Are you a recent graduate eager to kickstart your career in physical therapy? Hear advice directly from a professional! We sat down with Kyle Mendes, an experienced physical therapist at Renew Physical Therapy in Hillman City, as he shares valuable insights to help you navigate the path to success.
Kyle Mendes, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CCI
Q: Where did you graduate from? And, how long have you been with Renew Physical Therapy?
A: I graduated from the University of Washington in 2013. I’ve been working with Renew Physical Therapy since 2020.
Q: What is one piece of advice for new graduates as they begin job hunting this summer?
A: I’ve always been in favor of workplaces that offer some form of mentoring and although many places advertise it, few actually matriculate into any reasonable time spent with senior clinicians. Ask about a company’s specific plans or concrete timelines for mentorship. Another thought for new grads is “where do you want to specialize or focus?” Look for a place that will allow you the CEU (Continuing Education Units) budget to pursue these interests.
Q: What makes Renew Physical Therapy a great place to work?
A: Renew Physical Therapy encourages independence and self-paced clinical development, in a nutshell. It is important in our profession for us to become autonomous providers, and our environment at Renew Physical Therapy facilitates that. The continuing education budget is very clinician-friendly, as is the schedule, in terms of putting us in the driver’s seat for who we see, who we share with, how we direct the plan of care, etc. It can be hard to find a place where you are truly one-on-one with patients, which is a huge benefit as a new grad building your style of treatment and framework of rehab.
If you’re aspiring to join our team of dedicated professionals, visit our website to submit your resume and apply here.
