An Interview With the owner, Amy snyder

Q: When did PT Plus open?
A: We started our practice in April 2002.  I joined my parents when I moved home from Washington DC.  I had graduated one year earlier.  I had so much to learn.  It was initially very intimidating to work with my Dad, he was a guru and had so many years of knowledge and experience.  Through the years I grew in my clinical and business skills.

Q: What is your earliest memory of helping your parents in the clinics?
A: As a kid I remember swinging on gait bars and rolling on swiss balls in the clinics.  PT Gyms are full of fun "toys."  My mom worked in a nursing home.  She brought my siblings and myself to Christmas parties and we'd talk with her patients. I started working in the clinics as a receptionist during my high school and college years.

Q: When did you know that you wanted to become a physical therapist?
A: I decided to pursue a career as a physical therapist when I was in high school.  I knew I wanted to work in healthcare.  Initially I resisted being a PT, because I didn't want to be anything like my parents!  However, the more I learned about the profession and the more that I worked in the clinics, it became clear that this would be a great fit for me too.  Plus, I did want to be like all of the younger and cooler therapists who worked for them!

Q: What motivates your work as a therapist and as a business owner?
A: I have always felt called to server others.  As a therapist, I love helping my patients to make wellness changes that help them to live their best lives.  As a business owner, I hope that I am able to provide more therapists with the opportunity I was given, to work in a professional setting that serves the patient first and provides the professional autonomy to work at the top of their licenses.  PTs have so much to offer the healthcare system and our communities.  I want more people to know that!

Q: What makes PT Plus unique from other physical therapy clinics?
A: The PT Plus difference is in our values.  Local - I believe that community-based care and the freedom to choose your healthcare provider are important factors in building a healthier community.  Service - at PT Plus we serve our patients first.  We also serve each other.  By lifting others up, we encourage everyone to live their best lives.  Excellence - Everyone at PT Plus is committed to lifelong learning.  Tomorrow we will be better than we are today.  Perfection is not our expectation, growth is.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a local practice owner?
A: The most rewarding moments as a practice owner come when you step back from the crazy hustle and bustle and try to take in the number of lives our company has touched.  It is one of the most humbling feelings to realize the ripple effect that our collective work can have on our communities.  I feel so lucky to work alongside colleagues who are committed to making a difference in our world.

Q: What are your hopes and dreams for PT Plus? 
A: My hopes and dreams for PT Plus are that we continue our mission of Touching Lives throughout SE Wisconsin.  In true Midwestern fashion, when someone asks, who's your physical therapist, everyone will answer..."My PT is at PT Plus, they are the best, you should go and see my people there.  They'll take good care of you."