Why I’m studying kinesiology
Matthew Ehsan · Student founder · Texas Tech University
I’m studying kinesiology at Texas Tech University with the goal of attending medical school. My interest in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation grew from playing sports and going through rehabilitation myself.
I started with basketball, then moved into track and field, where I broke a few records. I later took up powerlifting and broke records at McKinney High School. After two years of strength training, my parents agreed to let me play football. I joined the varsity team, played several positions, and became one of its captains. I enjoyed being part of the team.
A shoulder injury introduced me to rehabilitation. I did not have shoulder surgery. Learning to perform exercises correctly and rebuild strength helped me understand the importance of technique and a structured recovery plan. That experience made me want to learn more about how the body moves, how injuries happen, and how rehabilitation helps people regain function.
I also sustained a serious pinky injury and continue to live with its effects. Surgery will be required. I enjoy playing piano as well as sports.
My two cousins, Sam Ehsan, MD, and Pasha Ehsan, MD, specialize in orthopedic surgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation, respectively.
I started this student athlete education initiative to make information about injury prevention and recovery easier to find and understand. I want students to know what questions to ask and when to seek professional help. My role is to learn and organize educational resources, not to diagnose injuries or give treatment advice.
For now, my focus is on completing my kinesiology degree and preparing for medical school. I’m interested in becoming a physician who helps people understand their injuries, consider their treatment options, and work toward recovery.
