

216. The Evolution of a PT Career w/ Jess Elis
6 snips Sep 2, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jess Elis, a seasoned physical therapist with 16 years of experience, highlights the crucial phases of a PT career. She emphasizes overcoming imposter syndrome and the transformative role of mentorship in professional growth. Jess shares her insights on embracing failure as a catalyst for resilience and personal fulfillment in one’s career. Her anecdotes shed light on the importance of practical experience and aligning your career with your core values for a meaningful journey.
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Education-Practice Mismatch Fuels Imposter Syndrome
- New grads enter practice as generalists but quickly must perform as specialists, causing imposter syndrome.
- Jess argues this mismatch between education and workplace expectations is a main source of early professional doubt.
Slow Down, Build A Foundation First
- Take a breath and accept you won't know everything; ask for help and listen more than you speak.
- Focus early on communication, clinical reasoning, and mastering biomechanics before chasing flashy techniques or many courses.
Mine Value From Any Clinic
- Evaluate your work environment honestly and extract the learning opportunities it offers instead of running away.
- Use imperfect settings to gain specific skills, like watching surgeries to learn post-op care and surgeon communication.