Dr. Jermaine Lee ’02 is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, entrepreneur, and former professional athlete whose career reflects a rare blend of discipline, service, and drive. A CFL draft pick turned healthcare leader, he now owns and operates Jermaine Lee Physical Therapy PLLC, an MBE-certified practice focused on serving diverse and underserved communities through outpatient care, home care, pediatrics, geriatrics, and sports rehabilitation. In addition to growing his private practice, Jermaine serves as a Senior Doctor of Physical Therapy with Montefiore Health System and 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds, drawing on more than a decade of supervisory experience in rehabilitation.
Beyond medicine, Jermaine is a licensed real estate agent, notary public, keynote speaker, and longtime strength and conditioning professional—guided by the belief that success is built thr
ough preparation, resilience, and surrounding yourself with the right company. A proud Eagle Scout and graduate of the University at Albany and Touro University, he credits Kellenberg Memorial for providing the structure, values, and community that helped shape his path. Looking ahead, he plans to expand his physical therapy practice into multiple locations while creating new opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
You’ve built an impressive and diverse career from professional athletics to medicine, real estate, and entrepreneurship. What has guided your path through these different fields?
What’s guided me has always been my attitude and effort. I’ve always believed in delayed gratification, doing the work now so I can reap the benefits later. Every major step in my life has been driven by grit, consistency, and the mindset that if I stay focused long enough, results will follow. Opportunity is never something I wait for; it’s something I prepare for.
Looking back, how did your time at Kellenberg help shape your discipline, drive, or values as you pursued such a multifaceted professional life?
Kellenberg provided a safe, structured, and supportive environment that I still consider a second home. What shaped me most were the people and the culture of excellence that surrounded me. I’ve always viewed Kellenberg almost like an exclusive club, a place where driven students who thirst for growth and prosperity could thrive. Being around people with strong values, discipline, and ambition helped elevate me. The network and community Kellenberg created made the path to success feel attainable. Yes, I had to help myself, but Kellenberg ensured I never had to do it alone. My parents used to say, “I know you by the company you keep,” and that’s exactly why they sent me to Kellenberg. I was fortunate to find great company there.
Was there a teacher, coach, or faculty member who had a meaningful impact on you? What lessons from them have stayed with you?
Coach Alfalla had a tremendous impact on my life. He saw raw potential in me long before I saw it in myself and helped refine it. His belief in me built my confidence, which became the driving force behind so many of my accomplishments. Knowing that someone respected my work ethic pushed me to keep aiming higher—both on and off the field.
What future goals or new ventures are you hoping to accomplish next?
I’m currently focused on opening my own outpatient physical therapy practice, Jermaine Lee Physical Therapy PLLC, which will serve all communities, including underserved populations, while also expanding into government contracting, home care, pediatrics, geriatrics, and sports rehabilitation. My long-term vision is to scale into multiple locations and create career opportunities for the next generation of Doctors of Physical Therapy.
