On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, I had the pleasure of continuing the conversation following the Women in Physical Therapy Summit with both Dr. Michelle Collie and Dr. Sandy Norby. Dr. Michelle Collie is the CEO of Performance Physical Therapy, a multi-clinic private practice with over 130 employees in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Michelle dedicates time to teaching, mentoring and coaching women through their careers. Dr. Sandra Norby is CEO and Co-Founder of HomeTown Physical Therapy which provides a practice model for ownership and champions the leadership of women in physical therapy.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Reflections on the Women in Physical Therapy Summit

-What it takes to open a private practice and be a female entrepreneur

-Why prioritizing self-care may improve your ability to lead others

-The future of the Private Practice Section and public advocacy of physical therapy

-And so much more!

One of the most important qualities of successful entrepreneurs and leaders is the strength to remain true to themselves. Dr. Collie stresses, "We need to have the courage to be authentic and not change who we are for other people."

The Women in Physical Therapy Summit has provided an opportunity to build a strong nationwide community. Sandy's biggest take away from the conference is that, "All of us women now have a confidant or a connection… At a drop of a hat, we'd all be very willing to help them out."

As evidence supporting the efficacy of physical therapy continues to build, it becomes easier to share this information with the public and juxtapose non-invasive physical therapy treatment with less conservative and more costly interventions. Dr. Collie finds that, "It's an exciting time for PTs. We are all learning how to advocate better for our profession because we are all respecting and understanding the value of it."

For more information on Dr. Collie:

Dr. Michelle Collie PT, DPT, MS, OCS is the CEO of Performance Physical Therapy, a multi-clinic private practice with over 130 employees in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. A graduate of the Otago University Physiotherapy program in New Zealand, Michelle came to America in 1994 to gain additional clinical experience. She completed post-graduate studies at MGH-IHP in Boston Massachusetts followed by becoming a board certified clinical specialist. Michelle chairs the National Private Practice Marketing and PR Committee and devotes much of her time to advocating for the profession of physical therapy. The Performance Physical Therapy team have received multiple awards including the 2012 RI Outstanding Philanthropic Business Award and the 2014 prestigious National Private Practice of the Year award. With over 25 years of experience, Michelle has provided clinical instruction, published articles and presented at a local and national level on physical therapy, marketing, entrepreneurship and leadership. Finally, Michelle dedicates time to teaching, mentoring and coaching women through their careers.

For more information on Dr. Norby:

Sandra Norby, PT, DPT is CEO and Co-Founder of HomeTown Physical Therapy, LLC. This Iowa based corporation provides a practice model for ownership and champions the leadership of women in physical therapy. Sandra has served on many leadership positions in APTA and PPS, including being a member of PPAC and two terms as a Director on the PPS Board. She was awarded the 2017 APTA Federal Advocacy Leadership Award for her instrumental work on making Locum Tenens a reality for physical therapists.

Sandra received her Physical Therapy Masters degree from the University of Iowa and her DPT from the University of Montana – Missoula. She has an expertise in compliance and billing and has been a speaker at many state and national events on topics that include technology, leadership, and championing the success of women in physical therapy.

Resources discussed on this show:

Women in Physical Therapy Summit

The Leadership Gap by Lolly Daskal

Peer2Peer NetWork PPS

Sole Shero Half Marathon

APTA Private Practice Section

PPS Annual Conference

@MyPhysTherapist Twitter

PPS Monthly Marketing Toolkit

PPS Fit Factor

HomeTown Physical Therapy

Performance Physical Therapy

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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!

Xo Karen