ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – December 2020

Originally from the Province of Cavite, Philippines, Rodiel "Kirby" Baloy is a physical therapist, educator and therapeutic pain specialist practicing in Orange County, California. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and a master’s degree in human movement science from the University of the Philippines, and in 2015, graduated from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at The College of St. Scholastica. Kirby went on to earn a specialist in education degree from Fort Hays State University where he was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2018.

As a full-time therapist, Kirby specializes in orthopedic and geriatric populations experiencing persistent pain at a clinic in Huntington Beach, California. As an educator, he holds faculty appointments at The College of St. Scholastica and Stanbridge University. He is also enrolled in the Doctorate in Public Health Education program at the American College of Education.

Kirby enjoys giving back to his professional and local communities by serving on the National Credentialing Committee of the American College of Sports Medicine and volunteering for the Surf City Marathon and the Los Angeles Marathon as part of the medical staff.

Let’s get to know Kirby!

1. Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
   I consider Phi Kappa Phi membership a privilege and an honor. When my dissertation adviser informed me of my nomination, I immediately searched for Phi Kappa Phi's history and mission. Recognizing the contributions of its members to society and academic excellence, I wholeheartedly accepted the opportunity to join.


2. If you could share a meal with any two individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
   It would have to be Abraham Lincoln for his wisdom and Richard Pryor for his humor.


3. What is your definition of success?
   For me, success is being able to help as many people achieve their goals and successes as possible.


4. A genie gives you three wishes—what are they?
   This is a fun one and will bring out the geek in me! First, I wish that Star Trek's replicator, a machine that can create and recycle most things, becomes real and available to everyone. I think it would help solve worldwide hunger and free humans to pursue self-actualization and self-improvement. Second, once food and maybe even money is no longer the human pursuit and society can transition into meritocracy, my wish is that all humans will have the ability to better themselves and achieve their humanitarian goals. Third, I wish chocolate will cease to have calories nor make anyone fat.


5. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what’s the one item you would want to have?
   The Star Trek replicator I wished for from the genie in question 4!


6. What is the greatest movie of all time?
   It would have to be a tie between Shawshank Redemption and Saving Private Ryan.


7. What’s the best vacation you have ever taken?
   So far, a recent trip to Dubai with my wife was probably one of the best vacations I have taken. It was simply a different experience being in that part of the world, and we were lucky enough to be able to experience their history, traditions and cuisines. We even got to ride a camel and do a safari. 


8. If you could time travel, when and where would you go?
   I would travel to the '90s and talk to the 15-year-old version of myself who is about to head into the unknown that was college.


9. What are your favorite hobbies?
   I do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is not something I enjoy, but it is something that I have kept coming back to for almost thirteen years now!


10. What is one thing you're excited about that's coming in 2021?
    I’m looking forward to finishing up a Defense and Strategic Studies Graduate Certificate from Missouri State University and the development of a vaccine for COVID-19 that will allow everyone to live life normally again.

To learn more about Kirby and connect, visit his profile within our online member community, here.

Is there someone you would like to see in the spotlight? Send your nomination to engagement@phikappaphi.org and be sure to include basic information for the nomination.