Marin Mills, DPT24

What inspired you to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and how has your personal journey shaped your career goals?

My wife has always been my biggest support throughout my entire academic career. Her encouragement provided the confidence I needed to pursue a career as a physical therapist, and I haven't looked back. I left a 10+ year career in group fitness and personal training knowing I wanted more for myself and made the leap.

If you could go back to before you started at Tufts and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be and why?

Don't take the relationships that you'll develop for granted. The friends you make, and the bonds you build, will prove that the path to success is truly a team effort.

What are your aspirations and goals beyond graduation, both personally and professionally?

After graduation, I aspire to continue expanding my knowledge, develop clinical expertise, and build strong interprofessional relationships to ensure the best quality of care for the community I will serve. While doing so, I seek to be an inspiration for my children as a model of success.

What advice would you offer to prospective students based on your own experience?

For those who have families: you can do this! The sacrifices my family and I made, and the challenges we faced were only temporary. Success is at the end of this arduous journey and with relentless determination, you can rise to the top. Always maintain focus on your goal and know that you don't have to do this alone.

What impact do you hope to make in the field of physical therapy?

I hope to eventually move into a teaching role to help shape the experience of aspiring clinicians.