APTA: A Networking Opportunity Not to be Missed
SAN ANTONIO—As I made my trek from Philadelphia to San Antonio for the annual APTA Conference and Exhibition, it occurred to me that the idea of "networking" is often a lot of missed opportunities. I sat next to a PT on the plane coincidentally and we chatted about the books we were reading (myself a non-fiction account and for her a very large textbook on pathology). She explained she was obtaining her transitional DPT and said she felt that in her field, home health, the added degree would be a benefit.
She said she had just moved to my area and was interested in exploring the Philly area surroundings and meeting new people, but that it was a little difficult given the nature of her work.
I was glad for the chance to chat with her because even given the nature of MY work, I hardly ever just run into PTs or PTAs unless I am calling them on the phone or encountering them at a conference. It is nice to just meet therapists in my area; to me it brings a sense of community to my own work-my own neighbors are reading ADVANCE and appreciate what we can do for the profession.
Many PTs and PTAs will use this opportunity at APTA 2008 in the Lone Star State to reconnect and "put a name with a face" to those clinicians who they might have wanted to meet in more than just email or phone form. Are there PTs and PTAs who use the opportunity for the conference to really network and reconnect with colleagues? If so, what does it help you do in your own work?