As Premier Pain Treatment Institute approaches its eighth anniversary, the team is taking a pause to reflect on where PPTI started, and the journey the clinic has taken to become a trusted cornerstone in pain management across southwestern Ohio.
Established by Dr. Michael Danko and Kristen Luebrecht eight years ago, PPTI set out with a mission to redefine pain management through compassionate care and innovative solutions. Today, with locations in Middletown, Mt. Orab, Hillsboro, and Loveland, PPTI stands as a beacon of hope for individuals battling chronic pain.
“Premier Pain Treatment Institute was started during probably the busiest time of our lives,” says Kristen Luebrecht. “We had a one-year-old and two-year-old at home, I was working full-time as an Occupational Therapist, and Danko’s first two jobs just didn’t fit the bill of what he wanted out of his career. One night we had the crazy idea of starting our own practice. Neither of us had any experience in business, and we were told by many people that there was no way we could start a practice on our own and be successful. That only fueled our motivation to create successful, patient-focused interventional pain management practice.”
Starting a new medical clinic is quite an endeavor, but fortunately Dr. Danko and Kristen had great friends who could help and give advice. “We reached out to several people to help us figure out how to begin this huge undertaking,” Kristen explains. “In fact, if it weren’t for the help of Dr. John Beresh and his wife Stacy, I am not sure we would have even succeeded. They literally took us under their wing and showed us the roadmap to a successful pain management practice, even though we would be considered competition to their practice. It still blows my mind how much they cared and were willing to help us. That, along with Danko’s great ‘bedside manner’ and ability to truly relate to patients, was the magic recipe for PPTI.”
Over the past eight years, PPTI has achieved significant milestones, from pioneering cutting-edge treatments to receiving recognition for excellence in patient care. From humble beginnings in a rented office in Mason, PPTI has grown to a practice with fifty employees, thousands of patients, a research department, an in-house laboratory, and an ambulatory surgical center opening in June 2024. Dr. Danko’s unwavering commitment to excellence and empathy has garnered the trust and admiration of both patients and peers, solidifying PPTI’s reputation as a leader in the field.
Behind every success story at PPTI lies a team of dedicated individuals committed to improving the quality of life for patients. Destiny, a valued lab technician and medical assistant at PPTI, shares her journey: “I wanted a change after working in pediatrics. I have always enjoyed working in the medical field and helping people. I started as a Lab technician, collecting urine samples and analyzing them. I enjoyed that but was also interested in doing more. I started following Dr. Danko as his second MA and I have been enjoying being hands-on during procedures and seeing all the things he does here at PPTI.”
Ashly, another integral member of the PPTI team, echoes the sentiment: “After working at the BMV for 10 years, I was ready for a change. I have always wanted to work in the medical field but wasn’t sure if it was the fit for me. I found this opportunity on Indeed and before I knew it, I was here working! I started out here at the front desk and moved to an MA position. I currently work as Dr. Danko’s MA, and it’s honestly the best job I’ve had. It’s always a great and happy environment. I enjoy getting to see the relief that the patients get after they leave the office from a procedure that we could do for them.”
As PPTI celebrates its eighth anniversary, the team looks ahead with excitement for the future. With plans to open a new surgery center and a continued commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, PPTI is poised to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those battling chronic pain.
“We are truly blessed to be doing what we love and making a difference in others’ lives as well,” Ms. Luebrecht shares. “We had all of these ideas and dreams at the beginning, and I will say that at this point we have met a lot of those goals. I couldn’t be prouder of Danko, and the great physician that he is.”
To our dedicated staff, esteemed patients, and supportive community, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your trust, loyalty, and commitment over the past eight years. Here’s to many more years of transformative care and making a positive impact together!
