Dedicated. Curious. Empathetic.
Issue: June 2022
Pearl Physical Therapy. Clinical Director and Doctor of Physical Therapy Hometown: Saranac, NY Age: 33 Education: Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, Bachelors in Exercise Physiology from SUNY Brockport
As the COVID pandemic was in its incubation stage, Justin Charland was joining one of the most progressive physical therapy clinics in our region. Navigating the challenges of the healthcare crisis, his commitment to Team Pearl earned him the role of Clinical Director.
How do you contribute to the culture of your company? I firmly believe and practice one of the main pillars of Pearl Physical Therapy’s mission statement, that we don’t “treat” our clients but “serve” them to help them reach their wellness goals.
What are you doing to make a difference in your community? I serve about 12-14 members of our community a day to help them function better.
What is the single most important characteristic for success? Recognizing and supporting those who work with you so that you all work together to function at your collective best.
What is your biggest professional success? Every time I help an athlete get back on the field/court or anyone back to doing an activity they love, I get a sense of fulfillment and gratification.
What important lesson have you learned in your career? In order to best serve the members of our community, I find taking the time for self-care provides the best version of myself. The phrase that comes to mind is “You can’t give from an empty glass.”
What is your dream job? I would love to be a part of a physical therapy clinic that doesn’t just see clients after they are injured, but where we are able to prevent injury by having yearly or twice-yearly movement assessments.
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken? I’m not much of a risk taker, but I guess I would say moving away to college and being accepted into the Physical Therapy program right out of high school.
What is something that no one would guess about you? If I hadn’t chosen the career path that I did, I would have likely studied environmental science. I love to be outdoors and in the Adirondacks!
Write a note to your younger self… Justin, there will be times you may feel overwhelmed or face difficult decisions. Don’t get too hung up on those things. Everything will fall into place and work out the way it is intended.
What can the North Country do to make this area more appealing to a younger generation? Continue to build a variety of activities/services that will entertain or tap into various hobbies would benefit this area. I also feel that developing our beautiful waterfront area is important.
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