Meet Dustin Lee | Business Owner & Physical Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dustin Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dustin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My view of risk has constantly evolved throughout the course of my life and professional career. The younger version of me looked at risk as a way to escape. I left my hometown, family, and friends after my parents divorced to start school at Colorado State University (CSU) – a city and state with which I had zero connection. Leaving everything behind and starting fresh was appealing but it came with the risk of potentially leaving everything I loved and not enjoying my decision. Two years into earning my degree at CSU, my understanding of risk changed again, as I recognized an opportunity for growth in the degree field I wanted to pursue – kinesiology. I used this evolved view of risk as opportunity for growth and transferred to Arizona State University (ASU) where the kinesiology program was exceptional. I graduated two years later with my bachelor’s in science degree in Kinesiology and landed my first job as a physical therapy aide. These experiences with risk pushed me to the decision to leave everything I knew behind, yet again, and accept the offer to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where I later earned my doctorate in physical therapy. Risk began to take on a new look as I established myself as a professional over the next several years. Decisions that involved risk required more foresight into the possibilities of the future – whether beneficial or detrimental. I married the love of my life and began to understand that risk took on a new look. It needed to respected and questioned because the decisions that required any amount of risk now affected both of us. My viewpoint of risk changed from “let’s see what happens,” to “what could happen.” Ultimately, risk forced me to consider more options, calculate more details, and mature in my way of thinking. This eventually led me, under the full support of my wife, family, and friends, to launch my own private, physical therapy practice – Reach Physical Therapy LLC in Atlanta, GA. The business has demonstrated steady growth since opening which I attribute to the life lessons that risk has taught me so far. Prepare for the known and accept the existence of unknown. Embrace tough decisions with a sense of wonder, curiosity, and apprehension. Reflect on your past, entertain the present, and challenge the future.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Reach Physical Therapy was established for one primary purpose – to create sustainable solutions that bridge the gap between life’s physical demands and overall well-being. The people that come into the clinic will leave with a thorough understanding of their orthopedic or sport condition. They will also have a sustainable plan that allows for them to have continued success even after their last appointment. They will be capable of implementing that creative plan, along with lessons learned during their appointments, in order to continuing striving towards new goals and new potentials in their life. The experience at Reach Physical Therapy exceeds the standard of physical therapy and provides people with the quality healthcare experience that they have been seeking.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely start with outdoor spaces within the city limits of Atlanta and surrounding areas. Hiking or kayaking along the Chattahoochee River is always a must no matter what time of year. Playing golf in and around the city offers spectacular views of wildlife and Georgia’s foliage – especially if your golf game is anything like mine and makes you travel into the woods occasionally. Attending an Atlanta United soccer match or Atlanta Braves baseball game would definitely be on the list. My wife and I love to support our local communities. Some of our favorite local spots are closer to where we live near The Westside, Upper Westside, Vinings, and The Battery.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout goes out to my incredible wife, Tori Lee! Thank you for the countless amount of time, energy, emotion, and support that you have continuously provided in order to successfully launch the business – Reach Physical Therapy. I am beyond proud to have you by my side on this journey of life.

Website: www.reachptatl.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachptatl/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-lee-reach-physical-therapy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachPTatl

Image Credits
XXIII Photo Studio