Our newest partner is Steven Smith, who is opening a location in Dorchester, Massachusetts. We had the opportunity to ask him a few questions to see what joining PRN has meant for him.
Why did you pick PRN?
SS: At the time when I was considering to go out on my own, the company I have previously been with was being sold to a larger company. A friend of mine had recently opened a small practice and enjoyed working for herself, but required a lot of support. As my wife works for a partner within PRN, she suggested discussing options with Erik Holmes and Mike Vacon. The integrity of PRN and their partners along with a focus on providing quality healthcare with a high level of ethics and compliance led me to proceeding with PRN.
What have you learned thus far?
SS: A lot. Mostly that working with PRN has been there to guide a new partner through the process of starting up a clinic, but allows their partner to have their own vision and set-up. As a partner, there is a lot of homework including market research and the search for a desirable and accessible location that is very important. I have also learned that having a partner to help with human resources, compliance, and billing will prove to be invaluable.
How has the start-up process been for you?
SS: Constant, there is always something to do, always changes that will occur, and unexpected things that happen. You are consistently multi-tasking and balancing requests from multiple angles. Rolling with the unexpected punches of personnel changes at the last minute and consistently changing schedules is something you have to adapt to very quickly.
What is the best part about being a partner in the PRN?
SS: There is always someone at PRN with an answer to a question, whether it regards credentialing, HR, or other business contacts.
Starting up your own practice, what’s the best advice you’ve received?
SS: To ask questions when you need to, don’t guess or think you have all of the answers yourself.
What, if any, continuing education are you participating in?
SS: I am currently participating in an online course for IASTM and cupping.
What was your experience with PT prior to starting your own practice?
SS: I have eleven years of clinical experience working with persons suffering from orthopaedic, sport-related, and neurologically-based injuries. Working with such a varied caseload has given me the ability to understand and appreciate the interaction of different systems within the body for more effective treatments. Prior to becoming a partner, I was the clinic manager for a staff of ten therapists, administrators, and aides and was responsible for their oversight and professional development. Finally, I was site leader and a participating therapist in a completed research study, Back to Health, run by Boston Medical Center in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh. This study will compare outcomes for chronic low-back pain patients who are treated with therapeutic exercise versus yoga interventions versus patient education only.
What do you look forward to as a partner with PRN?
SS: I am looking forward to the ability to share ideas with other partners within PRN. I am also looking to continue my clinical growth as there have already been opportunities available for both continuing clinical education and professional development that have been secondary to being part of PRN.
