Meet Dr. Leada Malek | Board-certified Sports Physical Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Leada Malek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Leada, how does your business help the community?
I wanted a means to continue to reach people during something as isolating and overwhelming as the pandemic. My business allows me to reach people from all over to help them take advantage of their physical health and continue to move as pain-free as possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of my quick expansion into the virtual world and building an online presence in such a short period of time. At the end of may it will be exactly 1 year since I started and it grew to more than I could even imagine! Sharing my treatment style online and owning my voice has allowed me to branch into aspects of PT I never thought I could go. It’s even helped me land other incredibly helpful part-time jobs.

I offer a very individualized approach to my patients. My televisits are anything but boring and my wellness sessions are interactive and educational. I always try to empower my patients by teaching them about their bodies and explaining what is going on with their injuries. This way, they really can be independent with their efforts and manage their pain/symptoms without my help in the long-term. While some physical therapists work on a strict schedule and offer what is “paid for” or what the clinic has time for, I make it a point to place the patient experience and communication and patient goals as a top priority.

It certainly was not easy. As an entrepreneur you have to wear many different hats. I researched a lot and was behind the computer for more hours than I wanted to be! My biggest challenge was time management and work-life balance. The weirdest thing to me was feeling like I was working more than I ever had even though I didn’t have a “full-time job.” I had to set locks on my phone so my apps would lock me out after 8 pm and I’d be forced to disconnect. I also make it a point to disconnect over the weekend so I could spend time with people I care about and do normal daily things. It’s very easy to keep working non-stop when you’re passionate about something, especially in today’s world.

I want people to know that I started this to reach them during what seemed like the darkest time our world has seen – and that’s because I wanted them to continue to appreciate the gift of health and movement. Exercise and movement have a direct impact on mental health as well. I simplify advanced movement concepts so that you can still do your favorite sport or activity and make the most out of your day, even when things feel like you can’t anymore. There is always a way to keep moving, and my job is to help you find that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being a local in the Bay Area in Northern California, my ultimate spots are some of the best views and restaurants in San Francisco and Oakland. Brunch is an absolute must in San Francisco (Foreign Cinema, Lolo, or Sweet Maple are favorites). Then a siteseeing tour of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges, drive up to Twin Peaks to see the SF skyline, or walk around Lake Merritt in Oakland and appreciate the music and diversity. I also would try to check out the SF MOMA or De Young Museum for their art exhibits! Then of course wrap up with dinner anywhere in Oakland of SF.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friends and family are my support system, especially my parents. They had always been right behind me during my journey as a physical therapist and had been telling me to start my own business for a while. When the time came I had full support and encouragement in taking the leap and start my own business when I had little faith in how I was going to go about it! There is no way I would be here without them.

Website: www.drmalekpt.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drmalekpt

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/leadamalekdpt

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmalekpt

Image Credits
Nick Cruz Daniel Alcaire