Resilience, Growth, and Finding a Place in Physical Therapy: Meet Rizing Tide Surge Scholar Brandon Johnson
Brandon Johnson’s path to becoming a physical therapist was anything but linear. From the humble beginning of navigating his own fitness journey to becoming a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, he has built a career grounded in discipline and the principle of giving back.
Brandon’s introduction to physical therapy came about through his own health struggles. “I grew up as an obese child—about 200 pounds overweight, riddled with comorbidities, prediabetic health issues, as well as some sports injuries,” he says. Though he initially planned to play collegiate football, his injuries shifted his direction, and he studied applied kinesiology and physiology at the University of Florida. There, he began to better understand how the body works and started building a career in fitness. Over the next decade, he worked as a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning specialist, gaining experience with a range of clients and athletes.
Still, something was missing. “I realized that I was unable to manage my clients at the time to my highest potential and highest capacity,” he says. That realization led him to pursue physical therapy. After initially not being accepted into PT school, he returned to earn a master’s degree with a specialization in human performance, continued working in the field, and eventually reapplied.
He was then accepted into Regis University. After completing his doctorate, he worked as a solo practitioner where he quickly recognized the value of mentorship. “I had no formal individual or group of people to help me with some difficult cases,” he says. That experience led him to pursue an orthopedic residency, where he refined his clinical reasoning and decision-making while continuing to treat patients.
Through his work and training, Brandon has developed a clear perspective on the physical therapy profession, particularly how it is understood by the public. “Physical therapists earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree, which is a clinical doctorate,” he says. Despite this, he notes that public perception has not fully caught up. He believes part of the shift starts with how PTs present themselves. “When I introduce myself to a patient, I say, ‘Hi, I’m Dr. Brandon Johnson, and I’m a physical therapist, but you can call me Brandon,’” he explains. He sees education, specialization, and advocacy as key to strengthening recognition of the field.
Like many in healthcare, Brandon is also mindful of burnout and the importance of maintaining balance. For him, that comes down to consistency in a few core areas. “Proper nutrition, high quality sleep, consistent exercise, mindfulness, and positive social interactions.” Living in Colorado, he finds grounding in nature and live music, along with staying connected to people who support and challenge him. “I feel as if I’m doing the best that I can to make sure that I’m still able to wake up daily and serve my patients, but also waking up daily and serving myself,” he says.
Mentorship has played a central role in Brandon’s development, and it continues to shape his career. He maintains close relationships with faculty and clinical mentors, as well as peers from his time as an APTA Leadership Scholar. He also gives back by teaching and mentoring others through residency and DPT programs. “What really fills my cup is being able to pass on the knowledge that I’ve gained,” he says.
As a Surge scholar, Brandon has gained something equally important: perspective. “My most meaningful experience is the message of hope,” he says. Belonging to a community of driven professionals has reinforced his belief in the future of the field and its ability to reach more people. He encourages future scholars to approach their careers with intention. “Intentionality seeks serendipity,” he says. “You have the power to create conditions for happy accidents and unexpected discoveries through deliberate action.”
