Staff Spotlight: Phillip Franklin

Please let us introduce you to one of our newest additions to The Smith Clinic Staff:  Phillip Franklin.  Originally coming to us as an intern from The University of Memphis, Phillip is now a full time member of The Smith Clinic staff, and we couldn't be more delighted! 

In an effort to help you get to know Phillip a little better, we did a little Q & A with him. Check out Phillip's story below:

Q: Where are you from?
A: I am originally from Memphis,TN. Born and raised. 

Q: Education?
I graduated from White station High School in 2014 and decided to further my education by staying home to attend the University of Memphis. I spent the next 4 years graduating with a B.S. Degree in Exercise Sports Movement Science in the School of Public Health Studies. 

Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I have to find the time for hobbies as I have 2 jobs that pretty much occupy most of of my time. When I can get away, I like to go to the gym, cook tasty meals, and vacation with my girlfriend, Stephanie. 

Q: Favorite thing about Memphis?
A: Memphis is like a melting pot. It has everything and everyone you can think of. Each part of Memphis is unique. If I had to pick a certain thing that I love about Memphis has got to be the food. Locals that have their own businesses have all their own unique foods that each of us crave. You can get about anything you want anywhere from them and they all have their own special flavors that cater to our stomachs! You can catch me at Central BBQ, India Palace, or The Wing Guru. 

Q: Favorite thing about The Smith Clinic?
A: Never thought a working place could feel so much like home. The Smith Clinic is very team oriented and has an AMAZING family atmosphere. I almost forget that I am working when I am helping each patient with their care. From the moment you walk through those doors, you are immediately welcomed with a genuine smile and a huge hello! It’s just amazing the stories that come through the doors each and everyday.Every patient I have met, young or old, inspires me to do a little more. We always have a couple laughs here and there during sessions. Each patient we handle, we try to provide the best possible care and have them leave feeling satisfied and with a smile until the next time they come back. Not a day goes by that we don’t cherish and love one another that we meet everyday. 

Q: Why did you chose PT as a career path?
A: I chose PT because when I was in high school I was running cross country and track, and in between seasons getting ready for track in the winter, both of my legs were experiencing IT Band Syndrome. To start my runs, I would have to hobble and skip. I would clinch my teeth, as I would be cutting around corners and going up hills, and all I could feel was a sharp knife pain digging into my knee. Finally, I decided to seek some help by going to physical therapy. I still laugh about this day, as I went to track practice after my very 1st PT session feeling great! That was me being stubborn and not thinking that I just needed to take some time off to heal. I really took things in perspective, when I realized there were a lot of exercises that I use to be strong in, were now very weak. I needed PT to re-strengthen the muscles I tore down. Even if my PT sessions were only a hour long, the care that I received was tremendous, as they were always paying attention to me and hands on throughout. Soon enough after healing, I ran my fastest mile time by the end of my senior season. That is what has fed my drive to be a profession in the field. 

Q: Any additional thoughts?
A: It is honestly a very heart warming feeling that I planted my own little seed in helping a patients recovery. The patients put in all the work, but with just a little help from us at the Smith Clinic, we make them feel brand new again!

We are so excited to have Phillip as a part of The Smith Clinic Family!  

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