UM-Flint alum Amber Schlemmer is leading with heart in physiotherapy

At the heart of every community are individuals whose passion and commitment create a ripple effect of positive change. For the residents of Flushing, Michigan, that person is Amber Schlemmer. As the driving force behind Primary Prevention Physiotherapy, Schlemmer exemplifies professionalism and heartfelt empathy as she hopes to impact those she serves.

Schlemmer, a 2016 University of Michigan-Flint graduate with a clinical doctoral degree in physical therapy, came to the downtown campus after earning a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and exercise science at rival Michigan State University.

Following her time in East Lansing, Schlemmer began her professional life as a strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer with MSU Athletics, specifically with Olympic sports. During those early days, she felt driven to do "more" for her client's health. "Hovering right up to the scope of my practice as a strength and conditioning coach, I realized there was more that I could offer, which spurred my interest in physical therapy," she said. A pivotal moment came when she recognized that physical therapy was far from monotonous. "I started to shadow some physical therapists and saw what the profession was really about."

Upon returning to Flushing from East Lansing, Schlemmer founded Primary Prevention Physiotherapy in 2018, where she strives to provide exceptional care, forge meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact on her patients' lives. Her empathetic approach ensures every patient feels seen, heard and cared for. "We get to spend multiple hours one-on-one with patients … what other medical provider gets to do that?" Schlemmer said."Whether it's an injury or a condition wreaking havoc on your life, getting a sense of normalcy is enormous."

At her practice, Schlemmer fosters a nurturing environment in her clinic, where she hopes to empower her staff and patients by addressing the whole body's health and where clinicians discuss patients together. Schlemmer often goes by Dr. Amber, allowing her patients to be on a first-name basis. Her leadership has been recognized locally, as she earned a place in the 2024 40 under 40 list from the Flint and Genesee Group, a testament to her dedication and influence. "I don't like to create my worth around these prizes and awards," she said, "but knowing who it came from, and kind of the message behind the nomination, is meaningful to me."

"My ultimate goal is to create a space a one-stop shop for health," Schlemmer said. She aspires to create a comprehensive center where primary care physicians, orthopedists and pediatricians work cohesively with physical therapists to provide holistic patient care. This integrative approach aims to make communication between health care providers more seamless and effective to create the best and most helpful patient experience.

Schlemmer's journey also reflects the strength and support she found at UM-Flint. Recalling influential professors like Amy Yorke, Myron and Margaret Winegarden professor of physical therapy, and Ryan Bean, clinical associate professor of physical therapy at CHS and a PT at Primary Prevention Physiotherapy, she expressed gratitude for their mentorship and the rigorous education that helped her to succeed. "I felt very supported, felt very motivated. I wanted to be better every single day."

Yorke praised Schlemmer's dedication: "Amber was highly engaged as a student. She always came ready to participate in both lectures and labs. She was one of my first cohorts where I brought in community partners. She always demonstrated a high level of compassion to others. She is always hard working and wants to do her best. Her energy was and continues to be contagious." Notably, Bean is now part of Schlemmer's team at the Flushing clinic, further strengthening the bond between her alma mater and her professional endeavors.

Schlemmer's bond with her profession is comprised of a "triad of inspiration" which she uses to fuel her daily efforts. "First and foremost, there are my patients," she said. "They are quickly followed by my family and finally, my clinicians. Each of them provides a deeply personal component to my every day."

Schlemmer offers one piece of advice for new physical therapy graduates: "Stay hungry and stay curious. As soon as you feel like you know quite a bit, you realize how little you actually know."