Black History Month Student Spotlight - February 20, 2024
Get to Know: Tremayne Prudhomme
Feb 20, 2024Get to Know: Tremayne Prudhomme
Story by Abigail Castro
Tremayne’s decision to pursue a career in physical therapy was inspired by the combination of two passions. First, a deep, lifelong fascination with the complexity of the human body; and second, a more general interest in mechanical thinking and curiosity about how things work. He wanted a career that allowed him to think logically and creatively to solve a wide variety of unique challenges. Steering him toward a career in healthcare, Tremayne was also inspired by having medical providers of color while growing up. “I was always impressed with the knowledge and skills they possessed, and they eventually became role models who I desired to be like once I was older,” he says.
Tremayne hopes that his future career will be more than just a good job and source of personal fulfillment; he intends to give back to his community and inspire others the same way his providers inspired him. “I want to be an advocate for the education of preventative healthcare measures, the spread of resources, and proper care for those in need - in hope of advancing equity,” he says. He adds that he hopes to show young people with similar backgrounds that they can bring about positive generational changes in their lives and families through careers that they might not think of as accessible for young people of color.
The CU Physical Therapy Program has opened the door for Tremayne’s ambition. It has given him the opportunity to “build relationships, gain valuable knowledge, and develop as an individual,” he says. “The program’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion offers students like myself many chances to be exposed to new ideas and experiences that will help us not only be better providers but also better members of our communities.”
This Black History Month, Tremayne wants to recognize Black leaders “who have fought and struggled for the opportunities that are available for people of color today. Honoring them acknowledges the sacrifices they were willing to make to be seen as equals within a society that repeatedly told them they were less than. The impacts they made will forever have everlasting effects, and still to this day, give us inspiration to fight for a future in which there are no differences amongst races.”
In a step toward continuing that fight, Tremayne has taken on the role of Vice President for the CU PT class of 2025. “This position has allowed me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and be in a position where I can develop skills that will not only help me as a physical therapist but also as an individual navigating an ever-changing society,” he says.
Tremayne encourages future physical therapy students, and all people of color pursuing careers in healthcare “to not be afraid to take a chance on themselves.” He says they should embrace future opportunities and take advantage of the wide variety of career paths that are available in this industry. “We need more individuals of color within these various careers, because representation matters, and it is important to allow individuals to see figures of success to which they can relate,” he says. “You must be relentless in the pursuit of your goals and know that in the end, it will all be worth it.”
