John Huang, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Your Spin Doctor: Physical Therapy & Consulting, PC
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.
Started my career and bounced across 3 different clinics before starting my own concierge PT practice in 2019 and now working as head of recruitment for the healthcare start-up MovementX.
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
Career
Doctor of Physical Therapy
I use technology, music and movement to help people live their best life by moving their best.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Music
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 is not like a standard PT - I started my own concierge practice which gives me flexibility and autonomy to treat without running into limitations from insurance, hospital systems or other barriers. I connect with clients in-person at my clinic, travel to people's homes and virtually.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Observe as many physical therapists 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. Understand that a diverse background rooted in communication and relationship building will help you more than that extra anatomy class you took last summer.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
B.A. Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology
B.A. Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology
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
Imposter Syndrome
