Partners in Care: Adventures of a Traveling Healthcare Duo

Meet Jacob and Brinae, a dynamic physical therapy duo who don’t just help people move and keep them moving – they are always on the move themselves. With their K-9 companions, Bernie and Gunnar, they have transformed the typical career into a cross-country adventure with unforgettable patient stories, a surprise proposal in Switzerland, and countless tales of remarkable recoveries. You can read on to hear the remarkable love story of our traveling duo, Jacob and Brinae, and how they handle the obstacles that come with the traveling healthcare profession.

A Love Story for the Ages

Picture this: Jacob, a Physical Therapist, fresh off a permanent assignment near the Mexico/US border, meets Brinae, a Physical Therapy Assistant with a heart as big as her love for horses. She’s heading to Maine, a state with more moose than people, and Jacob—well, he decides to follow her. Bold move for a guy who’s only known her a few weeks, right? But hey, love makes you do crazy things, like offering to dog-sit Bernie, even though they’ve barely met. Spoiler alert: Bernie didn’t want to leave Brinae’s side, but Jacob’s charm (and maybe some treats) eventually won him over.

Jacob’s journey into physical therapy started with an initial pre-med track in biomedical science. Uncertain about his future in medicine, he attended a PT meeting in college and found his true calling. For Brinae, the path was different but equally meaningful. Her love for horses and her time volunteering at a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center sparked her interest in physical therapy, where she witnessed the profound impact it had on children with disabilities.

The decision to transition from traditional physical therapy roles to traveling positions came with its own set of challenges. Jacob, who didn’t travel much growing up, was eager to explore the U.S. and escape the familiarity of Mississippi. Brinae, initially hesitant to leave her permanent job, was motivated by the increased demand for Physical Therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Their love for adventure was beautifully highlighted when Jacob proposed to Brinae in the snowy mountains of Switzerland, a place they had long wanted to visit for snowboarding and mountainous adventures. Amidst snowy clouds, they celebrated their new chapter together.

Working & Traveling Together

Working together as a husband and wife team has its benefits and challenges. They describe themselves as a fine-tuned machine, with similar treatment styles and a deep understanding of each other’s needs. However, being together 24/7 in their travel trailer can be challenging, especially since they have quite different personalities. But this closeness has also allowed them to grow together, both personally and professionally.

A typical day for Jacob and Brinae involves not just work but also shared hobbies like going to the gym, attending live events, and enjoying the outdoors. They’ve learned to communicate effectively and support each other through the ups and downs of life on the road. Jacob loves spending time at the gym, and Brinae can be found with her horse, Maverick, exploring Washington.

Maine holds a special place in their hearts as their first contract together. The remote location, surrounded by nature at the end of the Appalachian Trail, was a stark contrast to their previous assignment near the Mexico border. Despite the challenges—no gym, poor phone reception, and limited parking for their camper—Maine became the foundation of their relationship. It was here, after only two months of dating, that they purchased a camper together – a bold move that set the tone for their adventurous life.

Jacob, Brinae, & Their Travel Guide: Chris

Every good adventure needs a guide, and for Jacob and Brinae, that’s where their recruiter, Chris Pliatska, comes in. Chris has been recruiting with Malone Healthcare for almost three years, and according to Jacob and Brinae, he’s the best in the biz. “You have been easily our favorite recruiter. You take a lot of guesswork out of it. You always find the answer when you don’t know. We really appreciate all you do for us,” they said. Whether it’s finding the perfect assignment or answering their endless questions, Chris has been there every step of the way to help them find their next adventure.

When choosing their next assignment, Jacob, a Mississippi native, and Brinae, who was born and raised in Germany (and is fluent in German), focus on three key things: a good gym nearby, a spot to park their camper, and how close they’ll be to the mountains. They aim to stay close to their work to dodge long commutes—because who wants to waste time in traffic when there’s adventure waiting? In their downtime, they dive into activities like horseback riding and exploring the great outdoors, fully embracing the perks of their one-of-a-kind lifestyle.

Jacob will be the first to tell you that Brinae is a rockstar with patients. Take the home health patient who hadn’t walked in years. Most clinicians might stick to the basics, but not Brinae. She took him outside, used a patio railing as a makeshift support due to lack of equipment, and got him moving again. And when Bernie & Gunnar aren’t too busy being pampered, he’s there to offer moral support—because every good clinician needs a fluffy sidekick.

Personal Insight & Future Goals

Traveling has significantly contributed to their professional growth. Brinae reflects on how it has provided her with diverse opportunities and exposure to different patient populations, allowing her to develop her skills and confidence as a therapist. Jacob echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the value of working in various settings and the continuous learning that comes from encountering new challenges and perspectives.

For couples thinking about a similar journey, Jacob and Brinae have some sage advice. Brinae recommends, “Get a travel trailer! With housing costs rising, it’s been one of our best decisions for traveling.” Jacob adds a different perspective on the close quarters: “Keep up with your individual hobbies and always prioritize communication.” Their experiences have highlighted the importance of balancing work and personal life, and they encourage others to dive into the adventure with an open mind and a sense of humor.

While they love the thrill of new adventures, Jacob and Brinae know they’ll eventually want to put down roots. Washington has captured their hearts, and they’re hoping to find the perfect spot to call home. But until then, they’re content exploring every inch of it—because who needs a house when the whole country (and Bernie) is your backyard?

In the end, Jacob and Brinae’s story is one of love, laughter, and a whole lot of unexpected turns. Whether they’re helping patients walk again, navigating the challenges of life on the road, or simply finding joy in the little moments, one thing’s for sure: they’re doing it together, one adventure at a time.