Alumni Stories
Graduates of the University of Washington Doctor of Physical Therapy program pursue a variety of career paths in physical therapy, from work in acute care and inpatient rehab to outpatient clinics, pediatric facilities and more. Read what three of our recent alumni have to say about how the program prepared them to enter the field.
Brandon Bailey
Physical Therapist, University of Washington Medical Center
As a physical therapist at the UW Medical Center inpatient rehab unit, Brandon Bailey helps people recovering from brain and spinal cord injuries prepare to return home. The patients Brandon works with often face difficulties doing simple tasks, like sitting up or standing. It’s a vital but challenging job, and one his UW training readied him for. "The UW Doctor of Physical Therapy program did an excellent job of preparing me for life in the clinic," he said.
Sanatan Golden
Independent Physical Therapist
Sanatan Golden has a single overarching goal: to keep people active their whole lives. A UW Doctor of Physical Therapy grad, Sanatan is an independent physical therapist specializing in treating and preventing lower extremity injuries.
"The number one thing that physical therapists are is teachers," Sanatan said. "We're educating people about their body, about pain, about management, about movement. We teach people so they can take it forward on their own."
Jessica Mendoza
Pediatric Physical Therapist, Valley Medical Center
By the time she was in high school, Jessica Mendoza knew that physical therapy was her calling. “I loved the idea of being in a profession that helps people rehabilitate and get back to their full potential,” said the UW Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate, who now works as a pediatric physical therapist at Valley Medical Center.
Jessica says the DPT program prepared her to work with the broad range of patients she sees on a daily basis, from infants with developmental delays to high school athletes recovering from injuries.
Brandon Nguyen
Pediatric Therapist, Edmonds School District
Brandon Nguyen became interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy in high school, but he was less interested in taking the typical life-sciences undergraduate journey to get there. He instead majored in mechanical engineering as a UW undergrad, where a professor introduced him to the concept of the human body as the ultimate machine.
When Brandon decided to enroll in the UW Doctor of Physical Therapy program, “my worlds really collided academically.”
Jason Ofodile
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Department of Veterans Health Administration - Central Texas
Jason Ofodile has long felt called to serve. As an undergraduate student, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and after graduating, he became a commissioned officer. He continues to serve as a medical operations officer today.
After completing his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Washington, Jason felt compelled to continue serving in the federal system and now works at the Veterans Health Administration of Central Texas. “I wanted to get the most out of my opportunities and see what I could give back.”