Get to Know: Ellie Carrington

Story by: Abigail Castro

Ellie is a third-year Physical Therapy student at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Ellie decided to pursue a career in physical therapy due to the positive personal experiences she had with this profession. Ellie values the opportunity to work with others and help them in achieving their movement goals.

Ellie is grateful for the resources CU Anschutz provides, which has helped her pursue her career goals. The challenges she faces in the program have contributed to her personal growth and has helped her discover her own goals, enhancing her experience while in the program.

Ellie’s motivation to excel in the rigorous physical therapy program is fueled by her long-held dream of becoming a physical therapist. She says, “overcoming self-doubt and achieving acceptance into PT school is a testament to resilience. Life experiences, mentorship from seasoned physical therapists, and unwavering support from family members have reinforced the belief in the possibility of success. This journey emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment and committing fully to one’s aspirations.”

When discussing the significance of Pride Month, Ellie reflects on the historical impact of the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. Ellie says, “This historical event paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed today. There is a deep sense of pride in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, not just during Pride Month, but every day.”

Ellie offers advice to LGBTQ+ students pursuing healthcare careers to embrace their identity and the unique perspective they bring to the field. “Your presence and success will inspire and pave the way for aspiring healthcare professionals within the LGBTQ+ community. Embrace who you are, and let that pride fuel your journey in making a difference in healthcare.”

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.