Jorge Santiago joined Orthopedic Physical Therapy Institute as a Staff Occupational Therapist in Hand Therapy in April 2023. Prior to joining the OPTI team, Jorge served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years before retiring in 2016. He received his Masters of Occupational Therapy degree from Eastern Washington University in May 2022, along with a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies. Jorge’s undergraduate degree was also from Eastern where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Exercise Science and Psychology.

Jorge was drawn to occupational therapy due to being a post ACL repair OT patient. After experiencing first hand the impact an OT can have on the recovery process, he knew he wanted to have that kind of an effect in peoples’ lives. As on occupational therapist, it’s Jorge’s goal to return patients back to the activities that fill their lives. His interest is not only those daily task that help patients remain independent, but those activities that make them who they are. One of Jorge’s passions is adaptive athletics and recreation. Through local area programs he has been able to contribute to getting people to participate in everything from martial arts to skiing.

In his spare time, Jorge enjoys spending time with his family and engaged in sports and outdoor activities.