Across the US, an estimated nine million patients are being treated by alumni from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP). That equates to about 40,000 patients a day who are being influenced by RMUoHP graduates. At a virtual event on April 28, 2021, RMUoHP President and Founder, Richard Nielsen, PT, DHSc, ECS, spoke to alumni and provided essential tips on using this influence to affect change in one’s profession and throughout the world.
Nielsen began by telling graduates, “RMUoHP prepared you not just to train your hands or to open your hearts or to expand your minds, the University also taught you how to become leaders–to teach you how to influence other people and affect change in whatever circle you find yourself.” Nielsen further explained that it all starts with a desire. A desire to do good will grow into good actions, creating habits and eventually forming your character and destiny.
The desire to do good runs deep within the RMUoHP family. With alumni advocating for healthcare providers on capitol hill, faculty working in pro bono clinics, and students participating in service trips to Africa, RMUoHP employees, students, and alumni strive to be the best that they can be every day. “You don’t have to go out of your way to serve somebody. You simply do it on your way,” Nielsen taught. “Serving someone on your way represents who you are and your profession. It will come back around and serve you and your profession.”
To celebrate 34 years of RMUoHP partnering with World of Difference, a non-profit started by Nielsen and his wife, Jodi, focused on enhancing and empowering the education of young people, President Nielsen shared a lesson he learned from a plover bird on an African safari. The plover bird is a three-ounce bird that nests on the ground rather than in a tree. While on safari, Nielsen watched the bird protect its eggs from a herd of 16 elephants. This bird advocated for its eggs by flapping its wings in front of an elephant’s face and causing it to change its course. Three ounces of feather influenced two hundred thousand pounds of muscle to make a change of direction.
Nielsen concluded with a challenge to all faculty, students, and alumni: “never underestimate the power and influence that you have within you.”
To view the event recording in its entirety or to learn more about upcoming alumni events, visit rm.edu/alumni/. If you would like to listen to President Nielsen’s speech, email alumni@rm.edu.
