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Many orthopedic M.D.s, cardiologists, and sports medicine physicians have recognized the need for implementing diagnoses through physical therapy and fitness programs. Many more people are participating in sports and exercise such as tennis and jogging that may result in some type of injury. As a result, some physicians are forming close connections with quality sports medicine centers or are investing in limited partnerships to develop their own. The medical profession is the portal provider of many sports medicine center services. Therefore, a referral network is essential among physicians and sports medicine centers (SMC). The SMC is differentiated from health or fitness clubs because of this connection and the number of certified employees per member in the center.

Background

Dana Van Pelt opened a physical therapy practice in Pompano Beach, Florida in 1980. As a registered physical therapist (RPT) and a certified athletic trainer (ATC), Mr. Van Pelt had a deep interest in conditioning and reconditioning of the body. In 1984, he opened a sports medicine and physical therapy center in Boca Raton, north of Pompano Beach. This was so successful that it soon outgrew its quarters. In 1986, Van Pelt had the good fortune to locate about 7,600 square feet of floor space in Boca Raton, consisting of the entire fourth floor of the Galen Building. This location was within two blocks of the Community Hospital and in the center of a complex of medical buildings surrounding the area.

The organization of the now-named Palm Beach Institute of Sports Medicine (PBISM) consisted of Dana Van Pelt, President; Larry Carlino, Physical Therapist (PT) and Executive Director of Physical Therapy; three other physical therapists; three athletic trainers; one health/fitness instructor; four supporting physical therapy aides; three receptionists; and two business specialists. A number of nearby medical and paramedical specialists were also closely associated with PBISM by virtue of consulting arrangements.

Dana paid particular attention to the business aspects, long-range plans, and physical therapy advances and equipment. Larry Carlino was concerned with the management of day-to-day operations of the physical therapy aspects. Ron DeAngelo, one of the athletic trainers, managed the fitness operations. Duties were not highly specified, and the three worked as an informal team for the principal goals of the center.

Philosophy

The philosophy of PBISM is to promote a quality lifestyle for all participating members, as well as those utilizing the institute's conditioning and rehabilitation programs.

When Dana was planning his move to the Galen building, the fourth floor was cleared to appear as shown in Figure 1. This area was to contain three offices, a conference room, examination rooms, treatment areas (partitioned with curtains), a large wet room with underwater treadmill, business office, men's and women's locker rooms, waiting room, reception area opposite the elevator, glass-paneled office overlooking the major equipment areas, and three equipment areas. The equipment areas were planned to be a back treatment area, a large conditioning equipment and stretching area, and an isokinetic equipment area. The items of equipment are listed in Table 1. Two or three duplicates of some items of equipment were contemplated because of general heavy usage.

TABLE 1
Equipment

1. pick up their exercise plan sheet and clipboard
2. warm up on one of the bikes
3. stretch
4. work out on upper body equipment
5. work out on lower body equipment
6. work out on abdomen and back machines.

In some cases, members would spend 30 to 45 minutes, or more, on aerobic devices such as bikes, treadmills, the Versa Climber, the Nordic (ski) Trak, or the rower. The equipment layout would have to be modified at a later date, Dana knew, based on the accumulated operating experience with the new SMC.

Figure 1

Exhibit 1

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Draw an organization chart for PBISM.
   
   
   
   
2. Suppose you are planning the layout for Dana by following the key to inputs to the layout problem shown earlier in this chapter as Exhibit 1
   
   
   
   
3. For PBISM, make a brief list of inputs in rough form to indicate your understanding of the key.
   
   
   
   
4. Prepare a layout of the floor plan of the Institute. Get advice and comments from other students.
   
   
   
   
5. Lay out the arrangement of equipment within the floor plan.
   
   
   
   

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