Michael Stare FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Orthopaedics Plus Physical Therapy
100 Cummings Center Suite 121Q
Beverly, Ma 101915
978-927-2065
Physical Therapy Icon Doesn’t Sell Out, Instead Leaves Legacy and Grows from Within
Orthopaedics Plus Physical Therapy changes ownership, retains founder as a clinical expert.
Burlington, Beverly, MA – When you’ve lead a thriving business for over 30 years in the health care arena, it’s unusual to walk away without being swallowed by the big hospitals or acquired by a large company with hundreds of clinics. Yet, by handing the reigns over to two of their younger clinicians, that’s exactly what co-founders and former owners of Orthopaedics Plus Physical Therapy, Al Visnick, Bill Antonelli, and Vinny Buscemi have done. But they certainly are not going away.
“Our goal was to leave this business as a legacy of what we believe Physical Therapy should be. The ones that I trust to do that are Justin Pezick and Mike Stare, who have the same standards that we have worked hard to create. No large hospital system or multi-region practice would be able to keep that legacy alive” says Visnick, who is guiding the transition process and remains as a treating clinician. “So I’m not going anywhere, I’m just done with the day to day business aspects” clarifies Visnick. Fellow Orthopaedics Plus Co-founders, Bill Antonelli and Vin Buscemi, will continue their roles in managing the physical therapy services for Winchester Hospital’s Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics.
With offices in Burlington and Beverly MA for 31 and 20 years respectively, Orthopaedics Plus is one of the oldest surviving independently owned PT Clinics in New England. And with 9 of its 13 clinicians possessing between 15-30 years of clinical experience, it’s also one of the most seasoned.
“The 2 biggest factors that made this such a great opportunity to take over ownership is the culture of top-notch patient care that Al, Bill, and Vinny have fostered, and the amazingly talented group of clinicians we inherited” says Dr Mike Stare, who has worked with Orthopaedics Plus for over 14 years as a Physical Therapist in the Beverly office.
As the founder and owner of Spectrum Fitness Consulting for the last 12 years, an award winning personal training studio also in Beverly, Dr. Stare is no stranger to running a business. In his new role as owner of OP, he plans to incorporate many of the lessons he learned growing his fitness studio to his new role as owner of OP. “Helping patients recover is more than making them feel better and get out of pain. It’s about improving their overall wellness and getting to the cause of their issues. Physical Therapy is more than treating knees and backs, it’s about treating people…listening to their goals, caring, and problem solving. To do that, you have to educate them not only when they are patients, but reach out to the community before they are patients.”
Dr. Stare is not shy about reaching out to the community, as he has provided hundreds of seminars and workshops to business, schools, philanthropies, and various groups on injuries, health, and fitness. He also travels nationally teaching thousands of clinicians across the country.
It is the role of educating clinicians that new owner, Dr. Justin Pezick, a clinician in the Burlington office, hopes to continue advancing at Orthopaedics Plus. “OP is responsible for educating many of the top clinicians in New England. Both Mike and I as younger clinicians came to OP earlier in our careers because of their reputation and skill in developing top level clinicians who provide the best care. We have amazing clinicians, and hope to utilize their expertise and experience to continue developing the best clinicians for years to come”.
Dr. Pezick’s skill in modernizing technology and updating billing practices has already paid dividends. “That’s another amazing thing about this partnership transition. Justin has skills and interests that Al and I don’t have, which have already improved operations, profitability, and enhanced patient care” explains Stare.
While Stare and Pezick have taken over OP in January, 2018 with a list of initiatives to enhance the practice, what is most important are the things that won’t change. “Our vision is to keep the key principles intact; retain the most experienced clinicians who get to spend enough time with their patients, something that is becoming less common in PT”, states Pezick. “Furthermore, Al Visnick will remain as a clinician and Director of Treatment in Bulrington, continuing to treat patients in the Burlington clinic. In addition, Ellen Poveromo will remain as the Director of Treatment in the Beverly clinic. Al and Ellen are such an important assets, so retaining them as expert clinicians is something we are thrilled about.”
Dr. Pezick, who also shares a similar background in fitness as his new partner, aims to expand upon the traditional role of Physical Therapy care. “To address the goals of patients, we need to go beyond rehabilitation, and incorporate wellness into the clinic.” With expertise in Athletic Training, Strength and Conditioning, nutrition, and fitness, along with fellowship training in manual therapy, the new owners are well poised to introduce these practices into their clinics. “We have an all-star staff, each who have exceptional expertise beyond general orthopaedics and spine care including pelvic floor dysfunction, scoliosis management, weight loss, post-masectomy care, athletic performance, and more” adds Stare.
While most of what Orthopaedics Plus is known for will remain the same, the new owners do have changes in mind. “The change current and returning patients will notice most is an upgrade in the physical clinic in Burlington.” says Pezick, who is planning renovations to be ready by the end of the year.
“In addition, we strive to make the following changes: 1. Dramatically increase awareness in the Beverly, Burlington, and surrounding communities of our unique and advanced care opportunities. 2. Expand opportunities for clinicians to further develop their clinical expertise through providing specialized care and education programs and 3. Advance our clinical education program to develop and train clinicians seeking advanced post-doctorate specialization.” States Stare.
“Our goal is not primarily to grow through expanding clinics across New England. Rather, our goal is to focus our efforts to be the most effective, sought-after provider for physical therapy. And we want to be the place where top level clinicians who love what they do come to learn, and stay to treat for the rest of their careers. That’s the formula we’ve seen last through decades of treatment trends and health care changes to best help patients.”
With the new ownership at the helm and Visnick in the clinic, he’ll have a great perspective to see his legacy plan unfold with Orthopaedics Plus. “I think we’re well poised to be around for another 30 plus years.” Says Pezick.
