When you’re exploring a new physical therapy opportunity, job descriptions only tell part of the story. What really matters is the why behind the clinic, the values that guide daily care, and the people you’ll be working alongside.
In this video conversation, Brian Weidner, President of Career Tree Network sits down with Dr. Eric Koehler, founder of Physical Achievement Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to talk about his journey as a Physical Therapist, what makes his practice different, and why Physical Achievement Center is a unique place to build a career.
A Career Built on Curiosity, Growth, and Clinical Excellence
Dr. Koehler’s career in physical therapy spans more than three decades. He graduated in 1990, back when PT programs were primarily bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and has practiced in the Oshkosh area ever since. Along the way, he’s worked across a wide range of settings — from private practice to subacute rehab, nursing homes, and even a mental health institute.
Mid-career, Dr. Koehler returned to school to complete his transitional DPT and fellowship training through Evidence in Motion. That decision helped shape the way Physical Achievement Center approaches care today: grounded in research, informed clinical decision-making, and a desire to do more than “business as usual” in outpatient physical therapy.
Why Private Practice Matters
For Dr. Koehler, private practice isn’t just about autonomy — it’s about community.
At Physical Achievement Center, patients choose to be there. The clinic is largely direct-to-consumer, meaning referrals come primarily from satisfied patients and word of mouth rather than default medical referrals. That creates a powerful dynamic: trust is earned every visit, outcomes matter deeply, and clinicians are pushed to be excellent at what they do.
As Eric puts it, being known in the community — and earning repeat visits and referrals — is both humbling and motivating.
The Birth of Physical Achievement Center
Physical Achievement Center officially opened its doors on December 12, 2017 — a date Dr. Koehler remembers well, as it also happened to be his 50th birthday.
From day one, the vision was clear:
- Excellence in care and outcomes
- Innovation in how physical therapy is delivered
- Transparent, patient-centered communication
The clinic is built around “knee-to-knee” conversations — real, honest discussions with patients about goals, plans of care, value, and even cost. Patients are treated as people first, not just diagnoses, and care plans are designed collaboratively to help them reach meaningful outcomes.
What Makes Physical Achievement Center a Great Place to Work
For PTs and PTAs, Physical Achievement Center offers something increasingly rare: the ability to truly practice at the top of your license.
Clinicians have the freedom to discuss:
- Lifestyle and fitness-forward strategies
- Nutrition and supplementation
- Non-surgical, non-drug solutions
- Long-term health and prevention
Rather than playing a “second seat” role, the clinic views Physical Therapists as co-equal partners in healthcare. Relationships with other providers are built on mutual respect, not dependency on referrals.
That philosophy has paid off. Physical Achievement Center is the top-reviewed physical therapy provider on Google not only in Oshkosh, but across the entire Fox Valley — a reflection of both patient outcomes and team dedication.
Patient Population and Programs
The clinic treats a broad range of orthopedic conditions, including shoulder, spine, neck, and low back pain. While all ages are seen, the practice primarily serves adults 35+, with a strong focus on individuals 45 and older.
In addition to traditional outpatient care, Physical Achievement Center offers innovative programs such as:
- Neuropathy reversal
- Non-surgical spine and disc recovery
- Weight loss and metabolic health programs
As the clinic continues to grow, it increasingly sees itself as an integrated medical clinic, expanding services while staying rooted in conservative, evidence-based care.
Collaboration, Innovation, and Having a Voice
Growth at Physical Achievement Center isn’t top-down. The team meets regularly — from weekly check-ins to quarterly and annual planning — and clinicians are encouraged to collaborate, contribute ideas, and help shape the future of the organization.
If you’re someone who wants more than just a treatment schedule — someone who wants to make an impact, innovate, and help chart the course of a growing practice — this is an environment designed for that.
Life in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Beyond the clinic walls, Oshkosh offers an exceptional quality of life. Known for its access to water, outdoor recreation, and vibrant arts scene, the city blends small-to-mid-sized charm with easy access to larger metro areas like Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
With lakes, trails, music festivals, UW–Oshkosh, and world-famous summer events like EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh provides both adventure and balance — a place where careers and families can thrive.
Interested in Joining the Team?
As Dr. Koehler shares in the video, Physical Achievement Center is more than a workplace — it’s a mission-driven practice built on trust, innovation, and authentic human connection.
If you’re a Physical Therapist or PTA looking for a place where your voice matters, your skills are valued, and your work truly makes a difference, this conversation offers a glimpse into what’s possible.
View current job openings at Physical Achievement Center.
👉 Watch the full video to learn more about the culture, philosophy, and opportunities at Physical Achievement Center.