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

Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Several years back I started to see the turn in Healthcare. It seemed as though I was not able to treat my patient’s the way they deserved to be treated. Our focus with big companies is productivity, see as many as you can at one time, and maximize profit. It was exhausting and I wasn’t able to be the type of therapist I wanted to be, which was providing excellent one on one care to the neuro population. I would see all too often people’s benefits and insurance being cut off due to not being able to work. After a major neurological event, most people are not returning to work in the near future. So I started to brainstorm on how I can help these people, this population of people that have paid their insurance premiums for years, only to be dropped in their most desperate vulnerable times.

I took a major leap of faith and decided to start a non-profit, Zoll Neuro Rehab and Wellness. We would provide mobile/concierge PT services for our patients in their homes. Most of the neuro population cannot drive, but it also allows for convenience to caregivers that are usually overworked and exhausted. A portion of all services rendered is placed in a pot for pro bono services and heavily discounted services. I am proud to say in 2023 we provided over $25,000 in free and discounted physical therapy services to the underserved community.

In the last year we have hired 2 PRN PT’s to assist with the caseload and hope that in the next coming years we can raise enough money for a small pro bono clinic here in FW.

Jennifer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been a physical therapist since 2005, I spent my first 10 years in geriatric care and it is here that I found my passion for neuro. I loved working with the stroke patients, MS, Parkinson’s, etc. It posed different challenges and I had to really use my knowledge and skills on how to individualize care and help these patient’s achieve their goals. The next 10 years I have spent in outpatient neuro: Neurological Recovery Center as the Clinical Director and treating therapist, to Day Neuro FW with Baylor Scott and White, to Zoll Neuro Rehab and Wellness.

I have an abundance of knowledge and resources for the neuro clientele, I have been in the business long enough to have well established relationships with PMR docs and neurologists. I have the ability to spend a full hour with my patients in their own environment one on one. I can focus on their needs and the limitations they have in their homes. I can include family education and training in their home environment and brainstorm solutions to problems.

One of my strengths is networking and creating relationships with not only my clients but with medical providers and other disciplines to help my patient’s reach their goals quickly. I also play the role as cheerleader, confidante, encourager, and listening ear.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think having a passion is very important. I establish relationships with my patients and their families. I think it’s so important to be an active listener and to be compassionate in this field. So many people are suffering major life changes when faced with a neurological event. It not only affects the patients, but their families, their spouses, their children. It’s so important to have empathy. My patient’s and their recovery are my number one priority. I think that everyone I work with is well aware that I will give them my all and I am willing to go to great lengths to get people what they need.

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

I absolutely would not chose a different profession. What job do you get to stay active, change lives, and get to know some of the most inspirational people out there?? I have been a PT for almost 20 years, I have seen the changes in insurance reimbursements, demands of high productivity standards that are NOT patient centered, and revolving door therapy.

I was at crossroads in my career that I decided now is the chance to start something new. Take all the knowledge and experience I have gained along the way and create a business that is patient centered, therapist friendly, and ensures a proper work life balance for my family of 6. I wanted to give people valuable one on one care focused on THEIR needs in THEIR environment. My only set back is I wish I had the guts to start this 10 years ago!

I absolutely love physical therapy and I know the benefits. I continue to push my profession and I work with students at the TCC PTA program as an adjunt professor. I teach Neuro Techniques, Basic Patient Care, and Rehab Techniques. It is my honor and pleasure to help shape the therapists of tomorrow.

Contact Info:

• Website: zollneuro.com
• Instagram: zoll_neurorehab
• Facebook: Zoll Neuro Rehab and Wellness

Image Credits
1st photo: I was nominated and won Clinical Instructor of the Year by UNTHSC. I was accompanies by my former students, now DPT’s. Omar Magdaleno, David Kim, Parsa Kosari. 2nd photo: Group photo with my TCC PTA class of 2023. These pics are with my students and volunteer neuro patients to help educate students on tone, spasticity, and hemiplegia. 3rd photo; Doing physical therapy with a T2 Spinal Cord Injury, assessing spasticity and range of motion. 4th photo: Same T2 spinal cord injury, Ashley Esposito 5th photo: Doing in home wellness program for an elderly gentleman, Jack, who worked hard so he could stay in his home and live independently.