Hosea radiates warmth and positivity. So, it’s no surprise that this part-time youth minister found his calling in a full-time healthcare career. Today, he serves as an occupational therapist at Providence Little Company of Mary in Torrance, California. Drawn to Providence by our Mission to serve all, Hosea began as a volunteer. Over time, he turned that initial spark of service into a career caring for others. He says his approach to patient care and his interactions with coworkers reflects his unwavering faith and love for the community he grew up in.

From humble beginnings

As the son of immigrant parents displaced by war, Hosea knows what it is to be without. His parents came to America from Vietnam after his father spent 10 years in a POW camp. Hosea was raised in a tough neighborhood. “I saw my peers grow up misguided and struggling with addiction,” he explains.

His family had limited access to healthcare. He shares, “We were only allowed to go to certain hospitals, and the care was lacking. It caused a lot of long-term issues for my parents.” Those early experiences left a lasting impression.

Today, Hosea finds peace knowing that at Providence, patients are treated with dignity—no matter their background. “Now, working at a hospital that provides care for all people, I have a sense of relief and peace that, ‘Hey, you know, it’s okay where you come from, it’s okay what little money you have. It’s okay if you have no money at all. You’re going to get the same care.’”

Faith as a guiding light

Hosea found solace in the church throughout his life and eventually became a youth minister with a passion for helping kids navigate challenging life situations. His pastor, who also happens to be a physical therapist, introduced the idea of occupational therapy and it felt like the perfect fit.

In considering Providence, Hosea felt deeply connected to the Mission, “which is to show God’s healing love to all people, especially the poor and underrepresented.”

He started volunteering in the rehab department at Little Company of Mary and later enrolled in graduate school for his occupational therapist degree. “The great thing is, they have a residency here for OT, PTs and speech. So, after my last year at school, I was able to apply and I got in.” During his residency, Hosea shadowed caregivers working with surgical, ICU and stroke patients.

Hosea’s friendly, easygoing nature tends to leave a lasting impression—but even he was caught off guard by the warm welcome he received when he returned to Little Company of Mary for his residency. “Everyone was screaming my name saying, ‘Welcome back!’ I was surprised they still remembered me. I was just a student, but I really felt like I was immediately part of the family.”

A reflection of his positive environment

Now more than seven years into his Providence career, Hosea remains grateful for the team he works with every day. “We’re a reflection of our environment,” he says with a smile, “and I’m the therapist I am today is because of my team.”

He describes a supportive culture where caregivers lift each other up. “The team’s collaborative spirit makes our impact on patients more effective.” And he appreciates how his leadership ensures everyone leads with kindness and has opportunities to advance in their careers. “Our managers foster a culture of empathy and push us to excel, to grow in our area of expertise.”

For Hosea, that growth includes a specialty certification in lymphedema, which he obtained with the help of Providence’s tuition assistance benefit. Now, he works with patients who are suffering the side effects of cancer, chemotherapy and vascular issues. The ability to help people live a better quality of life feeds Hosea’s soul.

Living his values—on and off the clock

When he’s not serving patients, Hosea serves his community. “I do youth ministry to not only help them understand the word of God but also to help them through any kind of stressors in their lives. One of my passions is to kind of pour out to the next generation so they can just be who God made them to be.”

A true Southern California native, Hosea spends plenty of time in the sun, enjoying the beach, surfing and golfing. He and his wife also frequent nearby trails. He says, “There are some really nice hidden gem hikes around Torrance and neighboring cities. So, if you are ever having a hard day, you can just go out to clear your mind.”

Hosea’s wife also works at Providence Little Company of Mary, so they commute together each morning. “There’s a wonderful gym nearby, so we get to go to the gym in the morning before work. We are really enjoying our current life situation,” he says with a warm smile. “It’s a blessing for sure.”

Find out more about working at Providence

If our Mission resonates with you and you’re interested in working with us in Southern California, explore the opportunities below.

Roles in California

Roles in Torrance

Roles in Rehabilitation

Or watch this video to hear Hosea and his fellow caregivers are what makes Providence Little Company of Mary a truly special place to work.