APTA President Challenges PTs and PTAs to ‘See Possibilities’
BALTIMORE--On Wednesday, June 10, R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD, addressed attendees of PT 2009, welcoming them to the city of Baltimore. "We can look forward to all this historic city has to offer. It is experiencing a true renaissance and APTA is proud to be a part of it."
Dr. Ward mentioned that the city is home to many of the top research and medical facilities, such as Johns Hopkins University medical school and research center. "We thank the Maryland chapter for their enthusiasm and support for inviting us here."
Dr. Ward then recalled a moment that he said changed his life. Twenty years ago he encountered a patient, a man he called an "icon" of his, who had been badly burned. As a result, he had acute and ongoing mobility problems. "Over the course of our work together, he declared something that shaped the work I do. He said to me, ‘thanks for helping me see my possibilities.' His recovery was remarkable and I was humbled as I watched as he constantly fought to recover. He continues to work today in the very area where he was injured."
It is inspiration sush as this that PTs and PTAs should take to work every day, Dr. Ward said. "We all have one thing in common: our essence of our work is that we see possibilities and help others do the same. We can identify potential and help people see their own potential. Our job is to honor the possibilities, not discourage them."
Therapists can be exposed to many "pundits" who "believe their views are always right" when it comes to having a voice in the health care arena, Dr. Ward stated. "But complex issues are not simple, and dogmatism is common to extremes."
The profession aims to seek "meaningful dialogue" on delivery of health care, he said. "We should be a part of the national debate and rise above dogma to come to sensible conclusions. Our challenge is to make sure patients have and know they have direct access to our important services," he said to applause. "And all people should be insured to receive therapy delivered only by licensed PTs and PTAs."
Physical therapists promote health through prescriptive goal-oriented activity and prevention efforts, and use evidence-based decision making to create goals for patients, Dr. Ward stressed. "We are part of this ongoing conversation on health care, on what it is today and what it will become. The possibilities for improving care are remarkable."
He stressed that those involved in the health care reform dialogue "must resist the negative pull" of politics and societal influences and "do what we have always done-instill real hope in our patients."