Star City Six – Dr. Duane Wade
Athletico Physical Therapy (athletico.com/Lincoln) provides the highest quality orthopedic rehabilitation services to communities, employers, and athletes in more than 400 locations throughout eleven states. Duane Wade, DPT, CSMT is the clinic manager of Athletico Lincoln.
How did you get started in the business?
After more than 20 years of working with CHI Health Saint Elizabeth, I was presented with the opportunity to do something new in the Lincoln community. Excel Physical Therapy, a long standing PT industry leader in Omaha, had recently merged with Athletico Physical Therapy and both organizations have wanted to expand to Lincoln. I have friends who have worked with Excel for years and I really trust their judgment. I didn’t know much about Athletico, but during my research I found that their philosophies aligned with mine. Athletico’s commitment to care and innovation in the profession really piqued my interest. We opened our clinic in Lincoln on June 21 and have been moving forward ever since.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Departing from my previous work setting to start a new venture. The decision to leave my colleagues and the people who entrusted me with their care for years took a lot of consideration.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
It is extremely gratifying when people choose to come back to see me for their care, and I am very grateful for their trust in me.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife Kandy and I have been married for 20 years. We have two awesome children. Our daughter Anna just graduated high school and is off to Wichita State to study music education. Our son Connor will be a second grader this year. He loves sports, music, Pokémon, and is a budding American Ninja Warrior.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Certainly having children. Priorities in life change immediately. We were blessed with our daughter by birth and our son by adoption. They are far apart in age, but they are so close that it will be strange having Anna away at college. They both provide their own unique rewards and challenges every day.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Fall is my favorite time of year and I love spending time outdoors, whether I am hunting in the woods, doing some yard work, or sitting on the deck and having a cup of coffee early in the morning.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I was a bartender for six years through college and I learned a lot about people during that time.
What are you the most proud of?
My family. Hands down. The joy they bring each and every day is indescribable.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t play leap frog with a unicorn.” Prophetic on so many levels.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
I would love to be a chef/restaurateur.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Our church, Southwood Lutheran. It is such a vibrant and friendly place doing God’s work in Lincoln and around the world. Also Cedars Youth Services, as we received our foster care training there and ended up adopting our son as a result. They do amazing things for children and families.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Vincenzo’s.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
The clinic phone number is (402) 817-1750. You can also learn more or request an appointment at athletico.com/Lincoln.