Featured Employee
NAME: Bill Larkin
TITLE: Physical Therapist
DEPARTMENT: Rehabilitation
STARTED AT BLACK RIVER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN: 2007 
Bill Larkin says his best work starts with each patient’s voice – and his ears. “An open and honest conversation gets us on the same page,” he says. “You can have all kinds of textbook training and equipment, but good communication is vital to setting goals and working together as a team.”He says goals are as varied as each patient’s personality: regaining range of motion, reducing pain, losing the walker, improving balance, recovering the ability to work, drive, golf, garden, use stairs or play with the grandkids… the list goes on. It’s important to figure out where each patient is, and start from there.
“I like to think and hope I can help anyone who comes in the door. Honesty is important. If someone tells me they don’t understand or are having trouble finding the time for their at-home exercises, it’s helpful and useful to know that so we can address it and re-prioritize for a more productive approach. We discuss options.
“There’s no rushing through things,” he adds. “Both patients and therapists are fortunate here that we’re encouraged to take the time we need to set goals and be productive.”
Nicole Schweitzer, OTR is Rehabilitation Services Manager at BRMH. “We’ve been very fortunate to have Bill return to his hometown. He’s highly recognized for his clinical skills, especially with respect to sports and orthopaedics. He’s inspiring, optimistic and energetic.” She remarks how people who are born and raised in Black River Falls usually return home. “We are doubly fortunate because Bill’s wife, Katie, is another great physical therapist on our staff. We got a two-for-one deal.”