Raymond Vigil, PT, DPT

Dr. Vigil is running for Delegate at Large in the 2022 APTA Colorado Elections. 

Raymond “Ray” Vigil grew up in Cimarron, Colorado on the gorgeous Western Slope.  Upon graduation, he attended CU Boulder and graduated with a BA in Spanish.  For the past 37 years Orthopaedic PT has become his specialty with Board Certification (OCS) for 20 years.  He owns and operates Body Mechanix PT, PC since 1993.  Ray has used his bilingual skills in patient directed care.  On one occasion a nurse case manager asked Ray if a patient spoke English, Ray’s response was, “I don’t know, I only speak to them in Spanish.”   Ray is the recipient of the Professionals in Workers’ Compensation  Outstanding Therapist Award in 2007 and the Bob Doctor Service Award in 1995.  Ray has been involved in Sunset PT licensing renewals on two occasions, campaigning successfully for Colorado State and US Senators and State and US Congressmen and Congresswomen.  He has been involved in Colorado Division of Labor medical treatment guidelines.  He has served as faculty for the Division of Labor Medical Cost Containment Unit from 1993 to 2007.  Most recently, Ray has been involved in Colorado APTA Governmental Affairs Committee this past year which has involved dry needling, work comp proposed rule changes, occupational licensing, acupuncture, Kapro issues, Medicaid reimbursement and a variety of Joint Budget Committee issues.

Ray started a specific shoulder rehabilitation equipment design and patenting project which is a long sought-after goal.  Additionally, Ray will be presenting at Combined Sections Meeting for the Orthopaedic Academy in San Diego in February 2023 for Relocating the Dislocated Shoulder in the wilderness setting.  Ray enjoys hiking 14ers, skiing, and gold panning.  If Ray were to sum up Physical Therapy as a career choice he would say, “It’s a great career choice because it is rewarding, versatile and an ever-changing profession in patient centered rehabilitation.”

What strengths do you bring to the Colorado Chapter and what strengths would you bring to the position you are running for?
I bring a strong skill set for problem solving and for careful listening. I believe strongly in the adage, "seek first to understand and then to be understood." I understand the necessity of policy and procedures in a variety of settings. I am very familiar with the Colorado APTA organization and I am willing to use my clinical and administrative experiences to further our great profession.

What are weaknesses of the Colorado Chapter and what improvements would you like to make?
We have a great community of PTs in Colorado. I cannot think of a weakness. My suggestion for improvement is to continue with the excellent work that our past president and current president are doing to continue to protect our profession. There are a variety of threats that have to be identified this past session and to keep "the radar up" is key for dealing with potential problems to keep ahead of the curve.