Matt Likins, MPT, OCS Orthopedics/ Sports/ Spine Board Certified in Orthopedics

I always knew I wanted a career in the medical field, but an ankle injury while playing high school football (go Stevenson Titans!) introduced me to physical therapy - the enthusiasm, professionalism and expertise of the P.T.s quickly ended my search for a career!

I've carried this appreciation with me throughout my education and career. Since receiving my Master's in physical therapy from Oakland University, I've maintained an active approach to physical therapy through more than 25 courses in manual and manipulative physical therapy and sports therapy rehabilitation. I also earned my board certification in orthopedic physical therapy, first in 1999, and then passed a rigorous recertification exam in 2009.

For me, physical therapy is about empowerment - I enjoy helping to correct the mechanical problems, and then providing patients the tools and knowledge to take care of themselves. Helping a patient to regain their independence and giving them relief from their pain is the best part of my job. And, forming 1st Choice Physical Therapy as a partner has given me the opportunity to spend enough time with each patient to deliver the type of hands-on care that they deserve.

In addition to staying active in my career, my family helps keep me moving outside of work. With our three young children (two boys and a girl), my wife and I enjoy spending time together as a family volunteering at their school, going camping with friends in northern Michigan, or cheering them on in their respective sports, including baseball, basketball and soccer.

Paul Jozefczyk, PT Orthopedics/ Sports/ Spine Manual Therapy

Not many physical therapists can claim achieving the rank of Eagle Scout lead them to their life's passion, but for me, that was the case.

During my junior year of high school at De La Salle Collegiate, I had an opportunity to spend a day in a career of my choice as part of Eagle Recognition Day. I chose to spend the day with a physical therapist at a local hospital, which enabled me to see the positive influence physical therapy could have on a person's life. I realized being a physical therapist was not a job, but "a calling."

I earned my degree in physical therapy from Wayne State University in 1987. My subsequent experience has allowed me to work with individuals who have been functionally compromised from a variety of medical conditions. Additionally, I have completed more than 500 hours of advanced orthopedic physical therapy training within the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy.

In 2003, I achieved a career goal when I opened a physical therapy practice in my community. It has been incredibly satisfying to help several neighbors, friends, and family members return to their everyday lives. It is also exciting for me to see the many local high school athletes we have helped at 1st Choice in their return to action.

When I am not at the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our three children. We stay involved in the community through our children's activities, including school and church programs, youth soccer, basketball and Girl Scouts.

Peter R. Kovacek, PT, MSA Geriatric Rehab

Over my 33+ years as a geriatric and cardiopulmonary physical therapist, I've had the honor of helping thousands of patients set rehabilitation goals and worked with them to achieve their goals. I am able to apply years of continued education and experience to reach milestones that were considered against all odds, which is the most inspiring aspect of physical therapy for me. After all, it was my own "against the odds" recovery from a serious lower-back injury in high school that motivated my career choice!

Since earning my degree in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1977, I have never stopped learning - or sharing my knowledge with others. I received my masters of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and am currently a doctoral student at Rocky Mountain University in Salt lake City, Utah. I have also been an adjunct or part-time faculty member at Wayne State University and Oakland University since 1979, and authored a successful textbook.

Outside of physical therapy, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three grown children - golfing during the summer months and skiing in the winter, as well as cheering on my favorite sports team - MSU basketball!

David Walters, PT, ATC Physical Therapist Orthopedic and Geriatric Rehab

Like many physical therapists, my first introduction to the career came after I sustained an injury playing high school sports. My football and wrestling coach at Bishop Foley took me to a sports medicine specialist at Wayne State University to aide in my rehabilitation, and I was inspired by the idea of combining two of my passions - giving back to the community and sports - into a career.

I received my degree in Sports Medicine from Central Michigan University, with National Certification in Athletic Training. From there, I went back to the place that initially sparked my interest in the field - Wayne State University - to earn my degree in physical therapy.

My favorite part of physical therapy is helping people get back to what they love to do, whether it is running marathons or simply performing every day activities, pain-free. My sports medicine and physical therapy background combined have given me the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients, from professional and collegiate athletes, to geriatric rehabilitation, in a variety of settings. My approach to therapy is to treat the body as a whole - not just the individual injury - to determine the underlying cause.

Although my high school athletic days have come to a close, I enjoy volunteering with youth athletics through the Catholic Youth Organization. My wife (who is also a physical therapist!) and I, spend as much time as possible with our three children, and enjoy trips to northern Michigan to spend time in the great outdoors.

Bob Baker, PT

While many physical therapists are first exposed to the field because of personal injury, my interest was peaked after I saw my older brother face extensive rehabilitation from injuries sustained while serving in the Vietnam War.

When I observed how physical therapy improved his quality of life, I explored the opportunity further at a local hospital and appreciated the ability of the physical therapists to help people get their lives and mobility back after injury. The rest, as they say, is history.

I graduated from Wayne State in 1975, but have never stopped learning. Although I've focused my work and studies on outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, it is through constant interaction, continuing education and a listening ear that I continue to improve my skills.

I consider it one of my greatest professional accomplishments when I help a patient achieve relief after they've gone through years of therapy elsewhere. For me, physical therapy is like detective work - my patients will often give me the clues, and as a therapist, it is my job to piece them together to solve the case.

In addition to treating patients, I enjoy sharing what I've learning over my 37 years of experience with other clinicians.

When I'm not practicing physical therapy, I can probably be found on the golf course perfecting my game, completing a home improvement project or spending time with my wife and two grown daughters.