Larry Benz, DPT

Healthcare Operator | CEO | Founder | Podcast Host of The Operator

Larry Benz is a healthcare executive, physical therapist, and founder with over 30 years of experience building and scaling healthcare platforms across physical therapy, musculoskeletal care, and multi-site clinical operations.

He is the co-founder and former CEO of Confluent Health, one of the largest musculoskeletal health companies in the U.S., supporting more than 800 physical therapy clinics nationwide. Earlier in his career, he founded KORT (Kentucky Orthopedic Rehab Team), growing it into a leading outpatient physical therapy company before its acquisition by Select Medical.

Larry is widely recognized for his expertise in:

healthcare operations
private equity in healthcare
clinic growth and scaling
workforce development
leadership in multi-site healthcare businesses

Through his podcast, The Operator, Larry shares real-world insights on what actually works inside healthcare platforms—covering private equity, EBITDA, clinic performance, leadership, and the operational realities behind scaling care businesses.

He has delivered over 250 presentations nationwide and has served in leadership roles with organizations including:

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality & Innovation

Larry currently serves on multiple boards, including healthcare, education, and athletic organizations, and is a trustee at the University of Louisville.

He is the author of Called to Care: A Medical Provider’s Guide to Humanizing Healthcare and a Catherine Worthingham Fellow.

Before entering private practice and entrepreneurship, Larry served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.