Name: Diane Fortek

Clinic Location: Wittenberg, Wisconsin
Title: Physical Therapy Assistant
What is your favorite quote or saying?:  

“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” 

 

JB: Welcome to the Sport & Spine team, and thank you for taking the time for this interview so our followers and patients can get to know you better. First off, where are you from? 

Diane: La Crosse, WI

JB: Where did you go to school? What inspired you to get into the physical therapy space?

Diane: I went to school at Western Technical College in La Crosse. As a kid, I had always thought I’d be a doctor or surgeon until I had PT. I suffered a significant knee injury in high school and had to undergo an ACL reconstruction surgery, where I met an amazing Physical Therapist who helped me recover and see firsthand the work that goes into getting people back on their feet. Through first-hand experience, I knew this was what I wanted to do.

JB: What do you like most about your work in the physical therapy space?

Diane: I really like helping people get back on their feet.

JB: What is one thing you wish everyone knew more about the body or physical therapy?

Diane: We all feel pain differently, and there are lots of things that may contribute to someone’s pain, so the road to recovery looks different for each person. It’s our job to put together the plan that is best for YOU.

JB: What patients or diagnoses are you most excited about treating?

Diane: I enjoy working with a wide variety of patients and diagnoses but I especially enjoy post-surgical knee diagnoses.

JB: Can you share a patient success story with us?  Is there a patient you worked with that made a significant impact on you as a therapist or leader?

Diane: There are a few cases that have touched my heart. When someone comes to physical therapy, you have time to get to know the patient and about the patient’s family. When you see and hear the difference you are making in their life for the better, nothing is more rewarding.

JB: What do you like to do in your free time?

Diane: I love to spend time with my family, especially my boys. I’m a Mom of two young boys, so my free time is limited but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I like to run and travel. I’m an adventurer so I like being on the go.

JB: What is your favorite fictional character? 

Diane:

Captain Jack Sparrow!

JB: I know you’re still getting settled in, but do you have any favorite local spots yet? 

Diane: Yes! Malarky’s Pub and Townies Grill — both in Wausau!

JB: Rapid fire! What is your favorite sports team? Favorite color? Sweet or salty? Coffee or tea? Beach or mountains? 

Diane: The Green Bay Packers, neon… I know it’s not a color but I love anything bright, sweet, coffee (especially Blue Mountain), beach

JB: How do you celebrate a win or a good day? 

Diane: Dance Party with the boys or some other adventure.

JB: Stay in or go out?

Diane: Go out!

JB: What is your best joke?

Diane: I don’t have any good jokes but I do enjoy sarcasm! 

JB: Why do you like working at Sport & Spine?

Diane: The people you work with are what makes a job worth it, both patients and co-workers. We have a really good environment here at Sport & Spine.

JB: What is the culture like in your clinic?

Diane: Open and easygoing. We like to have fun here but still get the work done that needs to be done.

JB: The Sport & Spine team is such a fun bunch! Let’s talk more about your community. What activities do you enjoy locally?

Diane: Volleyball, corn mazes, running

JB: Do you have any local businesses to recommend? 

Diane: Go out!

JB: if a patient asked for a recommendation on where to eat in Wittenberg, what would you tell them? 

Diane: I’d have to say Britt’s Ice Cream shop and Rachel’s Roadside.

JB: One last question… what is your favorite small business?

Diane: Sport & Spine, of course!

JB: Thanks for chatting with me today and welcome to the Sport & Spine team! We are so excited to have you on board and can’t wait to see you succeed!

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this fun interview with our new PTA, Diane. If you’re ready to start your physical therapy journey, Sport & Spine is here to guide you. Experience our commitment to swift care—we prioritize your well-being and can often accommodate your needs within 24-48 hours, surpassing typical clinic wait times. Click here to schedule your consultation or appointment and let’s begin your path to recovery together!