Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dionne Middlebrooks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dionne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I was debating starting my own practice for a few years and finally decided to take the leap of faith after giving birth to my third baby. I was tired of the traditional physical therapy model and in need of a change. I wanted to be able to give my clients the care and attention they deserve, to increase my longevity within the field, and be more involved with my family. Starting my own concierge/mobile based practice was the best step for me to be able to accomplish the balance in which I was searching. I have the opportunity to see all of my clients one on one and focus on them as an individual. I also have a better work and home life balance where I am able to participant in activities that I was previously missing. In the midst of the joy of starting my own practice, I have run into several challenges. The biggest challenge has been marketing my services. Although I have clients and physicians who recommend me, it is always a challenge to gain additional support because I am not associated with a big, corporate name. Even in the midst of this challenge, those who choose me as their physical therapy provider quickly recognize that I genuinely care about their overall health. If I could have done anything differently, I would have made the leap sooner. I had a great amount of self-doubt and skepticism as I was unsure if I would be able to succeed on my own. In the end, I have been told that my sincerity speaks for itself. The best advice I would give a young professional looking to start their own practice is to know the purpose of their endeavor. If you know why you are doing something, then when challenges arise you will be able to remind yourself of the end goal. For me, my purpose is to provide my clients with a unique physical therapy experience where they can have my undivided attention and show that I am authentically dedicated to their progress.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Dr. Dionne Middlebrooks and I am a physical therapist. I became interested in physical therapy during my undergraduate studies. I was on track to apply to medical school and needed to shadow various medical providers for one of my courses. When shadowing a physical therapist, I noticed that they spent much more time with their patients and that they were able to see steady progression. This was a completely different experience from what I was accustomed and peaked my interest. In college, I also spent a good amount of time in the athletic training room after suffering from hamstring injuries during various track seasons. Some of my athletic trainers were also my professors and I would find myself asking questions to better understand the treatment plan and pathophysiology. These various interactions led to me moving away from the goal of attending medical school and seeking out physical therapy school.

I offer physical therapy and wellness based services. I am a Board Certified Clinical Orthopedic Specialist (OCS), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES), pelvic floor physical therapist, and vestibular therapist. I am also certified in dry needling and a credentialed clinical instructor.

Although I have been blessed to accomplish a great deal in my career thus far, my greatest accomplishments are not related to my professional achievements. I am most proud to be the wife of a navy veteran who supports every goal I pursue, and to have the opportunity to be a mother to three children. My husband and my children are my greatest blessings.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training/knowledge I believe the most important characteristic for any healthcare provider to demonstrate is compassion. Patients want to know that they are heard and truly cared for. They want to be seen as an individual and not a diagnosis. Patients can tell when they have a healthcare provider invested in them and this is key in successfully gaining their trust throughout the treatment process.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The life of a military wife is not always easy. It can be even more challenging if you are trying to grow within a career field or profession. In a matter of three to four years we had moved from Virginia to California and then from California to Italy. In Virginia an California I was able to find paid positions and continue working in the field. With each state move, I was required to obtain another license to practice specific for the state. When my husband received orders to move to Italy, I found out that due to various legal agreements in place, opportunities for employment would be limited. After months of paperwork, interviews, meetings, and having doors closed in my face, I was finally able to obtain the proper clearance to work at the naval hospital. Unfortunately, this position was not a paid position and I could only volunteer my time. Because of the struggles that I faced with gaining a volunteer position at the hospital as a licensed provider, I decided to take a administrative role with the American Red Cross as well. This administrative role allowed for me to work towards improving the intake process for other volunteer licensed practitioners who wanted to utilize their education and skill set. In the midst of this, I found myself also overseeing various programs at the base under the Red Cross such as the Wounded Warrior Project and a Dental Assistant Training Program. Looking back, this experience prepared me to have confidence when speaking with higher ranking officials. It also made me more resilient as I made it a point to not accept a simple “no” as the final answer.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.reignpt.com
• Instagram: @reignpt.wellness @rundeept
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084570336832
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionne-middlebrooks-pt-dpt-ocs-cscs-1a288a156
• Youtube: @reignpt.wellness
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/reign-physical-therapy-and-wellness-stockbridge