Dr. Anthony “Tony” Cere
(PT, DPT, MSE, ECS, MTC, Co-Founder & Owner)
Dr. Anthony “Tony” Cere is a physical therapist, entrepreneur, educator, and co-founder of Kinetix Physical Therapy. He has practiced physical therapy in the Gainesville community since 2000 and has dedicated his career to advancing orthopedic physical therapy, diagnostics, patient care, and private practice.
Tony and his wife, Dr. Melissa Cere, founded Kinetix Physical Therapy in 2008 with a vision of providing exceptional, personalized care while creating an environment where physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and team members can grow clinically and professionally. Under their leadership, Kinetix has grown into a leading Gainesville-area physical therapy practice and has been recognized as a University of Florida Gator100 company three times—in 2019, 2021, and 2026.
Tony earned his physical therapy degree from Florida A&M University, his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, and his Master of Science in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida.
Clinically, Tony specializes in orthopedic and manual physical therapy and electrodiagnostic testing, with particular experience in spine-related conditions. He is a Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiologic Specialist (ECS), holds a Manual Therapy Certification (MTC), and completed an advanced Electrodiagnostic/EMG Residency Program through Hands-On Diagnostics (HODS) in 2024. His clinical interests include advancing the role of physical therapists as primary-care providers for musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions and incorporating advanced diagnostics, including EMG/NCS and musculoskeletal ultrasound, to help patients get the right care sooner.
Education and mentorship have been important throughout Tony’s career. He has been involved with the University of Florida’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program through teaching, clinical education, research, and mentorship and has taught continuing education in orthopedics, manual therapy, spinal conditions, private practice, and reimbursement. Kinetix also works with DPT and PTA programs to provide clinical education and mentorship opportunities for future clinicians. Tony is passionate about helping physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students develop clinically, professionally, and as future leaders.
Tony currently serves as Payment Chair for the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) and on the FPTA Private Practice Special Interest Group Board, where he is involved in reimbursement advocacy and efforts to strengthen physical therapist-owned practices. He also serves on the Hands-On Diagnostics Business Advisory Board. In 2026, Tony received the FPTA Fred Rutan Award for Excellence in Service in recognition of his contributions to the profession.
Tony has also contributed to physical therapy research and professional education, including research published in the scientific journal Pain involving behavioral physical therapy interventions for acute and subacute low back pain. Tony and his wife, Dr. Melissa Cere, are also contributors to the book Titans of PT, sharing insights from their experience in physical therapy, leadership, and private practice.
Tony believes the future of physical therapy includes a greater role for physical therapists as primary-care providers for musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, combining excellent hands-on care with advanced diagnostics, innovation, and direct access to help patients receive appropriate care sooner.
Tony served in the Florida Army National Guard from 1995 to 2003. Outside of Kinetix, he enjoys spending time with Melissa and their two children. He is active in his church and local community and enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with family.
