Deacon Spotlight: Elizabeth Rudd
Elizabeth Rudd (2013, BA in Health & Exercise Science, DPT 2016)
Owner and Physical Therapist at Well Equipt in Atlanta, GA
Tell us about your current job role and employer. What are you currently working on?
I am a physical therapist and practice owner of Well Equipt Physical Therapy. I help active adults with aches and pains move better, feel stronger, and achieve wellness. My mission is be a healthcare resource to the community and elevate the physical therapy profession as a whole. In addition to being a physical therapist and practice owner, I am also a mom of two boys!
What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?
Several key experiences shaped my path. I spent a lot of time in school, shadowing professionals, and doing internships to gain hands-on exposure to the field. I was fortunate to have great mentors in business who offered guidance and helped me see what’s possible as an entrepreneur in physical therapy. Throughout it all, I’ve maintained a positive mindset and set clear, ambitious goals, which helped me stay focused, persistent, and resilient even when faced with challenges.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?
Patient care is amazing and so fulfilling, but oftentimes I am seeing patients on their most painful days. This can be a lot to take on over and over. But the best part is being alongside their journey to getting better. The most challenging part of being a business owner is wearing many hats — marketing, leadership, finances, mentorship, clinical care, and more!
What advice would you give to Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?
Have clear goals and celebrate the small wins along the way. Stay true to your values. And health is everything — take care of yourself!
We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?
First, I build a network with people that I trust. When building new relationships, I make sure to listen and provide value first. It’s not about me, it’s about them. Nurturing the relationship is key and positive communication is consistent.
Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?
My early mentors were physical therapists that I looked up to and provided amazing care. I learned how to be a great clinician from these mentors. Later in my career, I established relationships with business mentors to help me with the journey of being an entrepreneur. These mentors helped me in all realms of life: personal development, professional development, business, leadership, and more.
What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?
The path to becoming a physical therapist is rigorous. Find a mentor or connect with somebody who can help ask questions. Be curious! Shadow physical therapists in different settings and create a strategy early in college for applying to schools every school has different requirements to apply.
What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing?
I love what I do now. My plan is to enjoy it!
Story published in April 2026. For current updates about Elizabeth, visit her LinkedIn profile.