John Huang
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Movement Specialists Physical Therapy
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Grew up in Ohio as a son of first generation Chinese immigrants, graduating top of my high school class in 2006.
Moved to St. Louis for college to pursue pre-medical studies at Washington University in St. Louis because that was what was expected of me by my parents.
Established my hobby of sharing music into a full-fledged weekend job as a disc jockey. Started DJing parties, nightclubs, fashion events, weddings, etc. Grades faltered.
Graduated college in 2010 with intention of taking a "gap year" or two. Applied to medical school in 2011. Rejected from all schools.
Decided to take a job as a research technician in a movement disorders lab. Met some cool physical therapists and was curious to learn more.
I applied to physical therapy school in 2012. I then decided to work on cruise ships as a DJ for the following year. Found out I was accepted to PT school while abroad. Met my future wife on a ship.
Graduated as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2016 and moved out west with my wife to take my first job in a small private practice company.
Now currently the senior therapist and marketing director of Movement Specialists Physical Therapy with a developing role as a guest lecturer at Chapman University.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Anderson High School
Anderson High School
Bachelor
B.A. Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology
Washington University in St. Louis
B.A. Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology
Washington University in St. Louis
Doctorate
Physical Therapy
Washington University School of Medicine
Physical Therapy
Washington University School of Medicine
Career
Doctor of Physical Therapy
I help people return to the activities they love through movement education and training
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Education
Helping People
Day to Day
As a physical therapist in the orthopedic setting, I evaluate and treat people with movement problems. These could result from an athletic injury, surgery, natural aging processes or chronic pain. My typical day involves seeing anywhere from 10-14 patients, educating them on proper movement and guiding them through therapeutic exercises to improve body awareness, decrease pain and optimize function. I also manage a staff of physical therapy aides to help keep the clinic running smoothly.
Skills & Qualities Beyond School
Working in any service industry will help you become a better healthcare professional. In essence, PTs provide a service and how we deliver and sell that service allows us to successfully impact the patient experience. My previous job as a disc jockey, while it seems unrelated to healthcare, gave me many skills that I use each day. It has helped me with my public speaking skills, my ability to stay focused under duress and my ability to read a situation (or crowd) and adapt accordingly.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Observe as many physical therapists and rehab settings as you can. The type of work and demand of the job is highly dependent on the setting and the patient population you work with. Be aware that there is much more to physical therapy than sports rehab - we work in hospitals, schools, home health, clinics, senior centers and more. Many clinics offer volunteer or paid aide positions, which will help expose you to the work flow of a PT and give you experience interacting with patients.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Bachelor
Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Doctorate
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Physical therapists are not real doctors. They are glorified masseuses. They don't make much money and are not well respected in healthcare."
Challenges I Overcame
Rejection
