Mary Turner had just gotten off the phone when an unusual movement in the next room caught her eye.
Meet our Physiatry Residents:
Five Questions with Mitch Wright, DO
Mitch Wright, DO, is among Gaylord’s inaugural class of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residents. Wright talks with Gaylord about his chosen field, his career goals, and more as he commences his three-year rotation at Gaylord Hospital.
What drew you to medicine?
I was very active in high school and college sports. After an injury in high school I developed an interest in physical therapy. With my background in sports, I started out with a degree in athletic training. During my junior year of undergrad, I went on a medical mission to Nicaragua and was encouraged by a group of doctors to consider medical school. That thought never left my mind. After graduation, I worked as an athletic trainer for three years and I had the opportunity to work closely with physiatrists. I was drawn to the discipline and decided to go to medical school and pursue physical medicine and rehabilitation.
What impact do you want to make in your career?
As an athletic trainer, I loved being able to return an athlete to their sport. Physiatry is very similar, but on a much larger scale. Instead of returning an athlete back to their sport after injury, we can help return patients back to their lives after a major injury or life-altering diagnosis.
Why is Gaylord a unique place to spend part of your residency?
It’s the “spirit” of Gaylord. You notice it walking around campus. The fact that people have been here for 20, 30 years, and more speaks highly to type of institution it is. Everyone - from the very top and throughout the organization - is focused on improving patient quality of life.
It is great to be able to spend time here during my residency training at a well-recognized model system and CARF-accredited organization. It’s very exciting to be here!
What do you think you would be if you hadn’t pursued a career in healthcare?
I would have gone to culinary school and opened a restaurant or a food truck.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I played high school and college basketball, and I am an avid competitive volleyball player. I also have two girls under the age of two!
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