Before pursuing his physical therapy degree at Samford University, Reed McGuire served in the U.S. Air Force, with assignments in North Carolina, Iraq and Turkey. A native of Douglasville, Georgia, McGuire initially earned a business degree and planned to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) but shifted focus after reflecting on his long-standing interest in sports, exercise science and rehabilitation.
After completing three years of prerequisite course work, McGuire arrived at Samford, where his passion for helping others through physical therapy grew. In addition to his studies and military service, McGuire is a family man. Looking ahead, he hopes to integrate his faith, intellect and hands-on experience into his work, including returning to the military after graduation.
McGuire was recommended by his professors as someone poised to make an impact in the field. He took some time to share his story.
What drew you to Samford?
I’ve been around Samford for a long time. My sister went through the nursing program here and ran track. My brother completed the MBA program and ran track as a graduate student. When thinking about what I wanted to do, my brother told me about the physical therapy program. I immediately added it to my list.
Anywhere would have been great for what I was trying to do. Since Samford is Christ-centered and offers an excellent physical therapy program, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for.
What stands out to you about Samford’s physical therapy program?
The support of the professors and the instruction they provide stand out the most. While I don’t have direct comparisons from friends in similar programs, this program is top tier based on my experience with our professors and clinicians.
We learn a lot in just two years before clinicals and it’s intense. There’s so much to absorb. But the professors are incredibly supportive. Every time I’ve reached out for help, they’ve been there.
I took six years off from school before starting this program, and I wasn’t sure if I could handle it. But the faculty has been a big reason I’ve made it this far. Their dedication really stands out.
How does the program help you live out your faith through your studies and patient care?
The professors are a big part of that. They teach the material, push us to work hard and ensure we’re not falling behind. They we’re constantly reminded we’re treating a person, and the most important part of that person, as we believe as Christians, is their spiritual well-being.
Then there’s the Cahaba Medical Clinic, which starts in our second year. It’s a volunteer physical therapy clinic in West End and Bessemer through the Church of the Reconciler where we treat patients with faculty supervision. Many of the people we see come from low-income areas and face challenging life circumstances. One thing we always do—no matter what—is pray with them. I’ve seen firsthand the impact that prayer has. That moment of prayer lights something up in them. It’s powerful. That mix of classroom learning, hands-on care and space to live out your faith is hard to find anywhere else.
How do you balance the demands of a rigorous graduate program, clinical responsibilities, family life and your Christian faith?
My wife is a huge part of how I balance everything. We have a shared calendar, so she knows exactly when I have tests and big deadlines. That way, she knows when I need to stay at school longer or when I can come home and spend more time with my family.
It comes down to prioritizing. I think, as Christians, we all know that when you take care of your spiritual life, it kind of flows into everything else. So, I’ve tried to live by a simple rule: God, family and physical therapy. Every day, I think about what’s most important—my faith first, then what my family needs and then school. After that, I just take it day by day and adjust as needed.
How have the program’s collaborative and hands-on experiences prepared you for real-world practice?
The simulations and interprofessional experiences have been invaluable. It gives me a deeper understanding of how different health care professionals collaborate. Working alongside nursing students, pharmacists and physician assistants has helped me appreciate their roles and the importance of being medically literate, even if we’re not specialists in each other’s fields. These experiences have enhanced my ability to work on a health care team.
I didn’t participate in this, but every summer, we take a mission trip to Ecuador with other programs. It’s a chance to work with real people in a different country, facing real problems. There’s something unique about being thrown into a foreign country and told, ‘Here’s what you know so far. Now let’s figure it out.’ I honestly can’t think of a better experience to prepare you before jumping into the job while still having the support and supervision of faculty.
How do you see your experiences here shape how you will care for patients?
I hope the care I provide speaks for itself and shows that what I do is effective. Beyond that, I wish that how I interact with people, genuinely getting to know them, would open doors to conversations I might not otherwise be able to have.
Those conversations must happen on their terms. I can’t force them, but if I approach each person with genuine care, I believe those moments will come when they’re ready. It might take some finesse, but I’m excited to see what will happen.
How do you plan to use your physical therapy degree?
I’ve seen a lot of people live with pain simply because they were told to, and I want to change that. I’m looking forward to helping make people’s lives easier and their workdays more comfortable.
Physical therapy isn’t always seen as a “medical” field—people often think of exercises or soft tissue work—but I want to help shift that perception. If we can expand our scope and become more medically grounded, I think we’ll earn greater respect in the health care community.
Ideally, physical therapists could be the first stop before someone sees a physician for musculoskeletal issues. That could save time, money and resources for patients and doctors alike. I’m passionate about making physical therapy more accessible and recognized for what it can do.
Currently, McGuire is serving in the Individual Ready Reserve and plans to return to active duty after graduation. With the support of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, he is able to receive financial assistance for his education. To explore more about Samford University's Veterans' Education Benefits, please visit here.
