Drs. Devon Morris & Cortez Espinoza: Rizing Tide: Giving Back and Paying it Forward

In this episode of the Healthy Wealthy & Smart Podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT welcomes Dr. Cortez Espinoza and Dr. Devin Morris. They explore the journey from their Rizing Tide scholarships and advanced training to navigating the financial realities of the PT profession. The discussion covers community building, mentorship, and strategic thinking, providing a comprehensive look at how physical therapists can shape a more equitable and impactful future.

 

Key Topics:

• How Rising Tide Scholarship creates community and leadership opportunities for underrepresented clinicians
• Differences between residency and fellowship – and why both are foundational for advanced clinical decision-making
• The financial landscape of PT education, including student debt, business challenges, and alternative income streams
• The significance of mentorship, advocacy, and policy involvement for career growth and systemic change
• Opportunities in direct access care, policy advocacy, media, and community engagement for young clinicians
• Practical strategies for aligning career choices with personal values, purpose, and long-term goals
• The role of holistic treatment approaches, lifestyle medicine, and lifestyle factors in patient care and clinician wellness

 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and background of guests from Rising Tide 02:05 - How Rising Tide shaped clinical and leadership development 04:07 - The community and ongoing support beyond scholarships 09:00 - Clarifying the differences between PT residency and fellowship 10:44 - Financial realities of PT education and career paths 13:05 - Residency and fellowship decision-making strategies 18:35 - Opportunities for impact and leadership in early career stages 25:00 - Addressing the financial burden on PT students and clinicians 30:30 - Insights on balancing financial stress, private practice, and side income 43:19 - Emerging opportunities in direct access and policy advocacy 55:42 - Resources for early career PTs and the importance of defining success 56:49 - Personal advice on purpose, staying true to values, and career resilience 58:00 - How to connect with Cortez and Devin and get involved with Rising Tide

 

Resources & Links:

• Rising Tide Foundation – community, scholarships, mentorship, advocacy
• The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle