Get to Know: Kevin Rodriguez
Story by Abigail Castro

Kevin Rodriguez is a first-generation college student and is in his final-year of the CU Anschutz Physical Therapy Program. He became interested in physical therapy through sports; he saw the impact Physical Therapists have on their patients and wanted to be a part of this dynamic. Kevin graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science. He then worked as a Physical Therapy Technician to learn about the profession and developed a stronger passion for helping others. Furthermore, he learned about the many barriers the LatinX community faces when seeking to access healthcare – specifically the language barrier between Spanish-speaking patients and primarily English-speaking physicians. Kevin assisted in translation services and was able to see the benefit that his diverse perspective brought among his patients.

Kevin’s mentors at his clinic motivated him to pursue Physical Therapy, and he decided to attend CU Anschutz due to its commitment to diversity. Kevin’s time in the CU Physical Therapy Program has allowed him to create meaningful connections among the staff and within his cohort. Moreover, Kevin is thankful for the faculty that supports him in his journey to becoming a Physical Therapist and for embracing his diversity.

When reflecting on what Hispanic Heritage Month means to Kevin, he takes a moment to thank his parents. “They have given everything to provide my brother and I a better life than they had growing up. They have taught me to work hard for the things that I want in life and to not back down because of my heritage. They have taught me the importance of family traditions and to never forget where I came from. I cannot thank them enough for everything they do for my brother and me,” he says. “I get excited about continuing with family traditions and sharing them with other communities outside of mine. Nothing beats having some hot coffee and conchas late at night with family and friends, to having a carne asada on a summer afternoon.”

Kevin is proud of the Mexican community that he comes from, and of the many achievements it has reached despite various barriers. As a first-generation student, he hopes to continue that tradition of accomplishment. He hopes his academic and career success will encourage other members of the Hispanic community to pursue careers in healthcare as well – pointing out that diverse perspectives and Spanish language skills are currently in high demand. “All it takes is advocating for yourself and not being afraid to ask for help,” he says. “Stay true to yourself and trust the process!”

Get to Know: Dr. Adedayo Balogun

What made you want to pursue a career in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation? 
As a medical student, I had a wide and varied interest in all of my different clinical rotations. I had a strong interest in the musculoskeletal system, and the neurological and neuroanatomy courses. When I was exposed to a PM&R rotation, it was the first rotation that I felt completely in tune with the physicians that were present. It helped address all of the most important aspects of a person’s healthcare, and took into account all aspects of a person’s experience when taking part in their care.  

How has the CU PM&R residency program allowed you to pursue your goals? 
This residency program has so far allowed me to cultivate my experience and independence in different rehabilitation settings and learn how to navigate the different barriers and challenges that patients face routinely. I've been exposed to many different versions of being a PM&R physician, and I have had the ability to explore these different areas in a way that I can prepare myself for life after residency.

What is your “why”? 
My “why” is always to bring the best care to as many people that I can first and foremost. I want to be able to deliver that same care to people that have historically been overlooked, and taken advantage of as well. I aspire to provide patients that may not always feel seen or heard to understand that I’m taking their concerns to heart, and I understand the perspective that many of their other care providers may not. I also strive to be a positive example for others who may look like me or identify with me. I want to be more than an example, but a support system for those coming after me.  

February is a month to honor and celebrate Black leaders. What does this mean for you? 
Black History Month is an opportunity to take a step back and reflect on the ways that black people have contributed to the world. We have been leaders for change and equity, leaders in science, health care, ingenuity and all aspects of life. Being a leader, to me is about being accountable. I think that having priorities, morals, and standards, and holding strong to those values is all that it takes to be a leader.  

What leadership role(s) have you taken up and what impact have they had on you and your time in medical school or residency? As a medical student I took part in my school's Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter. As president of this chapter, we had a hand in reaching out to the community for other people to understand that becoming a physician was attainable, finishing school and going to the college opened plenty of doors, and providing support and guidance for undergraduate students that had an interest in going to medical school.  

Being a physician inherently occupies a leadership role. As a physiatrist, we regularly take part in team meetings, where we discuss patients with PT’s, OT’s, RN’s, social workers, case managers, and speech therapists. Sometimes, being a leader is understanding how the team functions most effectively, other times it’s trusting your teammates to their expertise and simply providing an overall team goal for everyone to strive towards.  

What words of encouragement do you have to share with future students of color pursuing careers in healthcare?
The words of encouragement that I have for those students would be to always show up and be yourself. You have a unique experience and perspective that matters, and never let fear of failure keep you from trying something that you are passionate about. Do your best to surround yourself with people that you admire and have similar goals as yourself. Not competitors, but people who will lift you up with them. These are the people that you’ll grow the closest to both professionally and personally.