Frank J. Ciuba, DPT, MS
Frank J. Ciuba is a PPS member and owner of H/S Physical Therapy in Harleysville, Pennsylvania. Dr. Ciuba can be reached at fciuba@hstherapy.com.
Practice, Location:
One simple location, 4 employees, 18 years in practice.
What or who was the most influential book/person/event that enhanced your professional career?
My parents. My dad went to night school after working during the day to obtain his bachelor’s of science degree when I was young. That was hard on my mom who had been with us most of the day. They sacrificed on both ends and worked as a team for the betterment of our family. I took many valuable lessons from that experience.
What is the flow of your average day?
I currently treat patients five days per week, with an average day of about 10 to 12 patients. I love patient care and do not see myself fully getting away from that although I may taper my caseload in the future. Marketing and emails are constant—I do not think a private practice owner ever stops marketing because you are always “marketing” to your current patients.
How would you describe your essential business philosophy?
Be a good listener: Listen to your patients, and listen to your staff. You may be surprised at what you learn.
What have been your best/worst/toughest decisions?
To close my original practice location as our second location was thriving and we had staffing issues at the original location.
How do you motivate your employees?
I motivate employees by giving bonuses for hard work, and I allow them to have ample time with their families.
How did you get your start in private practice?
I wanted to treat people with compassion and provide quality one-on-one care. I felt many larger physical therapy facilities were more concerned with quantity.
How do you stay ahead of the competition?
I strive to be the best facility in the area that treats patients who have low bone mass with the Meeks Method—as well as the best sports-specific rehabilitation and training center in the area. In other words, I optimize our niche practices.
What have been your best learning experience/s (mistakes) since inception of your practice?
Be visible in your community (coaching, volunteer, Rotary) and promote yourself as a musculoskeletal expert.
What are the benefits of PPS membership to your practice?
One great benefit is networking.
What is your life motto?
Be willing to go where the going may be tough and do the things that are worth doing even though they are difficult.
What worries you about the future of private practice/what are you optimistic about?
Physical therapy is a tremendous profession, and I have optimism that we will be recognized as the musculoskeletal health care specialist by society according to American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Vision 2020.
What are some new opportunities you plan to pursue in the next year?
I plan to combine my Tae Kwon Do black belt skills with my physical therapy knowledge in rehabilitation and see what happens. Even I may be surprised!