Honored to Be Nominated: A Reflection on Mentorship and Community

I feel incredibly honored to share that I’ve been nominated as an inductee into the World Massage Hall of Fame. To stand among such respected leaders in the field of massage and manual therapy is something I never imagined when I first began this journey. This recognition fills me with gratitude and a renewed sense of responsibility to give back to the profession that has given me so much.

One person I must thank directly is my colleague and dear friend, Tammy McCue. Tammy recognized a spark in me years ago and encouraged me to step into the role of teaching assistant. Later, she nudged me once more to grow into the role of instructor. Her belief in me shaped my career in ways I’ll never forget. Tammy’s mentorship taught me that the right guidance at the right time can completely change someone’s path.

The Power of Mentorship in Massage Therapy

Mentorship has always been the backbone of our profession. In manual therapy education, progress doesn’t happen in isolation—we advance because others share their knowledge and experience with us. Tammy’s guidance showed me the importance of not just teaching skills, but also cultivating confidence and vision in those coming up behind us.

Today, mentorship has become my favorite part of being an educator. I love watching students step into their own abilities and grow into confident therapists. That process inspires me every time. I’m especially excited right now to mentor Justin Nguyen, a talented therapist at Star Dynamic Wellness. Watching his growth reminds me of my own early days and reinforces how important it is to invest in the next generation.

Gratitude for the Massage Therapy Community

This nomination to the World Massage Hall of Fame is not just a personal honor—it reflects the collective efforts of mentors, colleagues, and students who continue to shape this profession. The massage therapy community thrives on collaboration, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

I’m grateful for every mentor who guided me, every peer who challenged me, and every student who trusted me to share what I’ve learned. The recognition may carry my name, but it belongs to all of us who believe in the power of massage therapy to change lives.

As I look ahead, my focus remains on fostering growth and connection in the massage and manual therapy field. Passing forward the knowledge I’ve been given is not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege.

— Scott Oglesbay Doss