By Michael Santos, Founder of Prison Professors
At Prison Professors Talent, we work to spotlight individuals who transform their lives through discipline, contribution, and service to others—even while incarcerated. One such individual is Dr. Patrick, whose journey as a healthcare provider, entrepreneur, and now mentor from within the prison system deeply inspires me. Since he is presently incarcerated, I relied upon a lesson plan he created for us to write a biography so that other members of our community would know and understand him.
Although Dr. Patrick is currently serving time, he remains committed to helping others grow. I’ve had the privilege of learning from him through his engagement with our nonprofit, and I write this biography in appreciation for his willingness to contribute to our mission of building better outcomes for justice-impacted people. His story offers lessons in work ethic, critical thinking, leadership, and personal reinvention.
A Legacy Rooted in Medicine
Dr. Patrick was born in Houma, Louisiana, into a family with a strong tradition of practicing medicine. His paternal grandfather served as a local doctor, setting the standard for generations to follow. All five of the grandfather’s sons became physicians, including Dr. Patrick’s father, a surgeon who inspired his own children to pursue careers in medicine. Among his siblings, three became doctors and four became nurses.
From a young age, Dr. Patrick understood what it meant to live a life of service. He observed how his family built trust in their communities through quality care and empathy. When he decided to follow that path, it wasn’t about prestige—it was about purpose.
Choosing a Different Path in Healthcare
While completing his undergraduate education, Dr. Patrick encountered chiropractic care. Unlike his family members who pursued conventional medicine, he was drawn to this alternative approach to treating the spine and musculoskeletal system. He shadowed chiropractors and observed their patient-centered techniques. He once remarked that chiropractic was a “rewarding field,” and this calling eventually led him to complete a four-year doctoral program in the field.
Dr. Patrick’s early work was modest. He partnered with a local contractor, using two rooms and an X-ray machine in exchange for 50% of his earnings. Yet his commitment to excellence and his belief in patient care quickly led to a strong word-of-mouth reputation. He soon expanded his services to two locations—one in Houma and another in the small town of Cut Off.
From these humble beginnings, I can see how Dr. Patrick exemplified what we teach in our Straight-A Guide—particularly the principles of aspiration, action, and accountability. He made deliberate choices to serve others and steadily built a foundation for future success.
Entrepreneurship and Work Ethic
Eventually, Dr. Patrick opened an independent practice. He lacked the startup capital most business owners rely on, so he moved back in with his parents to save money while growing his client base. Through long hours, high standards, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, Dr. Patrick became an employer and a leader. He hired a physical therapist, therapist’s assistant, receptionist, billing staff, and others—forming an interdependent team that depended on one another for success.
When I reflect on this, I see how Dr. Patrick’s ability to build a high-performing team stems from his core values: trust, communication, and results. His story reinforces a powerful lesson I’ve learned through my own journey—if we want to earn our freedom, we must first earn the trust of others.
Real Estate and Strategic Thinking
Dr. Patrick didn’t stop with his chiropractic practice. In the 1990s, he began investing in real estate. He found a piece of land, built a duplex, and lived in one side while renting out the other—using rental income to pay the mortgage. Over time, he remortgaged the property to raise capital for additional investments. His largest purchase was a $665,000 beachfront condo in Florida, which he rented out to vacationers while using it as a family retreat.
Later, he launched a boat storage business by building units on his own land. Recognizing a need in the market, he began renting the spaces to others, adding another revenue stream to his portfolio.
Dr. Patrick’s business instincts impressed me deeply. Even during adversity—including the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation of Hurricane Ida—he remained resilient. Rather than dwell on setbacks, he diversified his income and pushed forward. These are the same traits we hope our students will develop: resilience, resourcefulness, and readiness.
Innovation and Community Care
After his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Dr. Patrick identified another need: caregiving for elderly individuals. He launched a business employing 1099 contractors to assist seniors with daily tasks like cleaning and cooking. He also partnered with family members to build a medical equipment distribution business, investing over $300,000 to ensure patients discharged from hospitals received wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches without delay.
This commitment to solving problems is a hallmark of great leadership. In Dr. Patrick’s story, I see a man who listens to his community, thinks critically, and takes decisive action—all while creating opportunities for others.
A Role Model for the Incarcerated Community
Today, while in prison, Dr. Patrick continues to inspire others. He contributes to Prison Professors Talent because he believes in second chances. His reflections on Rich Dad, Poor Dad, his financial lessons, and his willingness to share insights remind me that the classroom can exist anywhere—even inside a prison cell.
His biography now serves as a MasterClass in personal development. It demonstrates how one man can build a legacy by aligning purpose with action.
Final Reflections
I’m proud to share Dr. Patrick’s story on our platform. He reminds us that success doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances. It grows from persistence, purpose, and the decision to serve others.
At Prison Professors Talent, we encourage all students to learn from examples like Dr. Patrick. Whether your goal is to become a tradesperson, business owner, mentor, or advocate, the steps are the same: build trust, strengthen your communication skills, keep your head in the game, and never stop preparing for success.
Dr. Patrick continues to make a difference—even behind bars. And for that, I am both grateful and inspired.
