We recently connected with Erica Franks and have shared our conversation below.
Erica , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
In the United States, there are only about 4% of physical therapists (PT) that are black. So, most rooms I walk into, no one looks like me. When I walk into a room, I know my self-worth and I am confident, which has helped me. I am just as qualified or more when being compared to others. I went to Howard University and Emory University and have advanced credentials. I have worked hard in my profession, and it shows with my patient care and education with my patients. I am also always willing to learn and grow as a PT to better help my patients. Having a great mindset, knowing your worth, and being confident is what anyone needs going into any room.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Dr. Erica Franks and I’ve been an Orthopedics Physical Therapist since 2008. I am the owner of Invigor Physical Therapy which was established in 2014 for orthopedic patients within their homes. In June 2022, I opened within a gym space in Marietta, GA.
Growing up, I began dancing at the age of four years old. I also was a cheerleader, on several dance teams, played soccer, tennis and loved swimming. I attended Howard University and majored in Dance Arts. While at Howard, I struggled with a knee and ankle injury and took an interest in the field after seeing several therapists. My third year at Howard, I switched my major to Pre-Physical Therapy with a minor in Dance Arts. From there, I’ve always been intrigued in orthopedics because of my sports background.
In 2005, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University and subsequently earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Emory University in 2008. I received my advanced board certification in orthopedics in 2013 becoming an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS). I then later became certified in Dry Needling (Cert. DN) and then certified as a Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP). I’m also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I currently sit on the Career Technical and Agricultural Education Board-Sports Medicine Pathway for Benjamin E. Mays High School.
My awards include Top Doctors of America, the Pioneer Award from Tuskegee University Atlanta Alumni chapter and Marquis Who’s Who of America honored listee.
My clinical experience includes treatment of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine cases and Vestibular Rehabilitation at Benchmark Physical Therapy, Select Physical Therapy and Luna Physical Therapy; home healthcare with Gentiva and Kindred Healthcare and Emory University Hospital Midtown. I’ve also worked as the Clinical Director at Genesis Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation-Cascade.
The business is focused on continuing to gain a consistent orthopedic surgeon referral base and build clientele. My focus with patient care is on faster recovery and diet which is the key. I also just added Deep Tissue Laser therapy to the practice which allows patients to recover faster without drugs and surgery.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three things that were impactful on my journey have been: 1. Seek mentorship and be willing to learn, 2. Understand that mistakes help you grow, and 3. Don’t lose yourself in the business and still devote time to self-care. Being a business owner is exhausting and stressful, but it can be rewarding as well.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Being a business owner of course comes with challenges. My biggest challenge has been with insurance reimbursement. I never understood when business owners I talked to were like they didn’t pay themselves for about 2-3 years, now, I get it 100%. Healthcare reimbursement for PTs is already reduced significantly and then on top of that reimbursement can take anywhere from 4 weeks to several months. I chose to take be in-network early on vs out-of-network with companies to serve a range of patients who can’t afford self-pay rates.
I’ve been a PT for almost 16 years and it’s very sad to see the profession going backwards in terms of pay. The challenge most PTs are facing is, do we continue being therapists.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.invigorpt.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/invigorpt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076169705146
Image Credits
Professional picture_ Shoccara Marcus (instagram- shocphoto)
