James-Rogers

After graduating from the Utah Valley Campus of the Utah College of Massage Therapy in June of 1998, James Rogers moved to Eagar, Arizona where he set up his own private practice, Rogers Therapeutic Massage and "landed" a wonderful job with Samaritan Health Systems, a corporation which operates several hospitals throughout the State of Arizona.

James works between 25-30 hours a week at the hospital as an independent contractor. The doctors, nurses, physical therapists and technicians refer patients to James on a regular basis. Many also refer their wives, husbands, friends and family members. He has a waiting list of clients seeking his work ranging from 1-2 months in advance.

Recently Samaritan Health Systems received a $10,000 government grant solely for the purpose of researching the positive effects of massage and cancer patients, relative to anxiety reduction. Each of the hospitals owned by Samaritan Health Systems are participating in the study. As the sole massage therapist for the Eagar facility, James not only participates in the study, but is key to the research. Once per month, James is also flown to the facility in Page, Arizona to work with the cancer patients there that are part of the study.

James stated his elation at the respect he receives from the other medial staff at the two hospitals he currently works with. "Everyone calls me a massage therapist, not a masseur." And they understand the importance of the work James performs as part of the healing process.