In this inspiring episode of Hands On/Hands Off, Said Mendez shares his journey from a Mexican immigrant family to pursuing his dream as a physical therapist at Duke. Said’s story is filled with grit, resilience, and a passion for serving others.

Host Jimmy McKay and Said discuss how personal experiences shaped his approach to physical therapy, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving role of empathy and connection in modern PT practice. They dive into what excites him about the future of the profession, key lessons learned from his clinical rotations, and the power of networking at conferences like AAOMPT.

Key Points Discussed:

• Overcoming obstacles: Said’s journey from Mexico to the U.S. and pursuing PT
• How Said’s experience with his father’s rehabilitation inspired his PT path
• The evolving role of touch, empathy, and connection in patient care
• Insights from Said’s clinical rotations and surprising lessons learned
• The transformative power of networking and mentorship in PT

Special Guest:

• Said Mendez, Physical Therapy Student at Duke University