha Bista, in purple top and lon gdark hair, smiles at camera.
Student

Utica MBA Student Creates App to Transform Tax Preparation

Often the most sought-after innovations are ones that offer simple solutions to common problems. For Pratiksha Bista G’25, MBA candidate...
All Stories

I would like to see logins and resources for:

For a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.

Utica University Logo
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube
  • Academics
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Admissions
  • Community
  • Athletics
1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502
Map & Directions
(315) 792-3006
Contact Us
  • Institutional Effectiveness
  • Bookstore
  • Disability Learning Support
  • Student Right to Know
2025-2026 College of Distinction2025-2026 Private College of Distinction2025-2026 Business College of Distinction2025-2026 Education College of Distinction2025-2026 Nursing College of Distinction2025-2026 Career Development College of Distinction2025-2026 Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction2023-2024 Military Friendly (Silver)