Making a career-related change: knowing when the time is right

Making a career-related change: knowing when the time is right

Featuring Dr. Brad Defenbaugh, PT, physical therapist at IRG Physical & Hand Therapy – Highlands; Starr Cornyn, OTR/L, MOT, occupational therapist at IRG Pacific Hand Therapy – Everett; and Dr. Justin White, PT, physical therapist at IRG Physical Therapy – Gateway

The decision to make a career-related change can be intimidating. However, taking the time to consider one’s long-term goals, the alignment of one’s personal and professional values, and the many other individualized factors involved in these transitions can result in highly-rewarding outcomes.

Below, we connect with IRG providers Dr. Brad Defenbaugh, PT, Starr Cornyn OTR/L, MOT, and Dr. Justin White, PT, regarding their career journeys.

Prior to joining IRG, how did you know that it was time to make a career-related change?

Brad: “I was at a point in my career where I was either going to start my own business (which would involve high stress and a large time commitment) or take a step back and raise my young kids. I decided that I was not sure that full ownership of a clinic was the route that I wanted to go, but I wanted to use all of the skills that I had learned leading up to that time.”

Starr: “I knew that it was time for a career change when I felt that I was at a standstill in my life – I felt the need to take on an opportunity to grow and further my skillset.”

Justin: “It was time for a career change when my personal values were no longer being met through my work. Having the time to provide an appropriate level of care to my patients, prioritizing the progression and health of those that I treat, maintaining my work-life balance, and feeling confident in the presence of effective communication at each organizational level are all important to me.”

What makes IRG a good fit for you?

Brad: “With IRG, there are unlimited possibilities if you have a vision of where you want your career to go as well as many resources throughout the company to help you to realize your career goals. IRG also prioritizes its involvement in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the American Physical Therapy Association Washington (APTA Washington) and the Private Practice Special Interest Group (PPSIG).”

Starr: “IRG is a good fit for me for many reasons, including the friendliness of their staff, the availability of mentorship and growth opportunities, and the feeling of support that they provide to their employees.”

Justin: “IRG is locally owned and operated; has a strong culture; emphasizes continuing education and professional development; and provides me with the feeling and assurance that they want me to be the best version of myself as a practitioner – not just for the company, but for me and my patients as well.”

What advice to do you have for individuals who are considering making a career-related change?

Brad: “Put considerable thought into why you want to make a change – for example, if you are looking to change companies because you want to work less or no longer enjoy physical therapy, a company change may not be the answer; you may need a complete career change. The worst thing that you can do is to ask a new employer to support you when you are not willing to support them back. It can be helpful to develop a general five-year plan for yourself, and then find the company that can help support that plan.”

Starr: “Take advantage of opportunities when they become available to you. Also, always be confident and believe in yourself.”

Justin: “If you are unhappy with the organization that you are currently with and cannot change the things that frustrate you, find a company that more appropriately aligns with your values – you are interviewing companies as much as they are interviewing you. Additionally, know your worth as a practitioner.”

IRG is a dynamic, growing company with a team comprised of positive, energetic and motivated therapists who want to develop professionally while providing cutting-edge, compassionate care. We offer competitive salaries and benefit packages that include paid employee medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan with profit sharing, continuing education for all employees, and flexible working hours.

Are you ready to be your best self with IRG? Take a look at our current openings and learn more about our company culture here.

Questions? Reach out today at careers@irgpt.com.

Brad Defenbaugh, PT, DPT, SCS, TPI-F2, TPI-J2, TPI-M3, is a physical therapist at IRG Physical & Hand Therapy – Highlands with specialized training under the Titleist Performance Institute. To learn more about the services provided at IRG Physical & Hand Therapy – Highlands, please contact 425.686.7654; or click here to schedule an appointment with the clinic.

Starr Cornyn, OTR/L, MOT, FCE Cert., WH/WC Cert., is an occupational therapist at IRG Pacific Hand Therapy – Everett with specialized training in ergonomic training and assessment, functional capacity evaluations, work conditioning, and work hardening. To learn more about the services provided at IRG Pacific Hand Therapy – Everett, please contact 425.374.2846; or click here to schedule an appointment with Starr.

Justin White, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at IRG Physical Therapy – Gateway. To learn more about the services provided at IRG Physical Therapy – Gateway, please contact 425.686.7655; or click here to schedule an appointment with Justin.

Click here to request an appointment with an IRG therapist — Washington is a direct access state that allows patients to self-refer to physical therapy. Call 425.316.8046 to find the clinic nearest you and learn more about starting the journey back to your best self.