TO THE POINT Behind the Open Sign
Let’s get Physical JOHN BROMFIELD’S PATH TO PHYSICAL THERAPY BY ELIN TROUSDALE
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n efficient multi-tasker with a quick mind, John Bromfield of Peak Performance in Pompano Beach answers calls, writes clinical notes, adjusts equipment, manages staff, and tells jokes while instructing and assisting patients. Even though he may be treating several patients at Peak Performance at the same time, John does not miss a trick. He succeeds at giving everyone individual attention and guidance. This is one guy that really does have eyes in back of his head. Proficient in math and science, with an interest in how the body works, John graduated from Michigan State University in his home state with a degree in physiology. As a personal trainer to 15 physicians, he was able ask them their feelings about the medical profession. Only three of them told him they would do it all over again and become doctors. The remaining 12 disagreed as they saw the limiting direction medicine was going in Michigan. The huge auto industry workforce was the driving force for cost-effective managed care. Those conversations sealed John’s decision not to become a physician. As a licensed physical therapist and an avid hockey player, the Cleveland Clinic recruited John in 1996 for the job as Physical Therapist for the Florida Panthers. A year after the Panthers went to The Stanley Cup finals, John was on the ice practicing with and treating the team at the then Panther practice ice rink right here on US1 and later at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise. In 2000, John moved back to Michigan where he worked in clinical development for a national company. Since returning to South Florida three years ago, John has been operations manager of all three Peak
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L IG H TH O U S E P O I N T
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Performance locations – Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines and Pompano Beach. He actively oversees the directors of each location, making sure the clinics operate smoothly. He treats patients at the Pompano location only. John has been the ball boy for the Michigan State Spartans for the past 28 seasons. He goes back to Michigan at least six times a year. He is well informed and can have a conversation about any subject. As well as playing hockey, John enjoys “good eats” fishing, weight lifting and spending time with his 10-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter. Like their dad, his children are strong in math and science. John truly loves helping people and it shows. I like to think of John Bromfield as one well-rounded, witty and fun loving all American guy. When Elin’s not interviewing cool people, she and her husband own Le Bistro, www.lebistrorestaurant.com.