Gerard Breuker
PT, DPT, MSC, FAAOMPT
Owner, Physical Therapist
Gerard is a specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and has been practicing Physical Therapy since 1989. Gerard has worked in hospitals, out-patient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practices in the Netherlands and in the US. He is married to Margriet Edelman and together they have 3 children. The Breuker family enjoys living in Manteno, Illinois.
Education
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Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Evidence In Motion Institute of Health Professions, Louisville, KY, 2016
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Master of Science (Evidence Based Practice), University of Amsterdam-Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 2005
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Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy, summa cum laude), International Academy for Physiotherapy, Utrecht, the Netherlands, 1989
Postgraduate Training/Certifications:
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Completed the Executive Program in Private Practice Management, Evidence In Motion Institute of Health Professions, Louisville, KY, 2017
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Completed Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, The Manual Therapy Institute, Park City, Utah, 2013
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Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (MDT),The McKenzie Institute, 2007
A Little About Me
What led you to become a Physical Therapist?
When I was in high school, my older brother was going to school to become a Physical Therapist. I was fascinated by his books about anatomy and what he told me about his training. I played sports in high school, as well, and my coach was also a PT. When I injured my ankle, he fixed me up and treated me at the hospital where he worked. I was fascinated by what he did and how. Physical Therapy in the Netherlands historically developed out of the profession of Physical Education (not Nursing), so the connection with therapeutic exercises was and is very strong. (PT in The Netherlands was called "medicinal gymnastics" a hundred years ago.) All of this drew me into the field, and let me to become a PT and own a private practice of my own.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
When I graduated from High School, I was drafted in the army of The Netherlands. The Cold War was still going on, and I spent 6 months in southern Lebanon as a military member of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces there.
What would your perfect afternoon off include?
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife, reading books (I love Tom Clancy and John Grisham), and gardening. I love listening to music as well. Add in my wonderful kids and some good food (my favorite snacks to grab are dark chocolate or Muesli (a Swiss cereal) with yogurt), and my afternoon would be complete!