Lessons I learned in healthcare and how it shaped CryoWellness Studio
My journey through healthcare has been one of the most rewarding, yet challenging paths I’ve ever taken. At 16, I was fascinated by anatomy and movement but didn’t fully understand what that interest meant. Over the years, through hands-on experience and shadowing professionals, I realized that physical therapy was my calling. But as I’ve evolved personally, so has my approach to healing and wellness.
For the past 16+ years, I’ve had the privilege of working with patients and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Reflecting on those experiences, I’ve learned invaluable lessons—lessons that I now apply daily at CryoWellness Studio, which I’ve been proud to run for the last two years.
Here are some of the most important lessons I’ve gained:
1. You’re More Than Your Diagnosis
People aren’t just their illnesses or injuries. Every individual carries a unique story, filled with hopes, fears, habits, and a history that shapes who they are. Learning to truly listen and understand each person goes much further than focusing solely on their condition.
For example, I once worked with a patient who had a spinal epidural abscess due to IV drug use. During our sessions, he had shared about his childhood trauma and abuse. Recognizing those underlying stories helped me connect with him on a deeper level and provide more compassionate care.
2. Health Is Beyond Disease Management
True health isn’t just about prescriptions or quick fixes. It’s a continuous journey involving daily habits—how we move, eat, sleep, and connect with others. I learned this early on during my time with the University of Iowa, where I helped diabetic and pre-diabetic employees make positive lifestyle changes through education, cooking, and movement sessions. Those experiences taught me that health is a spectrum, not just the absence of illness.
3. Patience and Time Are Our Allies
Great progress often takes time, patience, and persistence. I recall working with a woman who had an arterial venous malformation and had suffered a stroke at 39. Initially, she needed significant help walking and was dependent on her family. Over two years, through consistent effort and perseverance, she made astonishing progress—walking independently with a cane and orthoses. Sometimes, the best outcomes are achieved by allowing time and consistent effort to work their magic.
4. Advocate for Your Patients
My core belief is that we must prioritize our patients’ true needs over system quotas or paperwork. Advocating for their well-being and maintaining integrity are non-negotiable. These principles eventually inspired me to open CryoWellness Studio, a space dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care.
5. Never Stop Learning
While earning my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2008 was a significant milestone, I know there is always more to learn. The real education comes from working with a diverse range of people, reflecting on experiences, and continually honing my skills. I vividly remember working with an 18-year-old facing terminal illness, who was disowned by his family after coming out. Initially I recommended him to go home with his family, but I learned there was no family to go home with. He passed 4 months later in the hospital surrounded by staff.
6. Who You Are Matters Just as Much as What You Know
Technical skills are essential, but being present and genuine profoundly impacts patients—especially in vulnerable moments. A few years ago, I worked with an elderly woman with back pain after spine surgery. She hadn’t improved, but I found a position that brought her comfort. As she relaxed, she shared her grief about caring for her husband with Parkinson’s and confided things she had never told anyone before. And you know, she cried that her back pain felt better. Being a safe and empathetic space can help heal as much as any treatment.
Through years and years of direct care has greatly impacted how I view health. I intentionally do things a little different because it matters. I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had, and I’m most grateful for my studio.