USC Arnold School of Public Health Honors Brandon Vaughn in 50 Careers for 50 Years
Dr. Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, founder of Vertex PT Specialists, was recently recognized by the USC Arnold School of Public Health as part of its “50 Careers for 50 Years” campaign, celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary and spotlighting 50 distinguished alumni.
The series highlights graduates who have made an impact across public health through research, education, policy, and clinical care. Brandon was featured after being recommended by faculty to represent both the Arnold School and the USC Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the field of physical therapy.
Born, raised, educated, and still practicing in Columbia, Brandon founded Vertex PT Specialists in 2016 and now leads multiple clinics serving patients across the Midlands. In addition to treating patients, he mentors clinicians and teaches in the same program that helped shape his career.
Appreciative of the recognition, Brandon says he is proud to represent the program and the people behind it. See below for the full interview featured by the Arnold School.
What led you to choose the Arnold School, and what do you remember most about your experience?
USC was actually the only DPT program I applied to, which I wouldn’t necessarily recommend, but I knew what I wanted. I was finishing up my senior year at The Citadel when I applied, and I started PT school just a few months after graduating in 2007. I was born in Columbia, raised in Columbia, and I’m going to die in Columbia. I wanted to stay here, build something here, and be part of this community long term. The Arnold School gave me the chance to do that and helped me plant deep roots in the place that matters most to me.
We had 18 students in our class, which made for a close-knit, supportive environment. The professors knew their stuff, but more importantly, they actually cared. At the end of the day, that made all the difference. That kind of mentorship shaped me not just as a student, but as a clinician, business owner, and now CEO. I still feel the impact of that experience in the way I lead and treat today.
Now, almost 15 years later, I’ve had the chance to serve as a clinical instructor for dozens of USC students and continue to stay involved by teaching part time in the DPT program. It’s been a privilege to help train the next generation of physical therapists coming out of the same program that shaped me.
How have you used your degree in your career?
My DPT from the Arnold School gave me everything I needed to hit the ground running. I started out as a staff therapist, then branched out on my own as a one-man show in a single room inside a gym. That experience laid the groundwork for what eventually became Vertex PT Specialists, which I founded in 2016. A few years later, I brought on my business partner Josh Jeffery, who also graduated from the same program. Since then, we’ve grown Vertex into multiple clinics and a home health division serving patients across the Midlands.
The education I got at USC prepared me to treat a wide range of patients, but more importantly, it gave me the confidence to lead. This business has become a reflection of who I am and the values I care about most. It’s the product of years of hard work, and I’m proud of what we’ve built.
What advice do you have for current & future students?
Relationships are everything in this profession. It’s a people-driven field, and the connections you build with classmates, professors, mentors, and patients will take you further than any textbook. Relationships bring the humanity to this work. Without that, we have nothing.
Also, don’t be afraid to push the profession forward. Open your own practice. Specialize. Be the first to do something in your area. We need more PTs willing to lead, to advocate, and to take up space in the broader healthcare system. The world is still going to the bold. Don’t be afraid to ask for more, and don’t be afraid to be told no.
