In 2013, the Werner Institute of Balance and Dizziness joined a nationwide network of medical and physical therapy centers and began operating under the name Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers. Brian Werner is the clinical director and owner of the two Southern Nevada clinics, where patients are diagnosed and treated for central nervous system disorders of the balance system.
What made you decide to join a national company?
Times are changing in the medical field. Increasingly, we are seeing physicians join large practice groups or conglomerates. I see the same trend among physical therapists. The difference with Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers is that the company practices a business model similar to the franchise concept. Under the Fyzical brand, I still own my practice and maintain the autonomy I enjoy, with the added benefit of working with other like-minded physical therapists. It is a win-win.
How do you keep up with the technological innovations of the physical therapy industry?
Fyzical’s unique business model brings together 35 like-minded physical therapists from across the United States who are looking to build their practices. All of these physical therapists are innovators in their field. We work together under one brand to foster the development of new ideas that we would not have otherwise thought about or would not have had time to research.
Where do you see the health care industry going in the next 10 years?
With changes in regulations in the health care industry, many providers have been faced with some great challenges, including declining reimbursements. While some people look at the market in a negative light, I see these changes as an opportunity. Joining a large entity can help solve a lot of problems.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
The best advice I have received in terms of business comes from Simon Sinek and “the Golden Circle.” The concept is based on the idea that most people in business know what they do and how they do it, but don’t know the why. You must understand your “why” to really understand business.
What are you reading?
I am currently re-reading Malcolm Gladwell’s “The Tipping Point.” It is fascinating, and I find that there are many parallels between his concepts and the medical field.
What do you do after work?
My time is spent with my family and friends. I have learned over the years that this is paramount to my happiness and health, and I am a better businessman because of it.
Describe your management style.
I am a firm believer in what (author) Dan Pink describes as “autonomy, mastery and purpose” with my staff. I don’t believe carrots and sticks work with medical professionals. I think if you pay people fairly for what they do, you don’t need to micromanage them. They will manage themselves.
Where do you see yourself and your company in 10 years?
I see myself helping design and implement an educational course for franchisees to help them implement balance center programs.
Looking toward the future, I expect to see Fyzical serve as a leader in the physical therapy field with over 500 clinics across the U.S.
What is your dream job, outside of your current field?
I would really enjoy teaching traditional rock climbing and leading groups in the wilderness on hiking and climbing trips.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is tardiness. I have always been a stickler for timeliness.
What is something that people might not know about you?
I am a 45-year-old catcher who plays baseball in a AAA men’s 18-and- over baseball team called the Las Vegas Ducks. After being out of baseball for almost 22 years, I had an opportunity to play with my 16-year-old son on a father-son hardball team. Since then, we have won championships with several teams. Currently, I am the oldest player on a team whose average age is 19.