Juan Gutierrez Jr.

One need not search very long to find a physical therapist with more experience than Juan Gutierrez Jr.

But finding one who is more dedicated to and passionate about the field than Gutierrez? Good luck with that.

Since earning his physical therapy doctorate from UNLV six years ago, Gutierrez has been a practicing physical therapist for multiple Las Vegas-area hospitals and rehabilitation centers. And for the past three years, he’s been pulling double duty, not only caring for patients but also serving as a part-time instructor in the Department of Physical Therapy within UNLV’s School of Integrated Health Sciences.

In addition to teaching courses in acute care and cardiopulmonary physical therapy, Gutierrez helps UNLV physical therapy students gain valuable on-the-job training in hospital settings through the department's Integrated Clinical Education (ICE) program.

Furthermore, Gutierrez has volunteered to interview prospective students as part of the department’s admissions program; he’s been a student mentor; he’s completed 10 physical therapy-related continuing education courses (including several before he began seeking his doctorate); and he’s spent the past three years as a Nevada Medicaid assessor for personal care services.

The list could go on, but the point has already been made: Gutierrez found his calling in the field of physical therapy. Which is precisely why he earned his UNLV undergraduate degree in … romance languages?

It’s true: Prior to discovering physical therapy, Gutierrez developed a profound interest in other languages and cultures. This interest was ignited shortly after Gutierrez and his family immigrated to the U.S. from Guadalajara, Mexico, and he began taking English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in middle school.

“Learning and adapting to a totally new life in a new country was extremely challenging at first, having not mastered a language,” says Gutierrez, who was actually born in Los Angeles but grew up in Mexico. “But once I became fluent in English, it opened a whole new world.”

That world got a bit bigger when Gutierrez enrolled at UNLV as a first-generation college student and he took French and Italian classes, eventually getting the opportunity to study abroad in France.

However, even as he remained committed to his major as an underclassman, Gutierrez was plotting to pivot in an entirely different career direction.

“I knew by my sophomore year that I wanted to get into the medical field, because I really enjoyed a lot of my science classes — especially anatomy and physiology,” he says. “And after my mother experienced several work-related injuries as a kitchen worker in the casino industry, that solidified it.”

Although he wasn’t initially sure what aspect of medicine he wanted to pursue, Gutierrez was pretty certain of one thing: His love of language would give him a leg up in any field.

“I realized early on that there aren’t many medical professionals who speak Spanish or have a similar background to mine,” he says. “In fact, from the time I was young, I accompanied many of my family members to medical appointments, talking to the medical staff and interpreting for my family, many of whom knew minimal English.”

So how did Gutierrez ultimately become inspired to pursue physical therapy? The same way many in his generation derive inspiration for most things: through YouTube.

Specifically, he discovered a video that featured physical therapist and UNLV alumna Beatríz Alcala. Guiterrez saw himself in his fellow Rebel: a first-generation college student of Hispanic descent who wanted to help those trying to recover from physical maladies. So as he was completing undergraduate degree, he began taking classes required for admission to UNLV’s doctoral program in physical therapy. 

Fast-forward to today, and Guiterrez has forged a career that melds his love of language with his devotion to healing. And for that he credits his time as a Rebel.

“My UNLV experience was unique, from not knowing what my true calling was as a freshman to then switching to a totally different career path,” Guiterrez says. “Along the way, I got to know many professors and academic advisors who took time to sit with me and work on my goals. 

“Eventually, I was able to combine my passion for languages and culture with the world of physical therapy — to the point that as many as 70% of my patients are Spanish-speakers. Which means I get to work closely with members of my community every day.”

Call it enjoying the best of both worlds.

What led you to choose UNLV as an undergraduate student?

My family instilled in me very early on that pursuing an education was the key to reaching my goals and having a better life. Also, since moving to Las Vegas from Mexico at the age of 12, this city has felt like home to me. So I chose UNLV because, being a first-generation college graduate, it was important to be close to my family, my friends, and my community. Having all that support was vital in my journey.

Describe the impact of seeing UNLV graduate Beatríz Alcala discuss her experience as a first-generation college graduate and professional physical therapist. 

Before I saw the video, I didn’t believe I had the potential to get into physical therapy school and earn a doctorate — just the thought of it was daunting and intimidating. But after that, I was able to relate to her experience; we had similar stories. That’s when I began to believe that I, too, could become a physical therapist.

Also, as an undergrad I had a chance to shadow many professions in the medical field and felt that physical therapy was the perfect fit. I was able to see firsthand the impact that the profession has on people’s lives and their recovery after physical hardships. I also learned that physical therapists get to spend much more time with patients than other medical professionals and actually participate in their recovery journey.

You’ve been a part-time instructor at UNLV for more than three years. When did you get the teaching itch, and how have you benefited from the experience?

I was approached with the opportunity to teach part time, and I immediately jumped on it — I was inspired by some of my own professors, whom I now call colleagues.

I love sharing with students my expertise in acute care and oncology, as well as my ICU experiences. It’s fulfilling knowing that I’m having an impact on the next generation of physical therapists. It’s also an honor to work professionally alongside some of my former students — and know that someday I’ll get to do the same with my current students. It is a full-circle moment.

What’s your message to the recent UNLV graduate who is having second thoughts about their career choice and considering switching — as you did — to something entirely different?

I would say that it's never too late to find your true calling and to pursue it. You have the power to make a difference in your own life and those around you. So don’t let those doubting voices inside your head prevent you from achieving your dreams.

A recent physical therapy graduate who is embarking on their career asks you for one “must do” and one “must don’t.” What’s your response?

Must do: Be open to opportunities and changes — specifically, keep an open mind to the many settings that this profession is a part of. It’s also important to be a lifelong learner and be willing to accept new evidence when it’s presented — then be willing to change your mindset accordingly. 

Must don’t: Don’t try to operate as a lone wolf. In the PT world, you have to be capable of working alongside other professionals and respecting their perspectives.

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