From Clinician to Change Agent

Jeremy VanDevender, PT ’99, began his career as an orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapist. For more than 15 years, he has led growth and operations for top PT organizations, including scaling Ivy Rehab into one of the largest groups in the United States. Today, he leads Equus Growth Advisors, a healthcare consultancy.

SCALING UP
Jeremy VanDevender built his career from physical therapy to running a healthcare consultancy.

Can you share an experience at RFU that influenced your approach to work?

Six weeks into the PT program, I traveled instead of studying for our first exam — and failed it. The next meeting with my professor stuck with me.

What was that conversation like?

It was a dose of reality — she told me I wasn’t showing up like someone who deserved to be in the program. That hit hard. I needed to rethink my approach.

It made me realize that being a healthcare professional means you’re accountable to others. From then on, I never let anything come before my responsibilities — and that mindset has guided my career ever since.

How did the PT program prepare you for your career?

My final rotation was with the U.S. Navy. It was a defining experience with high expectations. I pushed myself beyond the clinical day — to observe surgeries, learn from great doctors and grow up fast. Shadowing forged a work ethic that has stayed with me and shaped how I lead.