People on the Move: Tim Banks, Physical Therapy

Timothy Sherman Banks was born and raised in Buffalo, NY but lived in NYC for six years.  He attended elementary school in The Big Apple from second grade to ninth grade and came back to Buffalo to finish high school.  The Riverside High School graduate also served in the U.S. Army for three years as a medical specialist.  He did a tour in Korea, and served at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.

Upon his return to Buffalo, Banks attended the University at Buffalo (Millard Fillmore Night School) and D’Youville College.  He attended the Educational Opportunity Center for college preparatory work and educational support, where he received assistance in getting in to the HEOP at D’Youville College.   He went on earn a Bachelors and a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from D’Youville.

The profession requires seven months of clinical work and a dissertation, after which you must pass the NYS exam, which Banks says is very tough. “I had to take the test three times, but I didn’t give up,” he says.

Banks began his physical therapy career in Binghamton, NY.  It was there that he worked with over 30 physical therapists in over seven areas of the field. “It gave me a well-rounded view of physical therapy. I was able to find my niche in the profession,” he says.

Later, Banks worked at Sheehan Hospital for about a year followed by four years of home care. Initially, he opened his own physical therapy practice at Sheehan Hospital.  He leased space while serving thirteen patients during his first week in business.  Prior to moving from that location, he served over 65 patients per week, which was a tremendous accomplishment.  He learned how to run a business as well as a therapy clinic while at Sheehan.  “I didn’t earn my first check for four months. It was a hope and a dream and I didn’t know how running a business would turn out,” says Banks.

Banks Physical Therapy has been at its current location at the Lula Gayles Medical Center at 840 Humboldt Parkway for three years now. Banks says, “I love working with people and the community.  This was a dream to become a physical therapist. I get a chance to make a name in a city that mom came from.”

Over the next five years, Banks would like to go into health and wellness promotion and would like to start a facility that offers fitness, nutrition, and wellness as well as physical therapy.  Banks is motivated each day by his family and his love for the community.

Banks Physical Therapy is located at 840 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, NY.  They can be reached by telephone at (716) 844-8319.

About Will Jones

publisher and writer for BlackWNY

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