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Miles Across MedStar Health Recap Episode!!!

What happens when endurance, healthcare, and purpose collide? In this episode, we sit down with professional ultramarathoner Michael Wardian, PT Chris Heydrick, PA Chris Wilde, and Raj Ratwani to unpack their incredible 170 mile run across the MedStar Health system. From the inspiration behind the idea to the physical and mental challenges along the way, this is a story about resilience, teamwork, and the power of movement to connect people and communities. 

Learn all about Mike Wardian at: https://www.mikewardian.com/ 

Follow Mike on IG: @mikewardian 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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What happens when a Physical Therapist gets a blank check and a dream location? In this special episode, we’re stepping away from the clinical protocols to rank the Top 10 things we’d pack to build the world’s most elite "Desert Island" PT clinic. 

We’re diving into our ultimate gear list, including: 

• The High-Tech Splurges: From anti-gravity treadmills to advanced motion-capture systems. 
• The Unsung Heroes: Why the simplest tools often provide the biggest wins. 
• The Gold Standard: The essential recovery tech we’d choose for high-performance results. 

Whether you’re a clinician building a dream gym or a patient curious about the best tech in the game, join us for this unfiltered look at the tools of our trade. 

What’s the one piece of gear you can’t live without? Let us know on social media! 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month, this episode highlights the vital role occupational therapists play in helping patients regain independence and return to the activities that matter most in their daily lives. I’m joined by occupational therapists Mike Duffy and Carly Bland to discuss the scope of occupational therapy, the types of conditions OTs commonly treat, and how they collaborate with other members of the rehab team to support patient recovery. Carly also shares insight into her role as a Certified Hand Therapist and what it takes to specialize in treating complex hand and upper extremity injuries. This conversation offers a closer look at the impact occupational therapy has throughout the rehabilitation journey and why the profession is such an essential part of patient care.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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In honor of National Athletic Training Month, we’re highlighting the voices shaping the future of the profession. On this episode, I’m joined by Mary Nadelen, Clinical Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Clinical Education Coordinator for Athletic Training at Towson University in Maryland. 

Mary gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to educate and mentor the next generation of athletic trainers. We discuss the evolution of athletic training education, the importance of clinical experiences, the challenges students face entering the profession, and the incredible impact athletic trainers have across healthcare and sport. 

Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or student, this conversation shines a light on the people preparing tomorrow’s athletic trainers.

To learn more about Towson University's ATC program, check out: https://www.towson.edu/chp/departments/kinesiology/athletic-training/

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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In this special Athletic Training Month episode, I’m joined by Emily Michaelis, ATC, and Allison Gardiner, ATC to spotlight the vital role athletic trainers play in injury prevention, on-field care, and return-to-play. We break down common misconceptions, discuss collaboration within the sports medicine team, and share what makes this profession so impactful. A must-listen conversation celebrating the heart and skill behind athletic training. 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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Think you know PT? Think again! In this episode, physical therapist Chris Parker takes on some of the biggest myths in physical therapy—from “bone-on-bone knees shouldn’t squat” to “pain always equals damage” to “I need an MRI before starting PT.” We dive into why these misconceptions persist, how they affect patient movement and confidence, and most importantly, how PTs can educate and empower patients with clear, science-backed guidance. Get ready for a fun, eye-opening conversation that will challenge what you thought you knew about PT! 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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Bone stress injuries are often misunderstood—and frequently missed. In this episode, we sit down with primary care sports medicine physician Miranda Gordon-Zigel, MD to break down what physical therapists need to know about stress reactions and stress fractures, high-risk bone sites, low energy availability/RED-S, and smart return-to-running decisions. If you work with runners or field sport athletes, this episode will sharpen your clinical radar and your rehab approach. 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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In honor of Lymphedema Awareness Day on March 6th, this episode shines a light on a condition that is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. I’m joined by Jean Caldwell, who shares her personal journey living with lymphedema, and Yvonne Francis, a lymphedema specialist physical therapist, who breaks down what lymphedema is, why early detection matters, and how physical therapy plays a critical role in treatment and long-term management. Together, this conversation blends patient experience and clinical expertise to educate, empower, and raise awareness. 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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Tendon pain can be frustrating, especially when you’re told to just rest and wait it out. But what if that advice is actually slowing your progress? 

Today I’m joined by Amora Valencia, a sports PT resident, to bust some of the most common tendon myths. We’re talking pain versus damage, why complete rest isn’t the answer, and how properly loading tendons is often the missing piece in recovery.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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In honor of Heart Health Month, I’m joined by Registered Dietitian Emily Fultz from Fit with Food to discuss how nutrition supports heart health, performance, and recovery. We break down heart-healthy fueling strategies, common nutrition fads, and why Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) matters for athletes and physical therapists. Emily also shares practical tips to help athletes in PT fuel recovery and long-term health. 

 How to find Emily and Fit with Food, LLC:

Website: https://fitwfood.com/ 

instagram and facebook: @fitwithfoodllc  

email: [email protected] 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!