Get to Know: Andres Ortiz Torres

Story by: Zabrina Motwani Condor

What made you want to pursue a career in Physical Therapy?
I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field from a young age because of my interest in the health sciences and the human connections that you make as a healthcare professional. As a life-long athlete that has participated in soccer, weightlifting, track and field, cross country, and volleyball, I was also hoping to pursue a career in sports. Once I found out that physical therapy could combine both of my greatest interests, I knew that it was the career for me. Now that I am in the field, I have begun to stray away from the sports setting but my love for physical therapy has only grown.

How has CU Physical Therapy program allowed you to pursue your goals?
The CU Physical Therapy Program created an environment for me where I was pushed to be the best that I could be. I was challenged but was given enough support to keep me going. Not only did the program foster growth by making me feel welcomed in a field that lacks people of color or from my background, but it made me feel like I deserved to be in that space. Without the wonderful faculty and my amazing peers, I may have never reached this beautiful time in my life where I love what I do. 

What is your “why”?
When I get asked why I do certain things, I typically reply with, “for the experience.” No matter how good or bad something goes, you will ALWAYS gain experience. You will learn new things, gain wisdom, and encounter disappointment. It makes me feel fulfilled that I have attempted many things in my life regardless of the outcome because I can say that I gained something from it. You can see something as an opportunity for failure or as an opportunity to learn and grow. 

September 15 – October 15 is a month to celebrate and honor Hispanic and Latin heritage, and the contributions to this country's history, culture and advancements. What does this mean for you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to acknowledge the greatness that Hispanic and Latin Heritage brings to this country. We bring so much culture and strength to this country that frequently goes unrecognized. In this special month, we teach our friends about our heritage by highlighting some of our own leaders, contributors, and respected members of our community. We show our solidarity among different Hispanic and Latin communities by learning about our similarities and treasuring the differences among our cultures. Whether it is through our music, paintings, or food, we express our love for our roots and hope that others can also feel a sense of comfort be learning about it.

In what ways do you feel you have contributed to the advancement of this Physical Therapy program?
I have contributed to the advancement of this Physical Therapy program by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. I have been an advocate for those who may not have a voice in a place of privilege such as this one. My greatest interest has been to expand the opportunities for Spanish-speakers in the program. By being bilingual healthcare workers, we can provide a higher quality of care, and we demonstrate to our patients that we want to address their needs. I volunteered in multiple pro-bono clinics providing physical therapy and interpretation services to uninsured, Spanish-speaking patients. Additionally, along with a few of my classmates, I helped teach a short, Spanish introduction course to our peers so that they could too, provide better care for their patients. Lastly, I advocated for a Spanish elective course to be added to the program to solidify the interpretation services of those students who want to further their involvement in the Hispanic community.

How have you contributed to your community, or plan to do as after your graduation?
I have contributed to my community by promoting the physical therapy profession to young students that are interested in the medical field. I have participated in numerous presentations and Q&A sessions in underserved communities to speak about ways to enter the field. Additionally, I provided guidance to fellow first-generation students who hope to one day become healthcare professionals. I speak about my personal challenges as a person of color in this field so that others know that they are not alone and that we are simply trailblazers for the future generations. 

What words of encouragement do you have to share with future students of color pursuing careers in healthcare?
Do not be discouraged by being the odd-one-out in a classroom. Be proud that you are representing generations of hardworking people. Many have worked extremely hard so that we could share and occupy these spaces in healthcare. Not only do we deserve to be here, but we belong. We owe our people a familiar face when they seek medical care. We can be that familiar face for them.