Justin T. Kinder
Somerset Community College
I was born and raised in the Appalachian mountains of eastern Kentucky, where coal mining was really my only choice for making a comfortable living if I were to stay there. I chose to leave and go to college to pursue a career in health care. I made this decision because of the lack of health care in rural areas and also so that I could be a role model to others to show them that there are other options and that they could do the same.
I became a radiographer in 2004 and immediately began working at the University of Kentucky Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center). I soon became the lead technologist in the emergency room and operating room. Three years later, I became the manager of the Radiology Department and maintained this position for the next 5 years, until beginning the PTA program at Somerset Community College.
I was active within radiography's national and state organizations, attending annual conferences, presenting to local chapters, and serving on the advisory committees of radiology programs in Lexington, Kentucky.
During my first year as a PTA student, I have participated in many program activities. I assisted in providing free health care screenings at the Special Olympics, educated high school students about the physical therapy profession during college tours and summer camps, and participated in a March of Dimes fundraiser. I was elected to serve as the class student liaison to the faculty and serve on the program’s advisory board. Most recently, I was selected to serve on a national committee by the Student Assembly Board of Directors.
As the SABoD PTA delegate, I would like to increase APTA membership among students and participation within the state chapters. I also would like to develop new methods of getting the word out about this profession. Many rural areas are not aware of the role of the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, and we are missing out on so many potential great PTs/PTAs. With my background in radiography and being familiar with their national organization, I also would like to see the development of a national honorary society (such as radiography's) that recognizes top students in the physical therapy profession.
I have a long history of leadership, whether it was a sport that I played, a job that I worked while a teenager, or the career that I worked so hard for. I will put in the same efforts as the SABoD PTA delegate position and the physical therapy profession as I have in the past. I believe that I am a leader and I am thankful for those in my life that have honed my leadership skills. I appreciate your support.