Why 82% of Physical Therapists Quit - And How One Doctor Created the Solution Featuring Dr. Sarah Crawford, EP 190

Episode Overview 

Dr. Sarah Crawford, DPT, shares how she's revolutionizing healthcare delivery through Anchor Wellness Center - an innovative collaborative model that brings independent practitioners together under one roof. With 98% patient retention and 30% year-over-year growth for member practices, Sarah's approach proves that excellent care and profitable business aren't mutually exclusive. 

Key Highlights 

• The Healthcare Crisis: Only 18% of licensed physical therapists actually work in clinics due to system burnout and barriers to quality care 

• The Collaborative Advantage: Shared overhead, unified systems, and peer accountability create better outcomes for both providers and patients 

• Breaking the Poverty Mindset: Healthcare providers must value their expertise and charge accordingly - "if you don't make money, you have an incredibly expensive hobby" 

• The Entrepreneurship Reality: Building a practice will "crack you wide open" - embrace the vulnerability as essential growth 

• Systems vs. Solo Practice: Creating scalable businesses that can operate without the founder, not just "expensive lifestyle businesses" 

Memorable Quotes 

"The biggest barrier to healthcare is continuity of care - patients get bounced from provider to provider with too much time and space between them." 

"Political correctness doesn't work in healthcare because it doesn't help people get better. If someone's had ineffective care, let them know it." 

"Entrepreneurship cracks you wide open - all your vulnerabilities and insecurities are right at the forefront. You can surround yourself with people who help you grow, or you can resist it." 

"You can't help anybody authentically if you haven't done your own work first." 

"Love the hell out of people, including yourself. Sit into your own power and recognize that your zone of genius is a gift to the world." 

Closing Thoughts 

Sarah's model represents the future of healthcare - provider-centered care that actually centers the patient. By removing administrative burdens and creating true collaboration between practitioners, she's proving that the answer to our healthcare crisis isn't more regulations or bigger systems - it's empowering excellent providers to do what they do best. Her message is clear: bet on yourself, value your expertise, and don't apologize for building something profitable that genuinely serves people. 

Bio: 

Dr. Sarah Crawford, DPT, COMT, earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 2011. With over 14 years of experience in physical therapy and healthcare administration, she has served as office manager, clinical director, and partner for several independent practices before founding Anchor Wellness Center and Wave Physical Therapy and Pilates in 2019. 

Dr. Crawford specializes in orthopedic manual therapy, chronic pain management, and Pilates-based rehabilitation. She was the first physical therapist certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling in Ohio and brings extensive training in neurological rehabilitation. Her comprehensive approach integrates neuromuscular, fascial, and musculoskeletal systems to optimize patient outcomes. 

Driven by the recognition that traditional healthcare is reactive and fragmented, Dr. Crawford created the Anchor Wellness Center to support local healthcare entrepreneurs in a collaborative environment that ultimately improves patient care through true integration of services. 

Find Dr. Sarah: 

Website 

Instagram  

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

Connect With Us: 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Thriving Practice Community 

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy 

Tracy’s LinkedIn 

Business LinkedIn Page