Please provide your full name, current location, and current job title.
Dr. Mark Uridel, DPT, BCTMB, C-IAYT, ERYT500 Physical Therapist, Massage Therapist and Yoga Therapist at Castle Hill Integrative Wellness in Austin, Texas.
Provide one fun fact about you.
As a labor of love, my wife and I created an audio CD of spiritual music called A Love Offering, in which we give the proceeds to Playing For Change, a non-profit that maintains music schools around the world in impoverished areas.
What are your hobbies?
mountain biking, hiking, playing music
How did you discover the massage therapy profession?
What motivated you to pursue massage therapy as a career? My roommate was a Massage Therapist (before Texas had state licensure), I was drawn into the immediacy of benefit that I saw her clients receive. It turns out that massage was a true calling. When I was 10 or 11, my mother would ask me to massage her neck. She said “You are massaging the right spots…how do you know where to massage?” I had no idea, it was a feeling in my hands, a gift.
How did you develop your passion?
I enrolled in Massage School for $1100, not knowing how or if I would re-coop that investment. Third Coast School for the Healing Arts was one of two schools in Austin at that time and one of the first schools in Texas to be accredited for licensure. I was licensed as a Massage Therapist in Texas in 1987. On the last day of school, we wrote down in our journals “where will you be in 3 months?” I wrote “I will be working full time as a Massage Therapist.” I had no idea how I was going to manifest that. One of my classmates told me about a job opportunity at a 5-star spa and Conference Resort in Austin. I asked her “Why would they hire me straight out of school with no experience?” She said, “It will be good interview experience.” So, I set up an interview and while I was sitting there waiting for the Spa Director, he asked me to give a massage to one of the club members. And that is how I got my foot in the door. Within three months, I was working full time as a Massage Therapist in a 5-star Spa. When you’re on the right path, the Universe opens doors. I remember how grateful and inspired I was!
How has your massage career evolved?
I got hired as the first Massage Therapist ever to work for St. David’s Hospital in their Pain Management Division. I was honored and I got to collaborate with Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists. I saw that as the next step in my professional evolution. So after 33 years of working as a full-time therapist, in my current role, I am still providing hands-on care and giving all my gifts to the fullest.
When did you first become NCBTMB Certified?
1993
Why did you elect to become NCBTMB Certified?
It was another step in my professional evolution and it gave me a level of credibility and excellence.
Why have you maintained your NCBTMB Certification all these years?
It still means a lot to me to be Board Certified. The BCTMB Certification letters after my name declares a level of expertise and accomplishment.
How has NCBTMB Certification elevated your career? What doors did it open for you?
I am not sure exactly how it opened doors, but when an interviewer or a potential client sees that I am Board Certified, it must help them feel assured that I am legitimate and vetted.
What would you say to a fellow massage therapist contemplating Board Certification?
It is well worth it. It will elevate your knowledge through continuing education and give you a professional status that will help you stand out among your peers.
How has your practice and/or employment been affected by COVID-19?
I was working full-time as a Clinic Director of an Out-Patient Physical Therapy clinic, when this all began. Since we were considered an “essential service” due to providing rehabilitation for surgeries and injuries, I have never stopped working. I did get retired from that job, and since things have loosened up, I am back at work providing therapy. We employ extra sterilization protocols and have HEPA air purifiers, not to mention masks, gloves and social distancing as practical as possible.
If you are not working or unable to work during the pandemic, what are you doing during this time to prepare yourself for future work?
I am continuing to upload pre-recorded continuing education courses as an Approved Provider with NCBTMB.
What would you suggest a fellow massage therapist do during this time to prepare for future success?
Absolutely, this is a great time to increase your knowledge and use this time to get that Board Certification. It will make a positive difference when you return to work and set you apart from other therapists trying to get back into the marketplace.
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To apply for Board Certification, click here.