Get to Know: Orlando Mosley

Q&A by Tori Serna

What made you want to pursue a career in Physical Therapy?

I was moved to pursue a career in Physical Therapy after noticing my grandmother’s health decline. She retired from doing custodial work in her 50s due to knee pain, and did not have access to healthcare because she didn’t qualify for Medicare. In the time she retired to the time she was finally able to get access to the care she needed, she stopped doing things she loved and gained weight, and her health deteriorated. I realized that working backwards was much harder than preventing these issues. Becoming a Physical Therapist who promotes healthy lifestyles was a career that [allowed me] to do both: provide access to health care and preventive care.

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

One of my goals was to receive a top tier Physical Therapy education, and being ranked the #13 Physical Therapy program in the country is indicative of that. Another one of my goals and passions was to give back to underserved communities, and the program has opportunities in place, like DAWN clinic and STOUT street clinic, for students to be a part of.

February is a month to honor and celebrate Black leaders. What does this mean for you? What leadership role(s) have you taken up in the Physical Therapy program and what impact have they had on you and your PT education journey?

Celebrating black leadership means celebrating all aspects of our culture and race, even those that history doesn’t tell. I’m passionate about giving back to the community. Some of the leadership roles I’ve had while being in the program include being a student PT director for the DAWN clinic, serving as a member of the community outreach team, working with the faculty to inform a more inclusive curricular design, and working as a pre-health graduate assistant which allows me to work with undergraduate students to help them understand health equity. I also assist them with their graduate school applications. Working in these leadership roles affirms my passion to help those that society tries to oppress and keep down.

What is your “why”?

Growing up here in Denver, I always felt lesser than, especially in regard to my education. My “why” is to show people who look like me that you can achieve whatever you want to achieve, and although it’s going to be a journey, there are resources in place to help you along the way. I hope to be an inspiration to someone and as a product of my community, I’m always willing to give back and take that extra step to help someone navigate this time in the same way I was helped.

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

I have 3 things to share with future students of color pursuing careers in healthcare:

1. Find a mentor and talk to them about everything; What you want to do, what you’d like to receive from the mentor/mentee relationship. Just ask as many questions as possible.
2. Take advantage of every opportunity in front of you, especially if it can help you professionally and/or personally.
3. Put your whole heart into everything you do during your time in Physical Therapy school, particularly things you’re passionate about. Never do anything half-heartedly.

 

Looking for ways to support black owned businesses during black history month and all months moving forward?

Here is a link: https://303magazine.com/2020/06/black-owned-businesses-denver/