Waves

Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Lauren Jones, a physical therapistat Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids who has extensive experience working with patients with limb loss and limb difference. Jones describes launching west Michigan amputee soccer clinics through the United States Amputee Football Federation after connecting with the University of Michigan program, emphasizing grassroots access, student involvement, and pathways to national-team camps, including growing women’s competition. She also discusses Mary Free Bed Guild–supported trips to Guatemala City delivering about 30 prostheses in one week—from casting and fabrication to delivery and gait training—within an established clinic that provides follow-up care; mostamputations there stem from motorcycle trauma. Jones stresses finding mentors and close prosthetist collaboration, and advocates for a PT specialty certification in amputee care.

PTs and PTAs in Michigan! You can receive PDR credit towardlicense renewal by listening to Waves episodes! Download and complete the LARA General Response Form and keep for your records.

00:00 Podcast Intro Guest Setup

00:41 Lauren Jones Background Role

01:43 Amputee Soccer Origins

03:32 Grassroots Program Expansion

04:13 How Amputee Soccer Works

05:31 Pathway To National Team

06:38 Medical Missions Overview

07:58 Guatemala Clinic Logistics

09:00 Prosthesis Week Workflow

11:31 Patient Impact Motivation

12:17 Why Missions Reignite Passion

14:20 Waiting Instant Gratification

16:12 Wheelchair Safety Net

17:20 Why Amputations Happen

17:38 Guatemala Trauma Reality

20:30 Teaching Future PTs

22:17 Working With Prosthetists

26:03 Need PT Specialty Credential

29:17 Take the Leap Abroad

30:40 Contact and Wrap Up

Healthcare Workforce at the Brink: Baby Boomers Turn 80 andWhat It Means for Physical Therapy in Michigan

Host Andy Wicks discusses Michigan’s rapidly aging population—baby boomers turning 80, nearly 19.25% of residents over 65, and a nearly 30% rise in that group through 2023—and the resulting healthcare workforce shortfall. Guest Aleysha Czartoszewski, Career Pathways Coordinator at the Michigan Health Council, explains the Council’s workforcefocus and her three-part series “Healthcare Workforce at the Brink,” highlighting simultaneous increased care demand and retirements. They note uneven provider distribution with rural North Michigan and the UP facing access gaps, limited local PT/PTA education options, and barriers like housing and paydifferences. The conversation covers efforts such as loan-repayment incentives, promoting geriatrics and prevention to help people age in place, improving student career exposure and clearer pathways, retaining staff after COVID-related burnout, and strengthening care coordination and patientnavigation; resources are available at mhc.org.

00:00 Michigan Is Aging Fast

01:05 Meet Michigan Health Council

02:11 Baby Boomers Turn 80

03:30 Urban vs Rural Shortages

05:34 Education Gaps and Incentives

09:40 Making Geriatrics Appealing

15:10 Pipeline Retention Coordination

22:10 Health Literacy and Navigation

26:15 Michigan Workforce Numbers

28:35 Soapbox Career Exposure

32:58 Resources and Wrap Up

Michigan PTs and PTAs! Fill out this form and save for your records for PDR credit toward license renewal just for listening to this episode!

A link to a directory of all PT and PTA programs, viewable by state.

The Career Pathway Tool via Michigan Health Council.

APTA Michigan’s Waves host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Rachel Auer, a traveling physical therapist from Michigan and a Grand Valley State DPT graduate, about her nearly three years of travel PT across Michigan, Montana, Washington, Colorado, and currently Anchorage, Alaska. Auer explains she chose travel PT to explore the country and sample multiple practice settings, moving between acute care, inpatient/SNF, and outpatient to keep skills sharp. She addresses common misconceptions that travel jobs have poor training or are undesirable, noting her orientation experiences have generally been reasonable. She advises students to start by learning from travel therapy communities, talk with many travelers, and understand tax compliance around tax-free stipends, including consulting a travel-focused tax expert. She also discusses state licensure challenges without the PT Compact and shares outdoor adventures enabled by short-term contracts, while acknowledging frequent moves and housing shifts can be tiring and she may eventually return to Michigan.

