We recently connected with Dr. Lisa Fernandez, PT, DPT and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Lisa , appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned (or realized) over the years is that every job, position, assignment, client, patient, (etc., etc.) is important or relevant in some way to your future professional career. In essence, I truly believe that everything I’ve done in the past, and every person I’ve worked with (staff or patient) has helped me in some way and led me to where I am now in owning my own practice. I think it’s hard for us to look at “jobs” this way because most of the time we are so busy and focused on getting through the day/week/month that it’s hard to take a step back and appreciate what we are doing and learning. This happens especially in healthcare as it can be very demanding, physically tiring, and even cause burnout.
Probably the most important experience/position I had that directly led me to my current position as practice owner, however, was working as Clinic Director for a new clinic. Before this I had years and years of patient care under my belt but didn’t understand the “behind the scenes” work of admin, billing, and marketing. My role as Clinic Director was quite challenging because not only was I expected to have a full caseload of patients, but I also was in charge of admin such as answering phones, setting up patient charts, verifying insurance, scheduling, doing marketing events, and creating/expanding referral sources from physicians, attorneys, and fitness facilities. It was crazy at times, but growing a new clinic from the ground-up gave me not only the skills to be able to do it myself, but also the confidence that I COULD!

Dr. Lisa , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m originally from Michigan and moved to South Florida (Surfside) in 2002 and have lived in the Surf-Bal-Bay area ever since! Growing up, I always loved science and was a huge sports fan. When I went to college I originally was thinking of studying Athletic Training, but decided on Exercise Physiology as it had a broader scope of possibilities. While I was completing my Bachelor’s degree, the University I was attending started a new Physical Therapy graduate program, and I was able to start my Master’s program concurrently as some of the initial classes overlapped. After several years of clinical practice, I then pursued my Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Fast forward over 25 years, my experience spans the fields of fitness, wellness, and rehabilitation. I’ve worked in hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient orthopedic clinics, and have owned a boutique fitness studio. About 3 years ago I decided to start my own Concierge Physical Therapy and wellness business as a side hustle. It has now grown to a full-time business! I see clients in their homes or office in North Dade (Surfside, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor, Sunny Isles, Miami Shores and Aventura) and in South Broward (Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Hallandale Beach). Two years ago I also completed my National Pilates instructor certification and see clients for Private Pilates sessions and teach group classes in Coconut Grove.
I think what sets me apart is not only that I have so many years experience in many different areas, but I’m constantly learning and using new, evidence-based techniques that provide that extra edge in helping patients and clients achieve their goals. I also truly care about my clients and as a concierge healthcare provider, I spend a lot of quality time with each patient, helping them to understand their injury, issue, and program, and I’m available between sessions to answer questions if needed. Helping people reach their goals and building relationships is an important part of my success.

I’m most proud of simply being able to help people of all ages and levels: from kids/teenagers to elderly adults, from sports therapy to geriatric rehabilitation; I cover it all! I also see clients for recovery and wellness sessions, as physical therapy is not only for injuries. I help people to feel better, move better, and live better in their daily lives!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Honestly the most effective strategy for growing my business wasn’t necessarily a “strategy”, but more of a natural process of building relationships. As I mentioned before, I believe that every client/patient/person I have worked with has led me to where I am now. If you truly care about your clients and patients, that will naturally lead to business growth and success. Word-of-mouth marketing has been my most effective means of growing my business. When it comes to concierge-type services, people want to know that they can trust and rely on the person that is coming to their home. So in essence, being reliable and personable, along with helping people achieve their goals and get results, leads to business growth. Many times I have started treating one person in a family, and that has led to working with that person’s spouse, children, parents, and neighbor! It particularly happens a lot with couples- the “I need that, too!” strategy if you will.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

This is a great question and one that I’ve thought about many times over the years, especially during those times in the past when I’ve been physically exhausted and feeling the burnout of working in a clinic all day. Healthcare is not usually the most lucrative career in terms of being financially rewarding compared to the years of education. I’ve often thought in the past that maybe I should have taken another path for that reason. However, honestly I can’t picture myself doing anything else. I love helping people feel better and building relationships, and I certainly can’t imagine sitting at a desk all day!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drlisaphysicaltherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisa.dpt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlisadpt