Employee Spotlight: Natalie Drogos

“Natalie Drogos came to React PT and was able to quickly immerse herself into the faced paced environment of a busy West Loop clinic. Within a month of being here, she was able to handle all the duties required of a rehab aide amazingly. She is always quick to volunteer for tasks and never complains. She completes her task in a timely manner and with great pride. She has been crucial to the success as new aides came on board. She has a great demeanor, is patient and kind with everyone, and is always in a good mood. Her ability to handle stressful situations with administrative tasks or patient interactions is above and beyond anything ever asked. ” – Franco Calabrese, PT, DPT – React Physical Therapy West Loop Clinic Director

How many years have you been at React PT?

11 months. I’ll be celebrating my 1 year work anniversary in April.

What is your favorite part of working at React PT?

Our patients! I wholeheartedly enjoy the interactions I am lucky to have with each and every patient that walks through our clinic doors. From helping patients relieve pain, to gaining strength and becoming stronger than yesterday, I take pride in knowing that I am making a positive contribution in helping make people’s lives better, restoring daily comfort, and eventually regaining pain-free functionality.

What is the most common advice you give your patients or what do you wish all of your patients knew/did?

Believe in yourselves! You are stronger than you know and give yourself credit for. No matter how challenging an exercise might be or how hard it may be to breathe
through some hands-on work, just know that it is part of the journey to healing and a better, stronger tomorrow. Nothing is ever impossible unless you give up. Just like our T-shirts say, “Stronger than you think!” I also hope that our patients know we are here to support them 100%, every step of the way to becoming their best selves.

Professional accomplishments:

I graduated in 2008 from UIC with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. After a successful 10 year career in broadcast, arts, and entertainment marketing, I decided it
was time for a career change. I am currently pursuing my PTA degree at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines with the intent to graduate in 2023. I am also a RYT 200
yoga instructor and have enjoyed sharing my teachings and practice with many in the Chicagoland area.

What would you be if you weren’t in your current career?

If I weren’t in the physical therapy field I’d be an animal massage therapist. Who wouldn’t want to pet animals all day and get paid for it? Not to mention decreasing
stress-related cortisol levels and lowering blood pressure. It would also be a fantastic way to say thank you to all the animals that give us so much love in return.

Guilty pleasure:

Animal videos on social media! I could get caught up watching them for hours on end if I had the time. It’s even better when I watch with the sound up and my dog hears and searches around for his “friends.” Top this off with a nice glass of wine, cuddly dog, warm blanket, and fireplace, I’m in hygge heaven.

To find out more about our West Loop clinic click here.