For Brett Liebl, DPT, joining the rehabilitation team at Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic isn't just the start of a new career; it's a homecoming.
A native of Claflin, Liebl grew up working alongside his father and brothers on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and community. Those same values ultimately led him into physical therapy and, after years of education and training, back to the area he has always called home.
After earning his bachelor's degree in Sports & Exercise Therapy from Fort Hays State University, Liebl completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Wichita State University. Returning to central Kansas was always the goal.
"My wife grew up in Ellinwood, and she's thrilled to be back in the community that raised her," Liebl said. "We both have a huge amount of pride in this community and love these towns, so it just felt like the right thing to do to come back home."
His connection to Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic actually began years before he became an employee.
As a high school student, Liebl was selected to receive the Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship, an investment that helped make his education possible.
"Being selected for the hospital auxiliary scholarship was amazing," he said. "It showed me they believed in me and made me believe in myself more. It helped me through school, and it's nice to be able to pay it back."
Liebl credits a familiar face with inspiring his career path.
After sustaining multiple injuries while playing sports in high school, he became a patient of physical therapist Troy Moore, DPT, who now serves as CEO of Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic.
"I had a lot of injuries in high school, and Troy was my physical therapist," Liebl said. "He showed me so much passion and cared so much about my well-being. It made me excited to be able to do that with patients of my own."
Today, Liebl enjoys helping patients regain their strength and independence, especially those who are motivated to reach their goals. He has a particular passion for working with athletes and active individuals recovering from injury.
"I enjoy working with people who are motivated to work hard," he said.
Patients at Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic also benefit from advanced rehabilitation technology, including the facility's anti-gravity treadmill, one of Liebl's favorite pieces of equipment.
"I've really been excited to start using the anti-gravity treadmill," he said. "It helps patients recovering from post-operative surgeries, strokes, and spinal cord disorders. It helps normalize walking patterns while reducing stress on the joints, allowing patients to begin walking sooner and with greater confidence."
When he's not in the therapy department, Liebl enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing — or, as he jokes, attempting to play — golf, and relaxing with a good movie.
Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic is proud to welcome Liebl to its rehabilitation team and continue investing in talented professionals who choose to build their careers close to home.
For more information about rehabilitation services at Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic, call (620) 564-2548 or visit www.ellinwoodistricthospital.org