Phil Rainier Joins Central Physical Therapy

Well-Known TV Newsman Joins Staff in Central

CENTRAL — Central Physical Therapy has announced the hiring of long-time WAFB medical correspondent Phil Rainier for the position of Director of Marketing and Communications.

CPT owner and president Helen Balzli said, “It’s a position we created to help insure CPT grows to meet the needs of one of the fastest growing cities in the state.  Phil’s experience, expertise, and vision fit well with our new direction as we move into the future here in Central.  We believe in the growth and forward thinking direction we see every day in the City of Central.  Bringing quality people like Phil on board is another way we are committing ourselves to that vision.”

CPT administrator Tom Coplin said, “Phil has been reporting on the latest health trends on TV for more than 20 years.  He’s been a fixture in the Baton Rouge television scene for 30 years.  It’s earned him a level of trust and respect we believe is absolutely necessary when talking to people about something as personal as their health and the choices they have for care.”  According to Balzli, “What Phil brings to the table fits seamlessly into CPT’s desire to be the ‘people you know with experience you can trust.’  You know him and you can trust him.”

Coplin said, “Phil will play a critical role in making sure people in Central know the full range of services CPT has to offer now and in the future.  For instance, CPT is now a certified ‘Concussion Health’ facility with state-of-the-art computerized tests that can minimize a child’s risk of getting back in the game too soon after a concussion.  While rare, the result can be potentially deadly “second impact” syndrome.  Phil will also be instrumental in publicizing our fall prevention program for seniors, low-level cold laser pain treatments, and any new service Central Physical Therapy adds as it strives to meet the needs of our growing community.”

Phil Rainier said, “I couldn’t be happier to be joining the Central Physical Therapy team.  I grew up in a small town.  I understand the close connection Helen and Tom feel to the City of Central.  Nobody does physical therapy better than Helen and her hometown team of experienced professionals.  I’m honored I was asked to be part of what they’re doing here.  I can’t wait to get started!”

Some of Phil Rainier’s career accomplishments include winning the Louisiana State Medical Society’s coveted “Excellence in Medical Journalism”  award on numerous occasions.  In 2011, he added an “Edward R. Murrow” award, one of the highest honors of his profession.  He’s won a national Scripps-Howard Foundation award for “Excellence in Journalism,” while the Associated Press has also honored his superior journalistic efforts.  In addition to his duties at WAFB, Phil has been a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated TV program, “America Now” and appeared in news broadcasts at 46 Raycom Media owned TV stations in 18 states.

Phil Rainier’s first day on the job at Central Physical Therapy is Monday, Oct. 8.  For information, contact Tom Coplin at 261-7094.