• ROADTRIPS
  • CAREER EXPLORATION
    • John Huang

    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
    Bachelor
    B.A. Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology
    Washington University in St. Louis
    Doctorate
    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

    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:

    undergrad
    Bachelor
    Kinesiology and Exercise Science
    doctorate
    Doctorate
    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