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Airman Up! Remedy through therapy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Pulic Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Airmen, Soldiers and dependents with various physical pains and difficulties enter a miniature gym, where they are greeted by 20th Medical Group physical therapists.

In the physical therapy flight resides an Airman who constantly strives to reach a higher tier of physical therapy.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Scott, 20th MDG physical therapist, was selected by his leadership as the weekly Airman Up! individual. The program recognizes an Airman who has stepped out of one’s comfort zone to improve work ethic and morale, allowing one to Airman Up! past any obstacle.

Growing up in a family of military and law enforcement personnel, this Richmond, Virginia, native found his professional calling as a member of the U.S. Air Force.

Scott had to step out of his comfort zone to overcome his own trials before becoming a 20th MDG physical therapist.

Before joining the Air Force, Scott worked as a civilian physical therapist. He built a life with his wife and two daughters in Virginia, where they lived in his wife’s childhood home.

“That house had a huge impact on my life as well as my wife,” said Scott. “It is where I picked her up for dates and spent a good portion of my time with her.”

Scott felt as though he needed a change from his civilian job, which often demanded more than 50 hours a week. He looked to his family’s military heritage and decided to pursue a job where he can do what he loves for the military.

When he was accepted into officer training school, he faced a tough decision that would move him and his family from their home. Serving in the military would mean packing up everything and starting over again.

“There was still this little hole that ate at me,” said Scott as he recalled his decision to join the Air Force. “Am I willing to give up on everything I built to chase after it?”

His acceptance to OTS came with a shock, but Scott knew it was an opportunity that he could not turn down. With the support of his wife, Scott and his family left rural Virginia and took their first step into the Air Force as he began OTS in the summer of 2015.

Having acquired a doctorate degree in physical therapy and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science prior to enlistment, Scott earned the title of captain upon completion of OTS.

Scott began his Air Force career at Shaw providing physical therapy to the many Airmen, Soldiers and dependents on base. After taking a big leap and starting over, he found his calling as a military physical therapist.

“My job is more than just helping people who can’t move,” said Scott. “It’s allowing them to turn the wrench needed to do their job, or having the strength to go home and pick up their baby.”

In his profession, Scott builds relationships with many patients, which he considers the most important part of the job.

“You get to work with those patients and see them get better,” said Scott. “Not only are they doing the things needed to accomplish the mission but then they come back and say ‘I can throw a ball with my kid again.'”

The mindset of helping as many Team Shaw members as possible has inspired Scott to study for the Orthopedic Specialty Clinical Board.

“This certification will assist me because doing all the studying and the research on the best practices will help me give better therapy service to the people here,” said Scott.

Scott’s coworkers have noticed his dedication to the job.

“I have never met anyone who is so knowledgeable and caring for his patients,” said Airman 1st Class Kyrie McGlynn, 20th MDG physical therapy technician.

He has a lot to offer those of us still learning our craft, said McGlynn.

Capt. Scott took the first few steps out of his comfort zone in order to overcome personal trials and pave the path for those who follow his footsteps.