Today we’d like to introduce you to Gian Salaum.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in a Filipino household, food has always a huge part of my life. Some of my favorite memories were centered around family meals, trying new restaurants, and bonding over food, so I naturally became a huge foodie from a young age. At the same time, I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare because I loved helping people and was fascinated by how the body works.
I ended up pursuing both passions in different ways. I went to physical therapy school and recently graduated with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy, while also growing my food page, @gee.ate, where I share restaurants and local spots around Dallas. What started as a fun hobby slowly turned into opportunities to collaborate with restaurants and connect with people through content creation. I’ve met so many amazing people throughout this journey!
Balancing PT school and content creation definitely was not easy. PT school challenged me a lot mentally and academically, but it also taught me resilience, communication, and how important genuine human connection is. Interestingly, those same skills helped me as a creator too. Whether I’m working with patients or sharing a restaurant experience online, I love being able to connect with people and make a positive impact in some way.
Right now, I’m excited to start my career as a physical therapist while continuing to grow my platform and support local businesses around the Dallas area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. There were a lot of moments throughout my journey where things felt overwhelming, especially during PT school. I struggled with test-taking anxiety, balancing clinical rotations while studying, juggling relationships, and at times doubted whether I was good enough to make it through the program.
At the same time, trying to grow a social media platform while managing the demands of school wasn’t always easy either. Content creation can look glamorous online, but there’s a lot of effort behind the scenes that people don’t see.
Looking back though, I think those challenges shaped me the most. They taught me resilience, patience, and how important it is to keep showing up for yourself even when things don’t go perfectly. Recently passing my board exam and becoming a licensed physical therapist felt especially rewarding because of everything it took to get there. I’ve learned that growth rarely happens on a perfectly smooth path, and honestly, I think the difficult moments made me appreciate where I am now even more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a newly graduated physical therapist and content creator based in the Dallas area. Professionally, I’m passionate about orthopedic and neurological physical therapy because I love helping people regain their confidence and get back to the activities that matter most to them. Hearing that one of my patients was able to return to their favorite hobby, play with their grandkids again, or simply move with less pain is what makes this career so meaningful to me.
Outside of physical therapy, I create food and lifestyle content focused on showcasing local restaurants, cafés, and experiences around Dallas through my platform, @gee.ate. I’ve always loved discovering hidden gems and supporting local businesses, and content creation became a creative outlet during PT school. Over time, it also became a way for me to connect with people and build community through shared experiences around food.
What I’m most proud of is honestly the journey itself. There were a lot of moments where I doubted myself academically and personally, but I kept pushing forward. Passing my board exam and becoming a physical therapist after everything it took to get here is something I’ll always be proud of. I’m also proud that I’ve been able to grow a platform that feels authentic to who I am rather than trying to fit into a certain mold online.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to blend healthcare and creativity in a way that feels authentic to who I am. While physical therapy and content creation may seem like completely different worlds, both are centered around connection and creating meaningful experiences for others. Whether I’m working with patients or creating content, my goal is to make people feel supported, comfortable, and genuinely excited about the things that bring them joy.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think resilience has been the biggest factor in my success. There were many moments throughout PT school, clinicals, boards prep, and even content creation where things didn’t go the way I hoped or where I questioned myself. Learning how to keep going despite setbacks, criticism, stress, or self-doubt has probably shaped me more than anything else.
I also think being genuine has helped me a lot. Whether it’s with patients, coworkers, or through social media, I’ve always tried to be authentic and approachable rather than pretending to have everything perfectly figured out. People connect with honesty and real experiences, and I think that authenticity has helped me build meaningful relationships both professionally and personally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @gee.ate
