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It is a pleasure to meet you!

I know firsthand the profound effects cancer can have on the human body, mind, and spirit. Thus, I have dedicated my life’s work to lessening the loss and suffering that comes with the diagnosis and treatment.

This is why I founded Recovery Room Plus – the best, most expert cancer recovery membership you never wanted to join.  Yes, there is so much we can do to make the world better for you and others during and after cancer. Thanks for joining me; let’s move forward together!  

Hugs, 

Leslie J. Waltke, PT, DPT

Helping people optimize health and life during and after cancer.

 

As a cancer physical therapy specialist, Dr. Waltke has dedicated her career to lessening the loss, suffering and side effects that come with cancer, cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, survivorship and advanced disease. 

Over the last decades, she has cared for thousands of people with cancer and has a national and international following of beloved patients. 

Dr. Leslie J. Waltke - Making the World Better for People with Cancer

 

Dedicated for Decades

Works alongside cancer doctors and nurses, treating patients, training therapists and building cancer rehabilitation programs.

Explainer-in-Chief

Has the unique talent of teaching and helping patients understand the complexities of cancer and cancer treatment.

Chief Motivational Officer

Has inspired thousands with motivational talks to promote health, strength and recovery after cancer.

Sought After Author & Speaker

Impassioned international speaker, educator and award-winning author.

Mastery in Cancer Rehabilitation

Since earning her degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin in 1988, Dr. Waltke has dedicated most of her career solely to treating the cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, integumentary, and functional needs of persons during and after treatment for cancer. She is respected nationally and internationally as an oncology physical therapist, cancer rehabilitation key opinion leader, author, educator, and consultant.

Since 2005 Dr. Waltke has been the Cancer Rehabilitation Coordinator for Aurora Cancer Care of Advocate Aurora Health, one of the United States’ largest Commission on Cancer and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers accredited cancer programs and proud holder of the rare Commission on Cancer “Outstanding Achievement Award.” Her role, in addition to treating patients with cancer, includes cancer rehabilitation program development, program integration, education and training, and best practice and clinical standards development.

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A gifted and impassioned speaker, Dr. Waltke teaches and lectures throughout the world to rehab professionals, universities, medical and oncology providers, cancer organizations as well as cancer patients and survivors. She spoke at the 2014 China Cancer Congress and the 2015 and 2017 World Cancer Congresses.

Dr. Waltke is the founder of the hit Facebook and YouTube channel “The Recovery Room,” a platform of short, positive, medically accurate educational videos followed globally by thousands of cancer patients and survivors.

 

ACCOLADES

 

Dr. Waltke is a former Board Member of the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, on the APTA Specialization Academy of Content Experts and is a founding and current board member of ABCD, Inc After Breast Cancer Diagnosis.

Recent honors include the “2014 Article of the Year Award” from the Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, the 2015 Academic Excellence and Leadership Award from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, and the 2015 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education Recognition scholarship. Dr. Waltke is a member of ASCO and ACE, the Association of Cancer Executives.

  • Fun Fact // 1

    In 1993 I rode my bicycle from Canada to Mexico down the west coast of the US, to raise dollars for the American Lung Association. And since February 2012, I have ridden my bike OUTSIDE every single month regardless of the weather! (And I have no plans of stopping!)

  • Fun Fact // 2

    My wife and I live in the Greater Milwaukee area, have 5 adult children, a granddaughter and 3 cats. We enjoy hiking, cycling, the outdoors and road trips.

  • Fun Fact // 3

    I summited the Grand Teton of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming in memory of Andrea Reimer. The Reimer Resource Library is named in her honor.

  • Fun Fact // 4

    My comfort foods? M&Ms and Diet Coke!

“Dr. Waltke taught me how to manage, and better live my new normal after brutal treatment and complications. She showed me that no matter what was to come, I could help my body be ok. She gave me answers to difficult questions, never sugar coating anything - which I appreciate more than anyone will know. She gave me an invaluable gift; she made me laugh again.”

— Tracy Lisiecki, Long time melanoma survivor

 

Follow our journey.