Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mike Ukoha. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mike, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I applied to my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at University of Maryland: Baltimore back in 2013. I had a really vested interest in staying local for financial reasons, family and overall to manage all the change coming my way the best way I knew how. The thing at that time was despite having those intentions I had truly little confidence or a support system to guide me in applying for a doctoral level program directly after graduating from undergraduate studies as a biology major at Towson University (Go Tigers!). My mom is a nurse practitioner, and my dad was a professor at University of Maryland: Eastern Shore with a PhD in teaching mathematics but neither could give me true insights on the path I was heading.
I had to dig deep in preparation each step of the way of the application process hoping that I was doing the right thing and that my efforts would be enough. Each school I was applying to including University of Maryland was receiving 800+ applications with an extremely limited number of seats (64 seats per cohort at UMB to be specific). My mantra always has been that if they let me in the door, I would be undeniable. And that is exactly what happened. I submitted my application in July 2013, was granted a group interview in Sept 2013 and accepted by Oct 2013. A relief and building block for what has become Live & Grow Mentorship. When I started my program, I went on to support students applying to PT school each year giving them resources, presenting on the expectations of PT school for various clubs, and in some cases working with students one and one. I never wanted students to feel that level of uncertainty I felt. I wanted students to feel like if your career goal was to become a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant you had a supportive community behind you to make it happen. However, it was not until September 2021 that I felt settled in my career and connected enough within the profession to establish Live & Grow Mentorship as an entity.
4 months prior to launch I went through all sorts of processes including creating the LLC, the logo, and website with various collaborators. It felt like 2013 all over again in this leap faith. I had to navigate creating a network of mentors, establishing a brand from scratch, analyzing financial sustainability, and truly internally determining if all my efforts were worth it. Just passing the 3-year anniversary of Live & Grow Mentorship has been worth so much more than I could have ever envisioned.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
What is Live & Grow Mentorship?
It is an online organization that presents an opportunity to mentor pre-pt students applying to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, current DPT or physical therapy assistant (PTA) students, and new graduates. Pre-pt students starting directly after undergraduate graduation, students in a gap year, and career changers are welcome. This organization will have varying levels of assistance from a collection of supporting documents to 1 on 1 coaching through a Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) application cycle. The intention of the organization is supporting underrepresented groups within the profession of physical therapy to diversify our workforce and meet the needs of the communities we serve. The intention for supporting underrepresented groups comes from research indicating that physical therapist that identify as African American is 3-5% and has been for over 50 years. We believe we have an opportunity to challenge the status quo and establish a consistent sense of support and belonging for this underrepresented group. However, with that said we strive for a very inclusive environment and will support any student looking to become a PT/PTA.
Over time the organization has transcended pre-PT assistance alone. We now facilitate connections with current students and new graduates of DPT programs to clinicians, faculty, and researchers with common interests to assist in their respective career journeys. We provide one on one National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) preparation to become a licensed physical therapist. We have sponsored various events and operations for organizations around the United States including but not limited to the Ujima Center, the National Association Black Physical Therapist (NABPT), and the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) Student Special Interest Group (sSIG). This year, we began mentoring students and physiotherapists on a global basis in Nigeria and Ghana with hopes to expand this effort in collaboration with the International Association of Nigerian Physical Therapists (IANPT). Globally, we have highlighted physiotherapy efforts abroad and provided resources for professional growth and advancement. We are aspiring to complete on site equipment upgrades and medical project sponsorships globally as we continue to grow. 3 years into LGM we are always looking to think bigger and break new ground in the profession of physical therapy in an effort to create sustainable opportunities for proper representation and equitable patient care.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I graduated from my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at University of Maryland Baltimore in 2017. It felt like there was nothing I could do wrong. My clinical rotations were complete. My research from clinicals was accepted at an international conference. I had accepted a job offer I was proud of. The hard work paid off. But when I said for my board exam, the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in April 2017, I didn’t pass on the first time attempt. By 42 points to be specific (Scale of 558, Passing Scale was 600). So in the moment, there was pain, embarrassment, frustration, and uncertainty. I was on ground zero. I had to pick myself and would not go on to pass the exam until Oct 2017. Months after my classmates went on vacations, started their jobs, and started their lives I was just beginning to figure out mine. It was a rocky start to my career and challenged me to see how much I cared about the profession of physical therapy.
Fast forward to Oct 2023. I worked with a mentee of Live & Grow Mentorship that experienced exactly what I did. He failed the NPTE twice and then found success. He found new ground to stand on and I’m glad I could provide a foundation for him to be on a new career path. Almost 7 years to the day, I made that leap getting over the hump of the NPTE and could not be prouder where my career has taken me. Professionally, I have recently started a new role as a clinic site director position at a newly opened senior living community in Gaithersburg, Maryland called The Carnegie (The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center: Senior Living Community (lifeatthecarnegie.com)). Personally, I have created a successful children’s book named Cruz’s Cars (cruzscars.com) to honor my son and family. Blessed and grateful to see the days I have now when I was ready to give up on this dream 7 years ago. It has been a reminder that one mantra remains true. A destiny delayed is not denied.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe in the field of physical therapy in the roles I’ve held in previous jobs and roles with the Maryland Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) I have always been solution oriented. More importantly, I have a man of my word. If I bring an idea to the table, I am very consistent in doing the work to make that idea be executed. As the founder of Live & Grow, looking to mentor I have continued to help individuals at various levels of our profession succeed. Some testimonials are below.
“People like you still give a good name to not only the profession but humanity. Your selflessness does not go unnoticed.”
“I owe a tremendous amount of credit to Dr. Mike Ukoha for challenging me, providing support, and for his positivity and accessibility. In a world where seemingly, most information can be Googled, there is still some knowledge that can only be gained through experience. The Live & Grow Mentorship program is the best example of that.”
“He has been incredibly supportive throughout my application. He goes above and beyond for his mentees by consistently reaching out to check in on our academic and PT journeys, connecting us with other students in PT school and providing helpful resources.”
Each day is an opportunity to grow. Live & Grow | Love & Light | Today & Tomorrow
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lgmentorship.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/LGMentorship
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ukoha-97424966/
- Twitter: https://x.com/UkohaDPT?mx=2
- Other: Children’s Book – Cruz’s Cars – cruzscars.com (Available in 50+ online markets published via Woodbridge Publishers, Barnes & Noble is the primary marketplace) Tentatively will be begin in store places in 2025.
