I Wasn’t a Waiter… Until I Worked in Physical Therapy

My first job paid $7.50 an hour bagging groceries.
Eventually, I got promoted to Meat Clerk, helping prep cuts of meat in the back of the store.

Later, I picked up carpentry — a job I genuinely enjoyed.

But I never waited tables.

Not officially, anyway…
Not until I started working in outpatient physical therapy.

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The Day I Became a “Waiter”

One day, a patient looked at me and said:
“You look like you’re bussing tables. Can I give you a tip?”

She as well have asked for a refill.

At that moment, I had an important realization.
I was not just treating patients. Instead, I was waiting tables in a broken healthcare system.

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The Reality of In-Network Care

That hour, I was managing three patients at once:

• Becky was finishing her exercises — solo.
• Richard was lying on a hot pack.
• Rhonda was about to vomit from vertigo.

All hands on deck: Rhonda took priority.

Becky wrapped up and headed out.
Two new patients walked in.
Richard? Still marinating practically medium-rare after 30 minutes on that hot pack.

Thankfully, he wasn’t injured — and thankfully, he was kind.

But the experience stuck with me.

Not because of laziness or neglect I’ve never been that provider.
But because it showed me just how risky and impersonal in-network care can be.

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The Turning Point

Stories like that one helped shape my view of healthcare.
They pushed me to create something better.

That “something” became Ascend Physical Therapy.

Here, there are:

• No triple bookings.
• No rushed appointments.
• No patients passed off or left alone.

Every session is one-on-one. Every patient is a VIP.

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I Haven’t Waited Tables Since

My patients don’t offer tips anymore.
They don’t feel bad for me.
And they’re never forgotten on a hot pack.

They’re seen. Heard. Helped.

And yes — I still gladly get them a refill.