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 Podcast

00:33 Meet Dr. Sarah Cruiser

01:32 Health Promotion in Physical Therapy

03:36 Barriers and Misconceptions

05:24 Trauma-Informed Care

09:43 Billing and Scope of Practice

11:04 The Role of Nutrition

14:53 Primary Care Approach in Physical Therapy

18:40 Consulting and Diagnostic Clinicians

25:53 Personal Anecdotes and Patient Care

28:56 The Art of Patient Interaction

29:40 Exploring Health and Wellness Residencies

30:34 Challenges in Primary Care and Health Promotion

33:35 The Importance of Diet and Lifestyle

36:17 Empathy and Understanding in Patient Care

42:57 Encouraging Creativity in Clinical Education

50:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Living Nourished: Make Peace with Food, Banish Body Shame, and Reclaim Joy, by Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDN, CDN

Earn PDR credits for listening to Waves episodes! Fill out this form and save it for your records.

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

PTs and PTAs in Michigan! Get PDR credit for license renewalby listening to Waves episodes! Fill out theLARA General Response Form and keep it for your records!

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

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

LARA

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

Alex Hill, an outpatient physical therapist based in

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!

We're back with another episode highlighting the philanthropic work of DPT students! We were honored to speak to the very first winner of the Solstice Scholarship from Western Michigan University, Chloe Catallo.

Never underestimate the power of a motivated student!

Planet Rock

Terra Firma Bouldering Co.

APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation

APTA Code of Ethics and Guide for Professional Conduct

The debt-to-income ratio is a hot topic in physical therapy. The costs of education continue to rise but salaries haven't kept pace.

Drs. Connor and Hannah Pierce are husband and wife, physical therapists, parents, and founders of After the DPT, a company that helps physical therapists manage their student loan debt. We sat down to talk with them about how folks can pay off their debt without having to live off of ramen and water. Not to toot our own horn, but this is really good information!

Michigan PTs and PTAs! Earn PDRs toward license renewal by listening to Waves episodes! Just fill out this ⁠⁠form⁠⁠ and keep it for your records.

Music by ⁠⁠Mark Joesting⁠⁠ and Andy Wicks.

Editing help from Brigit Hammond.

Physical therapy is not a diverse profession. One person trying to change that is Kierra Washington, a third-year student at Grand Valley State University. She talked with us about what is has been like being a racial minority in graduate school, what her career goals are, and how she wants to make things better for those that come after her.

"Wow, You Look Like Me! - The Need to Increase Diversity in the Field of Physical Therapy" by Kierra Washington, SPT

Dr. Rebeca Segraves, PT, DPT, WCS

Dr. Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, MBA, PhD

Michigan PTs and PTAs! Earn PDRs toward license renewal by listening to Waves episodes! Just fill out this ⁠form⁠ and keep it for your records.

Music by ⁠Mark Joesting⁠ and Andy Wicks.