“You’re never too young to teach and you’re never too old to learn,” is the motto that Dwight Brown (DPT’ 14) lives by. Brown, the clinic director of Forever Fit Physical Therapy and Wellness in Silver Spring, Maryland, believes that mentorship and reflection are critical for advancing clinical practice.
“Mentorship is paramount in the development of one’s practice, especially as a new graduate,” Brown said. He notes that he was lucky enough to have a Black male clinical instructor who served as a mentor on his physical therapy (PT) journey. “The lack of literature on the importance of mentorship speaks to the need for increased mentorship,” Brown added. He believes the evolving healthcare landscape and the importance of making an impact with patients early in their plan of care also affects the need for mentorship. Brown hopes to create an avenue for PTs of color to rely on each other for informal mentorship.
Brown considers reflection another essential part of practicing physical therapy. Throughout his time at GW, thinking about one’s practice was constantly encouraged. Brown stated that as a new graduate and to this day reflection has become second nature. He also uses contemplation in the form of patient education to help patients ponder their own goals and symptoms.
To his patients, Brown is known as the “neighborhood PT.” He says, “We focus on helping people get back to what they love and their life as best we can.” Brown found physical therapy on his personal health journey after a career in finance. Brown completed two years of prerequisite courses before enrolling in the DPT program at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Even though he was initially reluctant to change careers, having the support of his family, community and a great mentor eased the transition into a new profession.
For Brown, being an immigrant from Jamaica and relocating to Philadelphia, “allowed me to experience adversity and showed me that life is multifaceted.” Although there are struggles as a person of color, it can also allow you to become a stronger provider,” he added. Brown feels his experience has helped him to meet patients on a personal level, while also teaching him to deal with difficult situations, and see through patient frustration.
Brown’s advice to current and future students: “Once you find what resonates with you, hold on to it! Use that to motivate yourself and show you what the future holds.” Above all, he recommends leaning into reflection, finding a mentor, and allowing them to propel you forward in your practice.