PT Path
Authentic stories from physical therapists navigating challenges, making pivotal decisions, and discovering their purpose. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or considering a career change, these conversations will inspire you to explore possibilities within our PT community. Join us as we explore the diverse paths of physical therapy – one story at a time.
PT Path
Benjamin Boyd: Pain Science and Career Pivots
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Benjamin Boyd has always been fascinated by how the human body works, the interplay of muscles, movement and skeletal structure. With a father who was a pediatric physiatrist, he was exposed to health care early on. After a foray into environmental studies, he eventually discovered physical therapy, where he became especially captivated by the nature of pain and its deep connection to the human experience.
In a bold career pivot, Ben stepped away from his faculty role at Samuel Merritt University to write Bodily Relearning, a book designed to help clinicians better support patients living with persistent pain. The book was met with enthusiasm, and he is currently working on a second book written directly for patients.
In the new year, he will return to academia as a professor at Samuel Merritt University, bringing his experiences in research, writing and clinical practice full circle. His career reflects a constant thread: a passion for helping others learn, grow, and rethink what is possible in rehabilitation and pain care.
00:00 Introduction to PT Path
00:30 Meet Benjamin Boyd: From Environmental Studies to Physical Therapy
01:55 Early Exposure to Physical Therapy
03:01 Gaining Experience Before PT School
04:48 Research Focus: Peripheral Nerve Sensitivity in Diabetes
06:53 The Journey into Academia and Research
10:11 Balancing Clinical Work and Academia
11:30 Writing 'Bodily Relearning': Challenges and Triumphs
13:40 The Impact of Pain Science and Education
45:04 Future Plans and Returning to Academia
50:33 Final Thoughts and Advice