ADVANCE Perspective: Physical Therapy : Education

PTAs Weigh In!

Lisa Lombardo — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:06:00 GMT

I was happy to see my editorial from March 23 print issue (Up Front, page 3) received so much response. The editorial read in part: "How has the changing profession of physical therapy impacted PT assistants? Changes to Medicare, third-party payer rules,...(read more)

Don't Miss It!

Elizabeth Puliti — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:33:00 GMT

From November 5 - 8, Orlando, FL, will host APTA's 2008 Private Practice Section Conference. This year's theme is "Capturing the Magic of Business Success."

According to James E. Glinn, Sr., PT, owner and founder of FutureRehab, LLC in Bakersfield, CA, this year's not-to-be-missed events include:

Early pre-conference workshops, including legal issues and how to implement employer-paid industrial services;
Educational sessions each day, running the gamut from reimbursement/retention of professional staff to the latest on information technology systems implementation;
In-depth educational sessions focusing on such subjects as "Building Bone Health into Your Practice" as well as methods on increasing "Business Profitability and Autonomy";
Intensive educational sessions including 3-hour presentations on "A Twelve Month Plan to Managing Your Practice," "Boosting Direct Access Through Wellness and Non Physician Referrals, Direct Marketing and Brand Identity" and "Succession Planning Foster Practice Success: Your Five Year Plan."

The conference is sure to profit physical therapists, business managers, marketing personnel and other healthcare professionals.

For more information on how to get the most from the conference, click here.

For the 2008 PPS conference schedule-at-a-glance, click here.

APTA: A Networking Opportunity Not to be Missed

Lisa Lombardo — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:25:00 GMT

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?

We’re Packing Our Bags!

Elizabeth Puliti — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:18:00 GMT

APTA's annual conference officially kicks off in two weeks-and it's safe to say the ADVANCE staff can hardly wait to get to San Antonio! We've already researched key speakers, debate issues, educational topics, local "lone star" attractions and, of course, where to find the best barbeque.

During our time in Texas, our Web coverage will stay true to APTA's adopted slogan for this year's conference: kick it up. In years past we've provided readers with an extensive conference wrap-up in print. This year is no different. Our June 30 print issue will feature the conference as the cover story. But instead of waiting for our wrap-up in the magazine, we'll be kicking it up a notch this year, providing you with the latest conference coverage live from San Antonio. Be sure to check our Website for up-to-the-minute commentary on conference activities.

Coverage will include:

Photo galleries
Live conference blogs
Conference forum discussions

And don't forget to tune in from home after the conference for even more, including:

Videos from the conference
Photo galleries of your photos and conference stories/experiences
Surveys

Interested in a PT Career?

Elizabeth Puliti — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:17:00 GMT

The APTA recently posted a video titled "You Can Be Me" on their Web page at www.beapt.org. PT and PTA members of APTA who represent several physical therapy practice settings are featured in the video.

"This powerful new video and Web page provides an up-close and personal view of the physical therapy profession," said APTA president R. Scott Ward PT, PhD, in a press release. "The empowering nature of the physical therapy profession is sincerely and powerfully depicted in this video."

The video highlights the personal choices made by APTA members in their decision to become PTs and PTAs.

If you're looking for more than an 11-minute video to help solidify your plans for the future, head over to ADVANCE for PTs and PTAs student center. This section of our Website teaches current and prospective PT students all about the profession. Check it out here.

Moving on Up

Rebecca Mayer — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:09:00 GMT

For many physical therapists, climbing the clinical ladder means eventually landing in a managerial position. PTs are health care professionals who evaluate and manage health conditions for people of all ages. But, for the most part, managing employees is not something they have been trained to do.

PTs typically possess strong interpersonal skills used to educate patients about treatment options. They tend to be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients and interact positively with patients' families. Furthermore, many physical therapists are expected to continue professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops.

But many PTs find that they do not naturally possess managerial skills so the transition from clinician to manager can be somewhat stressful. So how do PTs brush up on or even acquire managerial skills in the first place?