Today we’d like to introduce you to Irina Cortinas.
Hi Irina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant for 25 years. Graduate of Washburn University’s PTA program in 2000. I moved to Texas in 2010 and began working as a prn (as needed) PTA for Elgin Physical Therapy Clinic through a staffing agency and eventually came on as a full-time clinician. In 2021, the original owner approached me and asked if I would want to take over the business, so I took a leap of faith. The company which was established 25 years ago continues to grow and thrive in our small community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth transition. Changing hats from clinician to a business owner without any true background in how to run a business has had it challenges. We work with most payment reimbursement received from our clients’ insurance companies. They alone have made navigating the medical field so difficult as they all have their own rules and regulations in how to be considered a participating provider, rates of reimbursement, which continue to decrease while our expenses increase are just a few of the challenges. I will say I have been blessed by the staff that I have that have stuck by my side throughout these last 4.5 yrs. We are a work family and patient care comes first even though payment for services rendered may not be seen for 30 plus days.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Physical Therapist Assistant and now business owner of my own practice. I provide clinical care and also serve as a clinical instructor for other PTA students pursuing a career in our field. I am proud to be able to provide a holistic approach to therapy services and being a role model for my peers and my 2 adult daughters. What sets my clinic apart is that we strive to provide 1:1 care which is challenging to compete with in the corporate world. We are special to be able to thrive as a small outpatient clinic.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Moving to Texas was a big risk. Everything was new to me. My closest relatives were more than 2 hrs away so I had to learn how to navigate in a bigger state. Then taking that huge risk of owning a business without any true background knowledge. I had no idea what I was getting into, but it has been worth the risk. You never know what you are capable of unless you take that chance!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elginpt.com
- Instagram: @elginpttx
- Facebook: Elgin physical therapy
Image Credits:
Headshot- simonerenae photography
