Family experiences and passion for athletics fuel career desire of Winner

Dr. Stephen Winner owes a lot of his current success to his Grandma, Norma Winner, of Minster, Ohio, and his passion for athletics. As a Physical Therapist at Versailles Health Care Center, Winner spends quite a bit of time with patients of all ages, including kids, athletes and the elderly, something that was common during his childhood and teenage years growing up in Willowdell, Ohio.

“I think one of the reasons why I enjoy working with the elderly and the relationships I have with patients at the health care center is because I was very lucky to have spent a lot of time with my Grandma Winner when I was growing up in Willowdell,” said Winner. “During the summer of my junior year at Versailles High School, Grandma needed transportation back and forth from her outpatient rehabilitation appointments and I was her ride.” Winner recalled, “The excitement and the opportunity to help people return back to their old form quickly caught my attention and was immediately the front runner for my career choice.”

Winner is the son of Randy and Cathy Winner of Willowdell, and has two brothers, Shawn and Damian, and one sister, Amanda. He graduated from Versailles High School in 2006. In 2012, he received a Bachelor of Science in Strength and Conditioning, an Associate of Science in Personal Training, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from The University of Findlay. In 2012, Winner completed an internship at Versailles Health Care Center and was later awarded a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree. Dr. Winner is certified in LSVT (Lee Silverman’s Voice Treatment) BIG Parkinson’s Treatment Program and in SASTM (Sound-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization). He is currently in the process of receiving certification in Kinesiotaping with emphasis on Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Dr. Winner’s passion for athletics started when in his early years. He first started in baseball and soccer as an elementary-aged child. Once in junior high school, he focused on football and track and played both throughout his high school career at Versailles High School. He also played football at The University of Findlay.

“I have a great passion for athletics and wanting to help athletes get back into the game quickly,” said Winner. “Another reason why I’m excited to work at Versailles Health Care is the Sports Medicine Program. I’ve been playing sports since I was old enough to kick a ball. I enjoy working with local athletes.” In his spare time, Winner is the Assistant Football Coach at Versailles High School. His enthusiasm for sport medicine and life are contagious.

“My goal as a physical therapist is to provide our patients with the best quality of life possible,” commented Winner. He loves sitting down with patients, both old and young, and listening to them talk. He enjoys hearing their life stories and keeping up with the local athletes. “We have so much to learn from all generations but especially the elderly.”

When he’s not at work or busy with Versailles High School football, Dr. Winner enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Trina Hosang, as well as his family and friends. He also enjoys running and other outdoor activities.

Dr. Winner started as a Physical Therapist at Versailles Health Care Center in 2012. When asked about Winner, Facility Rehab Director, Shannon Condon, said “Stephen’s commitment to his community has made him an asset to Versailles Health Care Center. His patients comment regularly on his kindness and enthusiasm.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Sports Medicine Program offered at The Rehab Clinic at Versailles Health Care Center, contact Dr. Winner at 937-526-5570. The Rehab Clinic at VHCC offers inpatient and outpatient therapy to people of all ages. It employs 14 full-time local therapists and is open seven days a week. Other specialty programs offered are Parkinson’s Therapy, Vestibular (Balance) Rehab Therapy, Cardiac Recovery, Pulmonary Rehab, Stroke Recovery, Continence Improvement, Wound Care, Joint Replacement Therapy, and much more.