Use the LARA PT or PTA General Response Form to document listening to Waves episodes for your PDR license renewal credits!

www.aptami.org

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On APTA Michigan’s Waves podcast, host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Bill McGehee, current Speaker of APTA’s House of Delegates (term ending Dec. 31, 2026), about his background as a physical therapist and Tufts University DPT clinical professor, and his path from chapter service in Illinois to APTA House of Delegates Speaker of the House (elected 2020). McGehee explains the House as the membership’s representative body of 450+ delegates from 51 chapters and 18 sections that sets association policy and positions, adopts bylaws and the profession’s vision, and elects APTA leaders, while the Board of Directors holds fiduciary responsibility for the $50M organization and must balance House priorities with strategy, risk, and timing. He discusses the speaker’s leadership/servant role, the value of mission and vision as a “North Star,” and how Roberts Rules protect minority voices and keep proceedings productive. McGehee’s “soapbox” is that society knows what PTs do; key barriers are access and other constraints, and PTs should lead and practice at the topof their scope.

If you are a PT or PTA in Michigan, you can earn PDR creditfor license renewal just by listening to this episode! Fill out the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant General Response Form from LARA and save it for your records.

00:00 Welcome to Waves

00:52 Meet Bill McGehee

03:50 Service Path to Leadership

06:14 Running for Vice Speaker

09:02 Speaker Role and House Purpose

12:12 House Energy and North Star

15:21 Speaker as Leader and Servant

19:02 Board Duties and Tension

22:04 Strategic Plan Reality Check

23:18 Why Motions Get Opposed

23:48 Covington’s Vulnerable Moment

25:48 Trust and Communication Gaps

28:20 Robert’s Rules Explained

29:47 Learning to Chair Efficiently

35:25 Delegate Mindset Shift

37:33 Soapbox on PT Value

40:19 Wrap Up and Credits

In this episode of Waves, a podcast from APTA Michigan, host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Kay Mastrocola, a pelvic health physical therapist and the creator of the popular Instagram and TikTok account 'DPTs with Anxiety.' Dr. Mastrocola shares her unique journey through DPT school, her experience with neurodivergence, and how she became a PT influencer by creating memes. They discuss the importance of mental health in higher education and healthcare, strategies for overcoming academic challenges, and the role of social media in building supportive communities. Dr. Mastrocola also offers advice for new graduates and emphasizes the human side of physical therapy.

Are you a PT or PTA in Michigan? You can get PDR credit towards license renewal just by listening to Waves episodes! Fill out the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant General Response Form and save for your records. It's that easy!

Host: Andy Wicks, PT, DPT

Edited by Andy Wicks and Jenn Hood, SPT

Music by Mark Joesting

00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast00:43 Meet Dr. Kay Cola01:26 The Birth of DPTs with Anxiety04:06 The Impact of Pelvic Health PT06:27 Addressing Mental Health in PT Education16:39 Navigating Academic Probation22:10 The Struggles of Medical School22:25 Support Systems and Adaptability24:40 Invisible Disabilities and Accommodations26:35 Making Memes and Content Creation28:51 The Impact of Social Media on PT33:59 The Importance of Emotional Support in PT39:27 Favorite Posts and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Andy sits down with Natalie Hoffman, a second-year physical therapy student at the University of Michigan Flint and the 2025 Solstice Scholarship winner. Natalie shares her inspiring journey of organizing a 3v3 soccer tournament to raise funds for local families affected by cancer, turning a $500 scholarship into $3,600 for two deserving families. She discusses the power of community, the importance of service in physical therapy, and how her upbringing shaped her passion for helping others.

Key Topics:• Natalie's background and introduction• The Solstice Scholarship: what it is and how it works• Organizing a charity soccer tournament: challenges, teamwork, and impact• The importance of community involvement in PT school and beyond• Natalie's academic journey: dual DPT/PhD program, research interests, and future goals• Dream job aspirations: working with veterans and military populations• Reflections on service, education, and making the most of opportunities in PT school• Advice for students: get involved, volunteer, and build connections

Notable Quotes:• “I took $500 and changed it into $3,600 with the help and support of family, friends, and everyone at Soccer Zone.”• “You only have one time in PT school that you can get all these opportunities lined up. So just take advantage of it.”

