MEET MARK JAMANTOC
EVERSTRONG’S NEWEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST
When did you decide you wanted to become a physical therapist?
When I was a kid, I wanted to become either a medical doctor or have a career in journalism. I know, two very different careers, right? It wasn't until high school that I decided to pursue medicine and in the Philippines (where I lived and grew up then), you can pick any 4-5 year degree in science as a pre-medical course. I chose physical therapy because of the more in-depth courses in anatomy and physiology.
After finishing PT school, I decided to work as a volunteer therapist in a small town outside the city where I was living then. It was a free clinic sponsored by the government and though, we were not compensated for our services, we were able to provide PT to folks who could not afford these services that you could normally get in local hospitals. We were treating those who worked in local farms and plantations and the only payment we received were the fruits and crops they harvested. It was amazing to receive local mangoes, corn, and organic cacao from their cacao fields. I ended up loving the profession of being a PT and stayed being a PT!
What do you like most about being a physical therapist?
I love the ability to connect with people on a more personal level. I have always been interested in the human body's natural ability to heal and I am fascinated by how the body works in general. Being in this profession now for almost 20 years, I have seen some amazing transformation in people. I continue to learn from my patients and what they can do. I always say, PT can just be the pathway for them to see their real potential.
What do you like most about living in Bellingham?
It is home. The people are friendly, open-minded, and being an Asian-American, I feel that I can build a life here in this part of the Pacific Northwest (and I have lived in different areas of WA and OR). Bellingham has some of the best mix of outdoor and indoor activities that we can be proud of. You can literally find a trail in the middle of your day or during your lunch break and do a short hike and be back in time for your afternoon shift. Last, I am such a foodie and Bellingham's diverse food culture has been such an amazing experience for me so far!
What's your favorite outdoor activity?
I love hiking. Admittedly, growing up in Southeast Asia, I have never been a snow lover. I enjoy running and hiking in the spring and the summer months and I mostly enjoy lifting in the gym during the winter months. I would like to learn how to play golf!
What's your number one, all-time favorite exercise (to do or to prescribe)?
There are actually two: I love squats and dead lifts. I do them, and I prescribe them. They have been such a game changer for my patients of all ages. I grew up as a skinny, scrawny kid and I was hesitant of doing these lifts in the past. I had to go past my fear and just do them, guided by a coach.
What's one thing you want your patients to know about you?
Having such a mix of both cultures, I am every bit as American as I am Asian. I love music from the 70's, 80's and the 90's. On my downtime, I love reading science fiction and fantasy novels and I am a huge coffee lover.
