Wendell Parks

Mature, reliable, out patient, orthopedic physical therapist who has worked at a major hospital in San Diego for almost 30 years. Working in a trauma hospital I have seen a variety of diagnoses: sprains, strains, post-surgical and trauma patients, including some amputees. Occasionally seeing

in-house demonstrates ability to be a team player. Having cerebral palsy,

I have been exemplary in teaching patients how to overcome their own limitations and live a productive, satisfying life. Although documentation has been somewhat challenging for me, the use of Medical Dragon software and having a knowledge of Epic has been of help. My philosophy of treating has been influenced by medical exercise therapy taught by Ola Grimsby, Robin McKenzie and Brian Mulligan. Emphasis is placed upon correct diagnosis and patient education on how to attain their goals.

In my desire to expand my knowledge of humanity, and how to best serve them, I have lived amongst a tribe in Papua New Guinea, bicycled from Frankfort Germany to Prague, worked as the physical therapist on 3 different medical mission teams that served poor villages high in the Andes mountains of Peru. I have traveled on a Holy Land tour to Israel and Turkey. I have visited orphanages and helped build houses in Mexico. I have interned in Alaska, Oregon, and Los Angeles, California, with a rotation on the spinal cord injury unit at Rancho Los Amigos.

Other volunteer activities included time as a choir member and former deacon at my church. I have also volunteered as a P.T. several times with Susan G Komen "Race for the Cure".

My whole family has been part of Operation Christmas Child which sends gifts to children around the world. My children and I currently volunteer caring for horses that are part of a therapy program.

• Member of Shadow Mountain Community Church
• My 2 girls and I volunteer at a horse camp that unites special needs clients with the horses as therapy.