Get to Know: Abigail Castro

Q&A by Tori Serna

What made you want to pursue a career in physical therapy?

A quick and funny backstory; I was first introduced to physical therapy through a show called Naruto. My favorite character, Rod Lee, got injured and a few of the bones of his spine ended up going into his spinal cord. After his injury, I saw how he was unable to walk or do any of the things he loved doing, including his life goal of becoming a ninja. He went to physical therapy every day and viewers were able to see his progression on the show. Rod Lee was eventually able to return to his training and continue with his dream of becoming a ninja.

As I got older, I explored what a career in physical therapy would look like. My niece has Cerebral Palsy and I was able to observe her improvement from attending physical therapy as well. Although she does have some muscular limitations due to Cerebral Palsy, she is able to walk and function. The benefits of physical therapy were real and no longer just evident in a show. As my niece improved over time, she was able to play with other kids and I could see how happy that made her. I’m interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy, specifically pediatric physical therapy, because of my niece.

How has CU Anschutz Physical Therapy Program allowed you to pursue your goals?

Ultimately, the CU Anschutz Physical Therapy Program has made me feel like I belong. They see me as a person and not just another number helping them satisfy their diversity statistic. During the interview process, they emphasized the holistic applicant, which I really appreciated. They didn’t only focus on our grades or GPA, which was nice for a change. They also implore us to look at our patients holistically and I feel they’ve been able to model what that looks like as well. The program has opened my eyes up to other specialties I’m interested in pursuing, like pediatrics and pelvic floor physical therapy. During clinical rotations and classes, I have the opportunity to explore those tracks and get more information about anything I’m interested in. We have a wide variety of professors that specialize in many different areas and I’m fortunate to be able to have access to them for the next couple of years.

What is your “why”?

My “why” has transformed since I’ve been in the physical therapy program. CU Anschutz implements clinical rotations early within our schooling, which is one of my favorite things about this program. In the summer semester, we learned how to do transfers, manual muscle tests, and wound care. During clinic, I’m able to apply all that I’ve learned in real life scenarios. Aside from clinical rotations being a nice break from lectures, it motivates me. It motivates me to really pay attention in classes, so that I can apply what I’m learning to the patients I will see in my next clinical rotation in November. When I’m feeling burnt out with classes, having a reminder that another clinical rotation is coming up, and knowing that I will be able to interact with real patients, is the only motivation I need.

September 15 – October 15 is a month to celebrate the independence of Latin countries and honor the Hispanic/Latinx heritage, which has contributed to the advancement of this country. What does this mean for you? In what ways do you feel you have contributed to the advancement of this Physical Therapy Program?

Celebrating this month while pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy means a lot to me because of how we, as a people, are advancing socially. Hearing about our accomplishments, like the first female Mexican astronaut to fly to space, makes me proud to be Mexican and see all that we do for this country. Hispanic/Latinx heritage month is an important recognition because diversity within the United States is what makes the country worth living in. Since moving to Colorado, I’ve noticed there is a large population of Latinx individuals, which makes me excited to serve my community. One of the ways I’ve tried implementing my part in this program is by joining in on meetings designated to those that are historically marginalized. I’ve also talked with a few prospective physical therapy students about how CU Anschutz Physical Therapy is diversifying their program and how they’re working to ensure the success of people of color, in hopes that they’ll consider applying to this school. I hope to soon be a part of the different community outreach initiatives that focus on promoting diversity within the profession, specifically by mentoring students of color within the community.

What words of encouragement do you have to share with future students of color pursuing careers in healthcare?

I know most of us might not have had the greatest of experiences with healthcare, because our provider didn’t understand us or look like us, but we shouldn’t let those negative experiences affect what we can do with our future. By becoming a future healthcare provider, you will help your patients feel more comfortable, which will allow them to get the best care they need. Representation matters and at the end of the day, it’s important that our patients feel comfortable talking to at least one of their healthcare providers. How awesome would it be if you’re that person to somebody?

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.