This month’s professional spotlight features Yonas Tekeste, PT, DPT, a physical therapist, real estate agent, and investor. Read on to learn more about Yonas and his successful multifaceted career.
Could you briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current career role.
I help rehab patients in their homes as a physical therapist in the home health setting. I see elderly patients who are too weak to leave their home. I have worked as physical therapist for 5+ years and have worked in many settings to include hospital, nursing home, outpatient, and sport setting. I provide physical therapy through exercise, manual therapy, activity modification etc.
What motivated you to pursue a career in physical therapy?
I like to exercise and encourage people and physical therapy allows me to combine the two for my job.
What was your path to becoming a physical therapist?
I received my bachelors in psychology while undergoing the pre-physical therapy prerequisites. Then, I went to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program for 3 years afterward. The program is year-round.
What is a typical day as a physical therapist?
I work in home health this time around. I schedule patients the day before. During the day I drive to patient homes. I solve their problems physically in the home and help rehab them. I typically see 3- 6 patients per day. It is a low stress setting.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your career?
The most rewarding aspect is seeing patients improve through the rehab process. I am a believer of Jesus, and I am blessed to have the opportunity verbally encourage patients and share the light during my job. Many patients are in pain, sad, and in a dark place where there is an opportunity to be the light. The most challenging aspect is the documentation and scheduling to see patients.
To date, what is your greatest professional accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment is graduating from a doctoral of physical therapy program.
In addition to working as a physical therapist, you’re also a real estate agent and investor. Can you share more about that? How do you balance these different roles?
I am working on balance every day. I am an investor and have bought 2 rental properties. I am always looking for distressed homes to buy and close quickly in all states. I am a realtor in California, and I acquired my license this year to save on agent commissions for when I personally buy in CA. There is a cap on salary as a physical therapist and I am focused on real estate for more opportunities.
What advice would you give someone looking to transition into your line of work?
Make sure you are passionate about physical therapy before going this route. Look at the amount of debt you will acquire and possible income you will make as a PT. Shadow PTs in as many settings as possible.
Outside of all of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun? Hobbies?
I like to do CrossFit, basketball, travel, and eat injera!