Connect with Us:• Learn more about the Solstice Scholarship and how PT students are making a difference in their communities.• For more inspiring stories and interviews, subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media. Our handle is @aptaMIwaves.Call to Action: If you’re a PT student or considering a career in physical therapy, look for ways to get involved in your community. Volunteer, connect, and make the most of your time in school!

Waves Podcast – "The Tortured PT Department"

Host: Andy Wicks
Guests: Dr. Katie Noble, Dr. Nancy Boyd, Dr. Julie Wiebe

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Waves, host Andy Wicks sits down with three outstanding physical therapists—Dr. Katie Noble, Dr. Nancy Boyd, and Dr. Julie Wiebe—to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in sports physical therapy. The conversation explores the underrepresentation of women in sports medicine, the importance of mentorship and "accelerators," and theevolving landscape of care for female athletes.

This episode of Waves features Jenna Muri-Rosenthal, aspeech-language pathologist and founder of Fit to Function Recovery, highlighting her innovative approach to combining rehabilitation with fitness training to help neurologic patients exceed their therapeutic goals. Host Andy Wicks and Jenna discuss the limitations of traditional rehab, the benefits of functional fitness, and the importance of fostering a sense of achievement in patients. They explore practical ways to integrate CrossFit principles into therapy to enhance recovery and build community support for individuals with disabilities.

00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast

00:24 Meet Jenna Muri-Rosenthal

01:47 The Journey to Fit to Function Recovery

02:31 Challenges in Traditional Rehab

03:18 CrossFit and Cognitive Rehabilitation

04:17 Functional Movement and Recovery

06:46 Empowering Patients Beyond 'Good Enough'

10:04 Measuring Progress in Rehab

16:55 Making Rehab Functional and Relatable

20:00 Normalizing Movement in the Gym

22:19 Overcoming Hesitation in Fitness

23:06 Creating Inclusive Fitness Environments

24:52 Adapting Sports and Fitness for Recovery

26:05 The Importance of Functional Fitness

27:23 Encouraging New Challenges and Learning

32:42 The Power of Words in Rehabilitation

35:26 Continuing Care and Preventative Management

38:01 Conclusion and Resources

Adaptive Training Academy

Fit to Function Recovery (Instagram)

In this episode of Waves, host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Abby Gordon, a pediatric sports physical therapist based in Seattle. Dr. Gordon shares insights into her diverse career, including her experience working with professional athletes and as an adjunct faculty member. The discussion covers her clinical practice at Seattle Children's Hospital, her love for treating chronic pain patients, and her recent endeavors in academia and writing. They also delve into the topic of weight-inclusive care and its significance in physical therapy. Dr. Gordon's upcoming book, 'It Depends,' is also highlighted, discussing the various considerations and decisions one faces in life and career.

Abby is @agordon55 on most socials. Her email address is [email protected].

Michigan-based PTs and PTAs! You can get license-renewal credit just by listening to Waves episodes! Download the PT General Response Form from LARA and save for your records.

00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast

00:45 Meet Dr. Abby Gordon

01:33 Pediatric Sports Therapy Insights

03:18 Treating Chronic Pain in Pediatrics

04:22 Transition from Adult to Pediatric Therapy

05:42 Balancing Professional and Pediatric Therapy

06:21 The Importance of Therapeutic Alliance

10:34 Writing and Blogging Journey

17:17 Teaching Anatomy at Tufts

19:17 Innovative Teaching Methods in Anatomy

20:12 Challenges and Fun in Teaching Cardio Pulmonology

21:07 Balancing Clinical Practice and Academia

23:40 Weight Inclusive Care in Healthcare

27:20 Addressing Ableism and Inclusivity in Physical Therapy

33:05 WNBA and Personal Interests

34:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

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

Are you a PT or PTA in Michigan? Download the PT or PTA General Response Form from LARA to document your efforts and keep it for your records. It’s that easy!