In this episode of APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, host APTA Georgia President Ben Braxley, PT, DPT and guest APTA Virginia President Emily J. Hawkins, PT, DPT, PhD, explore how orthopedic physical therapists can find community, leadership pathways, and professional identity through APTA chapters, sections, and academies.

They discuss:

- How chapter + academy involvement strengthens ortho identity & community

- How to build sustainable volunteer and leadership pipelines

- How evolving member needs — especially across generations — shape engagement

Whether you’re a student, early-career clinician, or seasoned orthopedic PT, this conversation highlights how getting involved locally and nationally can expand your network, sharpen your skill set, and elevate your impact.

Target Audience:

Orthopedic physical therapists, orthopedic PT residents, early-career PTs, PT students, military-affiliated PTs, section and academy PT members, PT volunteers, PT leaders, APTA chapter members, OCS-focused clinicians, outpatient orthopedic clinicians