Get to Know: Gio Beltran
Story by: Zabrina Motwani Condor

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

At first, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to pursue a career in, but I knew I wanted to be a part of the healthcare field. After working as a rehab aide in the outpatient and hospital setting, I was able to see the impact physical therapy had on a patient’s life and the emotions it brought to their family. Through these experiences, I realized this career would give me the opportunity to combine my passions of movement and science while helping improve a person’s quality of life.  

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

The CU Physical Therapy program has cultivated an environment for me to learn, grow, and feel supported while pursuing a doctorate. This can be attributed to the teaching faculty at CU Anschutz providing quality clinical experience that will help in my future care of patients. Resources such as the DAWN clinic have given me an opportunity to care for the underserved community of Aurora and learn the health disparities they often encounter in healthcare.  

What is your “why”?

In 2022, less than 8% of physical therapists in the U.S were Hispanic or Latino. My goal as a first-generation Mexican American is to contribute to the growth of Hispanic representation in healthcare. Growing up, I often saw my mom struggle in asking the right questions at her doctor appointments due to her limited health literacy. These pivotal moments in my life made me realize there was a need for providers who could relate to a patient’s cultural or disadvantaged background.

September 15 – October 15 is a month to celebrate and honor Hispanic and Latin heritage, and the contributions to this countries history, culture and advancements. What does this mean for you?

This month dedicates time to recognize the contributions and cultural richness of the Hispanic and Latino community. For me, it is a time to reflect on the ways immigrants have helped in building this nation. This gives me perspective on how far our people have come and how much further we will continue to go. Our people emphasize the importance of embodying a strong work ethic and working hard towards your goals. Being the son of two first generation Mexican immigrants, this value stays true to me as I witnessed the challenges and hardships my parents faced in providing me with a better life than they had growing up.

In what ways do you feel you have contributed to the advancement of this Physical Therapy program? / How have you, or want to contribute to your community now/afters your graduate?

Since being part of the CU PT program, I have been able to be a part of the percentage of Hispanic students pursuing a career in physical therapy. As more minority students become a presence in the healthcare education system, the idea of a minority provider becomes less and less rare. My ambition as a future PT of color is to serve as a mentor to aspiring students of color pursuing a career in PT and helping them realize their goals. As a future healthcare provider, I hope to serve as an advocate for patients who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and further promote the idea of health equity.

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

Don’t give up! Patients need providers who understand where they came from and the struggles they endured as a minority. Seek mentorship and guidance from people who have been in your shoes and ask how they overcame their obstacles. Always remember who you are and the community that you came from. Stay true to yourself. Your experiences are what make you unique and help you stand out. Embrace your differences and always remember your “why”.