Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kathleen Goldberg. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kathleen, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
This is an excellent question – I started my physical therapy career in private practice orthopedic rehabilitation in 2014, With the profession steadily growing, it was clear to me that I needed to do something to stand out and specialize in a particular field. I was already developing a passion for pelvic health rehabilitation through my experience with pre- and postnatal exercise programs, so I chose to pursue my pelvic health specialty through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The only roadblock I was facing was that I was going on this adventure on my own. There was no one in my company with any experience in this field, so I did not have a mentor to guide me. With perseverance and dedication to gaining knowledge regarding pelvic health rehabilitation, I was able to grow the practice enough to step out on my own.
In 2021, I opened my own physical therapy practice – Fiat Physical Therapy. With this practice, I am able to continue with orthopedic rehabilitation while being able to offer pelvic health services. I am able to be there for my patients in ways that I could not in the past. The biggest example is that I have dedicated to giving more one-on-one time with my patients so that their needs can be heard and taken care of. Honoring people’s time and giving them the individual care they need and deserve is my number one goal.
With this experience of opening my own practice, I have learned that perseverance is the key. There were many times that the future seemed uncertain. I chose to keep my focus on developing relationships with every person with whom I came into contact. I knew that taking the time to nurture these relationships would be what would drive my effectiveness as a healthcare provider in my community. I think this way of thinking is greatly derived from my experience in playing team sports. I played softball through the collegiate level, and building relationships is what made the team work well on the field. My mission as a healthcare provider now is to work with my patients and other members of the healthcare team through these relationships so that no one’s needs are ever unmet. Every body deserves to move and everybody deserves to live their best life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a physical therapist and have been practicing for 9 years. I have recently opened my own practice (in 2021) and even more recently have expanded my space! I have a new address in Bartlett, TN with more space to serve my patients. My mission with Fiat PT is to provide true one-on-one attention with each person for an extended time which allows for more personalized attention. This gives us the freedom to get to the root cause of many issues.
We offer physical therapy services included (but not limited to): pelvic floor therapy, pre- and postpartum rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise prescription, exercise programming, patient education for a variety of conditions, and manual therapy including techniques such as dry needling, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), and myofascial cupping.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First, I have a belief in a higher power. This has driven how I practice, because I believe everyone deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. I do my best to treat my patients as I would want to be treated – I treat them as if I am treating my closest friends and family. This has been the most impactful in my journey because I realized a long time ago that the world does not revolve around me! This has led me to seeing how important each patient interaction is in how we build relationships without our communities.
My husband may not call this a skill, necessarily – but I am also incredibly stubborn! Which means that I often will not take “no” as an acceptable answer. This particular skill has given me a love of learning and gaining new knowledge, which only allows me to better serve my patients and my community.
And lastly, I am not afraid to do the things that maybe others are not willing or able to do. 9 years ago, fresh out of physical therapy school, I learned that there was (and still is) a tremendous need for pelvic health physical therapists. I said “yes” to that call and I’ve never looked back! Fear is a liar and I do not wish to give into it.
My advice is to find the passion that drives you and speaks to your heart. Then, use that to immerse yourself in your community. Be a part of building your community – communities are strong when we work with each other and for each other. Communities become weak when we work against each other and for ourselves.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! My practice is growing and I am looking for other therapists who want to join in on this treatment model! I am looking for physical therapists and/or physical therapy assistants who are dedicated to providing one-on-one specialized care for their patients. An interest in orthopedics is helpful for the patient population that we see – however, with this practice model, we can find the niche that will allow anyone to be the therapist they really want to be! Anyone interested can contact me through my social media accounts (Facebook or Instagram) or can contact me via email or phone (just check out Fiat PT”s website).
I would also welcome any other healthcare and wellness providers who are interested in collaborating – I love to have good trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, etc. to refer my people to!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fiatpt.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/fiatpt_mem
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiatpt
