Exploring Varied Career Paths in Physical Therapy with Dr. Tiffany WolfIn this episode of Waves, host Andy Wicks is joined by Dr. Tiffany Wolf, a versatile physical therapist from Denver, Colorado. Dr. Wolf shares her diverse career experiences, including working in correctional facilities, handling challenging cases, and treating a variety of patient populations such as chronic pain and oncology patients. She provides insights on the importance of patient advocacy, the role of a generalist versus a specialist in physical therapy, and offers advice for new graduates and students preparing for clinical rotations. The conversation delves into the nuances of building rapport with patients, adapting to limited resources, and the significance of hands-on experience in the field.00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast00:46 Meet Dr. Tiffany Wolf01:39 Working in Correctional Facilities02:35 Challenges and Adaptations in Prison Therapy04:11 Building Patient Rapport in Unique Settings08:38 Navigating the Correctional System During COVID10:36 Home Exercise Programs and Patient Compliance11:51 Treating the 'Failed' Patient12:43 Specializing in Chronic Pain and Lymphedema16:48 Diverse Experiences in Physical Therapy17:34 The Role of Generalists in Physical Therapy18:29 Challenges and Rewards of Rural Physical Therapy21:19 Diverse Experiences in Physical Therapy22:28 Preparing Students for Clinical Rotations28:09 Empowering Patients to Advocate for Themselves30:53 Advice for New Graduates in Physical Therapy32:02 Conclusion and Contact Information

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In this episode of Waves, a podcast from APTA Michigan, host Andy Wicks is joined by Dr. Sarah Cruser to delve into the evolving role of primary care and health promotion within the physical therapy (PT) profession. Dr. Cruser shares her diverse practice background, from outpatient orthopedic care to working with older adults and acute care. They discuss the fundamental impact of factors like exercise, diet, sleep, social connections, and stress management on overall health and how PTs can incorporate these elements into their practice, regardless of the setting. The conversation also explores the challenges PTs face in addressing these factors, such as scope of practice and billing concerns, and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. Additionally, Dr. Cruser offers insights on the potential future of PT, envisioning a model where PTs function more as consulting and diagnostic clinicians with a strong focus on health promotion.00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast00:33 Meet Dr. Sarah Cruiser01:32 Health Promotion in Physical Therapy03:36 Barriers and Misconceptions05:24 Trauma-Informed Care09:43 Billing and Scope of Practice11:04 The Role of Nutrition14:53 Primary Care Approach in Physical Therapy18:40 Consulting and Diagnostic Clinicians25:53 Personal Anecdotes and Patient Care28:56 The Art of Patient Interaction29:40 Exploring Health and Wellness Residencies30:34 Challenges in Primary Care and Health Promotion33:35 The Importance of Diet and Lifestyle36:17 Empathy and Understanding in Patient Care42:57 Encouraging Creativity in Clinical Education50:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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In this episode of Waves, Andy interviews Dr. Ryan Wood,co-owner ofForefront Therapy and co-founder of Forefront Community Therapy in Evansville, Indiana. Dr. Wood shares his journey from his academic background to starting his own clinic and nonprofit organization focused on bringingaccessible, quality care to his community. They discuss the challenges and strategies behind running both for-profit and nonprofit clinics, the importance of evidence-based practice and education, and the role of professional involvement in advocacy and policy change. This episode provides insightfulperspectives on maintaining sustainability and impact in the healthcare sector.

00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast

00:23 Meet Dr. Ryan Wood

01:20 Founding Forefront Therapy

01:50 Core Pillars of Forefront Therapy

03:01 Challenges and Inspirations

03:42 Establishing Forefront Community Therapy

05:22 Navigating Financial and Operational Hurdles

07:21 Balancing Profit and Nonprofit Models

12:02 Grant Writing and Community Support

23:27 Educational Initiatives and Mentorship

27:06 Deliberate Growth and Team Building

29:43 The Sacrifices of Starting a Practice

30:01 Advice for New Graduates

30:14 The Importance of Mentorship

30:42 Nonprofit Challenges and Blessings

31:25 Balancing Family and Business

31:42 The Reality of Financial Risk

37:18 Direct Access and Lobbying Efforts

40:11 Burnout and Avoidance Strategies

42:27 Innovative Nonprofit Models

53:16 The Importance of Political Action Committees

55:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

Forefront Therapy:www.forefronttherapy.org

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This episode explores the impactful journey of 'I Am an Athlete Too,' an organization founded by Maria Valet, Monica Aho, Abby Flaminio, and Lindsay Marquardt. The initiative aims to integrate adaptive sports into high schools, allowing students with physical disabilities to compete alongside their peers. The discussion covers the organization's origins, its challenges, and its successes in expanding the opportunities for adaptive athletes, highlighted by Maria's inspiring story and ongoing advocacy.

I Am An Athlete Too (Facebook)

I Am An Athlete Too (Instagram)

Adaptive Track & Field USA

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association

Amie Stanton-Day

Paul's Party

Daniel Romanchuk

Susannah Scaroni

Sam Grewe

USOPC/NCAA Para College Inclusion Project

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:30 Meet the Team Behind 'I Am An Athlete Too'

01:26 Maria's Journey: From Injury to Advocacy

03:32 Challenges and Triumphs in Adaptive Sports

06:16 Fighting for Inclusion in High School Sports

17:18 Building a Movement: Clinics and Equipment

32:49 Overcoming Hesitancy and Fear

33:46 Addressing Fairness Concerns

34:11 Scoring System Proposal

37:19 Track and Tennis Integration

38:47 Adaptive Sports in NCAA

39:42 Personal Achievements and Experiences

43:33 Role of PTs in Adaptive Sports

46:54 Expanding Adaptive Track Events

48:55 Growing Adaptive Sports in Michigan

49:45 Upcoming National Adaptive Sporting Event

51:23 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Renaissance man Dr. F. Scott Feil discusses his journey in physical therapy and shares insights on overcoming monotony in the profession. Dr. Feil emphasizes the importance of looking for opportunities for growth, engaging in side-hustles, and leveraging skills to create multiple income streams. He also talks about the significance of effective communication and sales in healthcare, the challenges of burnout, and building a business that aligns with personal values. The episode underscores the value of continual self-improvement and innovative thinking in achieving career satisfaction and success in physical therapy.

F. Scott Feil on X

Healthcare Education Transformation Podcast

LARA General Response Form to receive PDR credit for listening to Waves episodes

00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast

00:58 Meet Dr. F. Scott Feil

01:44 Financial Challenges in Physical Therapy

03:17 The Side Hustle Journey

03:35 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Early Influences

04:44 Balancing Career and Personal Life

06:17 Starting a Mobile Physical Therapy Practice

08:00 Consulting and Business Growth

13:30 The Importance of Communication and Sales

19:43 Challenges in Physical Therapy

22:47 Business Education in Academia

24:14 Real-World Business Skills

25:36 Opportunities in Physical Therapy

30:04 Balancing Work and Life

33:03 Finding Job Satisfaction

34:48 The Reality of Burnout

38:50 Entrepreneurship Isn't for Everyone 39:41 Final Thoughts

Alex Hill, an outpatient physical therapist based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a gem of a human being. She shares her decade-long journey in physical therapy, specializing in pelvic health, oncology, lymphedema, and gender-affirming care. Alex, perhaps better known as The OncoPelvic PT, discusses the importance of trauma-informed care, patient empowerment, and validation in clinical practice. Additionally, Alex reflects on her experiences with residency, mentorship, and the evolving understanding and acceptance of pelvic health and oncology in society and the medical field.

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

LinkedIn

00:00 Meet Alex Hill: Physical Therapist Introduction

00:46 Specializations and Passion for Public Health

01:35 Podcast Journey and Oncology Focus

03:55 Pelvic Health and Oncology Intersection

06:41 Educational Path and Residency Experience

15:58 Mentorship and Resources for New Professionals

24:27 The Power of Healing Touch

26:08 Patient Control in Medical Settings

26:46 Trauma-Informed Care in Oncology

28:49 Normalizing Pelvic Health Conversations

40:34 Gender Affirming Care in Rehab

45:06 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents over 100,000 clinicians and students. Each state chapter, specialty section and academy, and special interest group are run by its members, all of whom serve on a volunteer basis.

Brian Gilbert, PT, MSPT, Cert. MDT, Cert. DN, and board certified orthopedic clinical specialist, is the current president of APTA Michigan. He talks about, among other things, the importance of giving back to the profession, in ways big or small, as a way of protecting our license and advocating for the best care for our patients.

PTs and PTAs are used to treating a myriad of different diagnoses among a myriad of different people. We are present for some of the most vulnerable points in our patients' lives as they navigate their rehabilitation journeys. What is it like when the PT becomes the patient?

Dr. Eric Galvez is a former physical therapist, author of multiple books, and brain cancer survivor who talks about what his experience was like when he was diagnosed with a meningioma not long after starting his career. He also tells us about how he has used this experience as a positive force in the world.

Eric on YouTube, Facebook, and X.

PTs and PTAs in Michigan! You can earn PDR credit just for listening to Waves episodes. Fill out this form and save it for your records!