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Brock Howard is a first-year CU Physical Therapy student. As a long-time athlete, Brock was introduced to physical therapy following sports related injuries. Being able to see first-hand how this profession helps patients get back to enjoying their lives, hobbies, and other everyday activities inspired him to pursue physical therapy.

Brock is grateful for how the CU Physical Therapy program has shown him all the ways physical therapy can positively impact the healthcare system. He appreciates the program's emphasis on providing complete and holistic care to patients – and how physical therapy fits into that big-picture approach.

Other than his experience with PT as an athlete/patient, Brock's passion for the profession stems from a love of movement. "I believe movement is essential for everyone," he says. "Being in a position to offer that care and advocate for the benefits of movement in my community makes me extremely excited to become a PT in my community."

In commemoration of Black History Month, Brock takes pride in his identity and in the many medical achievements made by Black medical providers over the centuries. Playing his own part in carrying on this tradition of achievement in his community, Brock is currently the Vice President of the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Black Physical Therapists. "As a medical professional," he says, "I hope to provide resources for both patients seeking a provider they can relate to and the Black physical therapists wanting to provide the best care."

Brock encourages other aspiring PTs and healthcare providers to pursue similar goals. "Early in undergrad, my counselor told me that as we get further along our med tracks, we see less and less [Black people] as both students and instructors," he says. "But that shouldn’t dissuade us from achieving what WE know we’re capable of in healthcare. Whether I was the only Black kid or one of many in the class, I never let the lack of us be a restrictive factor in my healthcare journey."