A few weeks ago, I achieved a milestone I once thought might never happen—I earned my Doctor of Physiotherapy degree. My patients call me Gary, but the title "Dr." is mostly on paper and for marketing materials.
The journey wasn’t without its doubts. Over the past two years since I enrolled in the program, I've had many moments of self-reflection.
During this time, younger coaches and former colleagues often reached out asking the same question: Should I pursue this path, too? Is it worth it?
This is what I’d tell them—and what I’d tell my younger self if I had the chance.
Dear Gary,
In two years, you will have gone through it but you will make it through your program. It won’t come without many low points, some of which you aren’t sure if you’ll survive. You do but this is what I would want you to know.
Going to PT school is more an act of attrition than it is challenging academically. The more time you spend learning about modalities and techniques, the less you will want to use them. Your previous experiences will serve as a double-edged sword. You will have managed very complex problems for people, successfully, and yet you will be challenged to bite your tongue and be tested to regurgitate less effective methods of treatment.
You'll encounter many educators who seem disengaged, lacking the passion to teach, or have honest conversations about needed changes in the profession. It’s tough because you genuinely care about making a difference, and it’s frustrating to see the cycle of tired techniques taught as the basics.
You will learn that with an increased scope of practice, you may question your ability to do good. As personal training and massage therapy are less regulated, your ability to help people at a lower price point is something to consider as it will change. The degree isn’t cheap, so you will end up seeing people less often due to needing to charge more. This in turn results in the inability to see problems fully like you may prefer to.
Your classmates will be the saving grace. Not only because you find a few good friends but because in them you can influence the next generation of clinicians. You get to share your experiences and educate them on what you know, knowing this is what spurs your desire to become a clinical educator. Mind you, not all of them are going to be open or ready for what you have to share.
At times you will question if this was the right decision, and to be frank, I don’t have an answer as to whether it was just yet either. What I can say is the growth you experience and having your skills stretched to find a greater level of competency is worth it. You will come out of this a better professional and a better human. Trust me.
Good luck,
Old man Gary (only two years older)