Throughout his life, Darin Jernigan ’91, MS, DPT, WEMT has been on the move. As a college track star, he set records at Idaho State University (ISU) in the high hurdles and as part of a 4×100-meter relay team. After practicing physical therapy in 10 states, he returned to Idaho and is currently the director of rehabilitation programs within the College of Technology at ISU.
Dr. Jernigan uses his love for cycling to help raise funds for several charities. Since 1991, he has participated in fundraisers for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Since 2003, he has ridden in the annual bike tour organized by the Pocatello Family Services Alliance.
“The Alliance is responsible for assisting individuals and families struggling in our local community,” said Dr. Jernigan. “I recruit as many as a dozen other friends and colleagues to participate with me each year from as far away as Oregon and Wyoming.”
Since 1998, he has been a member of the National Search and Rescue Association and actively serves as a climbing ranger for Grand Teton National Park. In 2010, he was part of the search and rescue team that undertook the daring and dramatic rescue of 17 climbers who were stranded on the 13,770-foot Grand Teton during a lightning storm.
Looking back at his time as a student at Pacific, he said there are several individuals who had a profound impact on his life and education: Jean I. Baldwin, PhD, William “Bill” Ogard ’72, PhD, Monty Merrill, PT, MS, OCS, FAAOMPT, Darcy Umphred, PT, PhD, FAPTA and Bradley “Brad” Stockert, PT, PhD.
“The education I gained at Pacific created the springboard to build a rewarding career in health care and higher education.”
“My success is built on their compassion and expertise in teaching,” Dr. Jernigan said. “The education I gained at Pacific created the springboard to build a rewarding career in health care and higher education.”
He is honored to be recognized by his peers as the 2018 Pacific Physical Therapy Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year. “It is a humbling experience,” he said. “It means a lot to me. It is a wonderful affirmation of a long career of trying to improve patients’ lives and help educate others to create a meaningful life for themselves.”
By Anne Marie H. Bergthold
