Career Roadmap
John's work combines: Medicine, Music, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Anderson High School
Bachelor's Degree
B.A. Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology
Washington University in St. Louis
Doctorate
Physical Therapy/Therapist
Washington University School of Medicine
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Physical Therapists:
Bachelor's Degree: B.A. Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology
Doctorate: Physical Therapy/Therapist
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Grew up in Ohio as a son of first generation Chinese immigrants, graduating top of my high school class in 2006.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
Graduated college in 2010 with intention of taking a "gap year" or two. Applied to medical school in 2011. Rejected from all schools.
5.
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.
6.
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.
7.
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.
8.
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.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages 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.
How I responded:
Find and really understand your WHY. All healthcare professionals get into the field to help people. I had to ask myself how I could best help others. I considered medicine or pharmacy, mainly through pressure from my parents. But those careers really didn't reflect the way I wanted to help others heal. A physical therapist plays a unique role in the healthcare system - we get to spend true TIME with our patients and really guide them through the healing process. This is what inspires me daily.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Rejection from employers, poor patient progress and a business that failed to launch the way I hoped all made me think I was not cut to be a PT. But I learned to get past overthinking and accepting imperfection. Just go for it!