Dr. Steve Haake

Dr. Steven M. Haake graduated from the University of Southern California, which possesses the number one Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the country. While earning his doctorate, Dr. Haake studied under some of the top leaders in the profession and completed nearly one year’s worth of clinical rotations in a variety of settings including inpatient acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, inpatient transitional care, and outpatient orthopedic. His vast clinical education allowed him to experience many different diagnoses including musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and integumentary. He was awarded the University of Southern California Merit Scholarship all three years he attended.

Prior to obtaining his doctorate, he attended the University of Iowa and graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. While an undergraduate, Dr. Haake worked with his professors to investigate the effects of a voice-activated email system on driver attention to the roadway. He conducted experiments and prepared a research paper on the topic. The paper was submitted to and subsequently published in a peer-reviewed journal. He was also awarded the University of Iowa Tuition Scholarship all four years and inducted into the Alpha Pi Mu Industrial Engineering and Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Societies.

Dr. Haake would go on to work three years for the world’s largest consulting firm, Accenture, based out of Chicago. It was here that he began to hone his vital team-working and problem-solving skills, working on six major projects with high-powered financial service clients. His desire to find an active career, in which he could work with people from all walks of life and make a direct impact on someone’s life coupled with his fascination with how the body works mechanically, led him to the profession of physical therapy.

He believes the physical therapist is a person who doesn’t just treat symptoms, but the whole person, relating individual interests, concerns, and goals to the rehabilitation process and providing the patient with a very personable, informative, and genuine experience. Dr. Haake stresses the importance of patient-centered care and evidence-based practice. He has a real excitement and passion for physical therapy and intends to continue to grow so that he may become a leader in the profession.