Ethan Rocha

Ethan graduated from The University of Illinois at Chicago where he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. For his undergraduate education, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned dual degrees in Kinesiology and Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience.

While attending UIC, Ethan had an interest in research involving many facets of healthcare. For one project, he partnered with a medical student to develop a cohort research study and their work resulted in multiple published papers, one of which Ethan was co-first author. He plans to use his interest in research to provide the most evidence-based care possible for his patients.

Ethan places a high emphasis on mentorship, especially for those interested in the medical professions. He developed a virtual career exploration program to educate and bring awareness to the various opportunities within the healthcare field. This program has served fourteen high schools in rural Northwestern Illinois.

Ethan grew up in Northwestern Illinois in a farming & manufacturing community. While in high school he valued his work on an organic dairy farm, lumber yard and grain elevator. During summer breaks from college he worked at a manufacturing facility in his hometown. Ethan believes his diverse work history gives him a firsthand understanding of the expectations and challenges many hard working individuals face on a daily basis. Throughout school, Ethan also played multiple sports; he had a particular interest in track, cross country, and swimming. 

Ethan enjoys working with a variety of patients with a special interest in orthopedics and sports physical therapy. Additionally, he plans to become more involved in the state and national physical therapy organizations to help support the profession’s future growth and development.

Ethan lives in Chicago with his fiancée, Haley, and their two dogs Luna and Elsie. In his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, and exploring new coffee shops & restaurants around Chicago.