What makes someone an athlete?

A physical therapist assistant instructor and the founder of a competitive wheelchair soccer program say it's not what you'd expect.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Jim Irvin, Lead Instructor in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute, and Tony Jackson, founder of Ability360's Power Soccer program, a competitive team sport played entirely in power wheelchairs.

Tony is also a player, head coach, and advocate who just returned from the 2026 US Power Soccer Association Nationals in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Together they unpack what physical therapy looks like day to day, why "mobility" means something completely different on the Power Soccer pitch than it does in a clinic, and how a sport most people have never heard of is pushing toward the Paralympics.

In this episode:

- What physical therapy really involves, beyond exercise and pain management

- Why Tony describes Power Soccer as total freedom

- The moment in 2009 that turned Tony from a patient into an athlete

- A physical therapy patient's story of learning to walk again in the pool

- What separates elite athletes from everyday patients, in training, discipline, and drive

- The overlooked skill every Power Soccer player needs (hint: it's not what you think)

- How Tony founded the Ability360 Power Soccer program in 2012

- Inside the 2026 US Power Soccer Nationals: 44 teams, one gym, in Fort Wayne, Indiana

- The moment from Nationals Tony is most proud of

- Why the Paralympics is the next frontier for Power Soccer

- Advice for anyone considering a career as a physical therapist assistant

Whether you're interested in physical therapy, allied health careers, adaptive sports, disability advocacy, rehabilitation, mobility, Paralympic sports, or sports performance, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on movement, resilience, and human potential.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

Voices of Vital Care is a podcast exploring the people and stories behind healthcare, from physical therapy and adaptive sports to the professionals who help others reach their full potential.

Guests:

Jim Irvin, Lead Instructor, Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Pima Medical Institute

Tony Jackson, Founder, Ability360 Power Soccer Program | Ability360 Phoenix Rising Player | Ability360 United Head Coach

#PowerSoccer #PhysicalTherapy #AdaptiveSports #WheelchairSports #Paralympics #Ability360 #PTA #VoicesOfVitalCare #WorldCup

Smoke-filled skies. Wildfire smoke. Dust storms. Ozone alerts. High pollen. If you've looked outside lately and wondered whether it's safe to be outside, you're not alone.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Dr. Cindy Bauer, Division Chief and Medical Director of Allergy & Immunology at Phoenix Children's, to explain what poor air quality is actually doing to your lungs and why children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or allergies are at greater risk.

Dr. Bauer explains why ozone has been compared to "sunburning your lungs," how wildfire smoke travels hundreds of miles, why dust storms and pollen can trigger serious breathing problems, and the warning signs parents should never ignore. She also shares practical advice for protecting your family during Air Quality Alert days, including when to stay indoors, whether HEPA air purifiers are worth it, and how to reduce exposure at home.

Whether you're dealing with wildfire smoke in the West, ozone alerts in major cities, seasonal allergies, or simply wondering what the Air Quality Index (AQI) means, this conversation provides practical, evidence-based guidance that can help you breathe easier.

You'll also learn how Medical Assistants, Respiratory Therapists, nurses, pediatricians, pulmonologists, and allergy specialists work together to care for children with asthma and other respiratory conditions and why these healthcare careers play such a critical role in keeping families healthy.

In this episode:

• What wildfire smoke does to your lungs
• Why ozone pollution is so dangerous
• Air Quality Index (AQI) explained
• How poor air quality affects children differently
• Asthma warning signs every parent should know
• Wildfire smoke vs. pollen vs. dust storms
• Are HEPA air purifiers worth buying?
• How to protect your family during Air Quality Alerts
• The role of Respiratory Therapists and Medical Assistants in respiratory care
• Why clean air matters for long-term lung health

If this episode helped you better understand today's air quality challenges, subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for conversations with healthcare professionals who are improving lives every day.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#AirQuality #WildfireSmoke #Asthma #RespiratoryHealth #AirPollution #Ozone #AQI #Allergies #PhoenixChildrens #RespiratoryTherapist #MedicalAssistant #HealthcareCareers #VoicesOfVitalCare #Wildfires #DustStorms #LungHealth #ChildHealth #PediatricHealth

June is Pride Month, but this conversation is about something much bigger than a single month.

It's about belonging, mentorship, and why healthcare is stronger when everyone feels seen.

On this episode of Voices of Vital Care, Nohelani Graf sits down with Dominic Flores, healthcare educator, researcher, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and Career Prep Instructor at Pima Medical Institute.

Dominic shares his journey from uncertain high school graduate to healthcare leader, researcher, nonprofit founder, and mentor helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Together, they explore:

• What it means to create belonging in healthcare

• LGBTQ+ representation and the impact of visibility

• Dominic's research on mentorship and early career gay men in healthcare

• Why inclusive workplaces improve patient care and healthcare outcomes

• The role mentors play in changing lives and careers

• How future healthcare professionals can build confidence and resilience

• Why compassion, professionalism, and authenticity matter in patient care

Whether you're a healthcare student, educator, employer, LGBTQIA+ ally, or someone searching for your place in the world, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you belong, and your voice can make a difference.

Featuring Dominic Flores, healthcare educator, researcher, LGBTQ+ advocate, and Career Prep Instructor at Pima Medical Institute.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#PrideMonth #LGBTQHealthcare #HealthcareCareers #Mentorship #HealthcareLeadership #PimaMedicalInstitute #VoicesOfVitalCare #LGBTQIA #AlliedHealth #HealthcareEducation