The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) hosted an inspiring talk with Dr. Dustin Willis, an accomplished physical therapist who works with the Los Angeles Lakers, Quantum Performance and Move Lab Los Angeles. Willis, who plays a vital role in helping professional basketball players maintain their health, recover from injuries and achieve peak performance, shared his journey and the values that guide his career in an engaging session attended by more than 80 participants.

Willis captivated the audience by discussing the importance of staying true to oneself, taking the time to understand who you are culturally, and deciding what you want to represent in life. He shared personal stories about his career path, from growing up in the San Bernardino/Redlands areas to becoming an influential figure in sports medicine.

“Dustin’s message on the importance of connecting with the patients and people he interacts with on a human level are not only words he spoke but actions that he practices,” said Guillermo Escalante, interim associate dean of student success and enrollment in CNS. “As a former student of mine from Kaiser Permanente’s post-doctoral sports physical therapy fellowship program, I witnessed his ability to truly connect with others. His passion to help people was evident, and he was an avid listener that had a curious interest in getting to know others to help them learn and heal.”

Willis credits his young son for motivating him and highlights the importance of building connections on a human level, expressing gratitude for the opportunities that have come from these relationships.

"For me, speaking at the event was extremely important for two main reasons. First, it meant the world to me to be able to come back to where I grew up and hopefully inspire students to bet on themselves in the pursuit of their dreams,” said Willis. “It feels like the Inland Empire is often overlooked and underappreciated, and it’s on all of us to change that.

“Secondly, I really wanted to take the opportunity to champion my Hispanic heritage since I take such pride in it and it’s not something people realize when they meet me or when seeing my name,” he said. “So, the intersectionality of being from the Inland Empire and being Hispanic converges into a force to be reckoned with in any endeavor.”

He added, “The main thing I wanted the students to walk away with from my speaking engagement is the importance in being vulnerable enough to truly know and appreciate all the factors that make them ‘them,’ authentically, as it truly is their superpower. Working hard to master their craft and understand the nuance of whatever field they choose to enter is an obvious vital component, but all of it means nothing without the ability to genuinely connect with others, which starts with first connecting with themselves.”

Willis’ talk resonated with attendees, who left feeling inspired to pursue their own personal and professional growth with a renewed sense of purpose. The event, held during Hispanic Heritage Month, underscored the significance of celebrating diverse voices and inspiring stories that resonate with the CSUSB community. Willis’ journey exemplifies perseverance, dedication and lifelong learning — values that deeply connect to the spirit of the month-long celebration.

"Dr. Dustin Willis’ message during Hispanic Heritage Month truly resonated with our students and community,” said Sastry G. Pantula, dean for the College of Natural Sciences. “His journey from the Inland Empire to the global stage of sports medicine is an inspiring example of perseverance, humility and staying true to one's roots."

A key highlight of Willis’ career was his role at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he traveled with the U.S. men’s basketball team, who captured the gold medal. His extensive experience in the field includes working closely with NBA players to optimize their performance and ensure their well-being. 

Willis’ holds a bachelor of science in exercise and sports medicine with an emphasis in human performance from California Lutheran University and a doctor of physical therapy from Loma Linda University, where he was recognized for his clinical excellence and service. He went on to complete multiple fellowships, including for the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.

For more information about upcoming events in the College of Natural Sciences, visit the CNS website or email cns@csusb.edu.