Dr Michael Ukoha PT, DPT, LSVT shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Michael, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Wandering.
Paths are usually defined with even surfaces and clear destinations.
8 years into my career as a Physical Therapist I am wandering. Seeking roads less traveled. Open to all opportunities. Building curiosity and connection along the way. I am ready to move forward not seeing what’s beyond the horizon.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dr. Michael Ukoha, Founder and Mentor of Live & Grow Mentorship. I have been a licensed and practicing physical therapist for 8 years in the Maryland and Washington DC metropolitan area. I am currently a clinic director for EmpowerMe Wellness in Gaithersburg, MD. Over the years, since I was a student physical therapist (SPT) at University of Maryland, Baltimore I have taken any opportunity to support other students looking to take the same path and apply to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Programs. I created an intentional platform to support underrepresented groups applying for physical therapy school in 2021 with the capacity to support any student interested in a career in Physical Therapy. As time has gone on, I have created an organization supporting pre-pt students, current SPTs, and new graduates with the Live & Grow Network with mentors from 33 states across the country. My organization is unique because the focus is community based locally and internationally with the ability to support at all levels of our profession. I have continued to mentor locally but my goal in the next two years is to support student education for future student physical therapists and their respective clinical sites internationally. I am proud to be presenting internationally in person for the first time at the 5th Global Congress on Advanced Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science with my Live & Grow Live Offering – Beyond Our Intentions: The Hidden Impact of Implicit Bias in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on December 13th and 14th.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that builds capacity in individuals must be released. There have been many pillars of support in my life at all stages that made me who I am today. I am by nature and my upbringing a very selfless person. I am in a place to share information and opportunity. I’m hoping to take any opportunity I can to uplift those coming behind me to feel seen and welcome to join the field of physical therapy.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep the faith in the hard moments. It’ll all be worth it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I protect the ideal that diversity will move us forward as a society. The perspectives from different backgrounds are invaluable in all industries including physical therapy. Whether policy or law emphasizes the value of a diverse workforce and daily experience, my support to underrepresented groups will remain unchanged. Whether it is popular for organizations and corporations to support initiatives of equity, diversity, and inclusion, marginalized communities need us more now than ever before.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m still. It seems simple but life is fast paced in so many ways. Getting ready every day. Preparing the day for your family. Focused with tasks at work. It’s very rare in my day-to-day life where I truly am still and settled in peace. I believe others probably have the same experience. I have been more intentional in finding environments and spaces to be still. Beaches, national parks, and even community spaces. It’s my path to peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lgmentorship.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LGMentorship/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ukoha-97424966/
- Twitter: https://x.com/UkohaDPT
- Other: Email Inquiries – [email protected]
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