APTA Podcasts

In this APTA Podcast episode, Vice President of Strategic Affairs Drew Contreras, PT, DPT, and Senior Director of Brand Strategy Alicia Hosmer discuss the partnership between APTA and the National Strength and Conditioning Association with NSCA Board members Jaynie Bjornaraa, PT, PhD, and Antonio Squillante, PhD. The partnership was announced at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Anaheim, California, in February. Together, they discuss the associations' missions and the overlap between physical therapists and certified strength and conditioning specialists in promoting health and well-being through evidence-based practices for athletes and patients alike. The discussion also covers how collaboration between these two professions helps improve patient performance and outcomes. Listeners can also get a preview of what to expect at the upcoming joint conference at APTA Centennial Center on Sept. 25-26.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Madeline Ratoza, PT, DPT, PhD, Rupal Patel, PT, PhD, and Julia Chevan, PT, DPT, PhD, who used a cross-sectional geographic information systems approach across census tracts and licensure records to look at rehabilitation provider availability in Texas. Their study found that availability varies dramatically and is often much lower in communities with higher disability prevalence and poverty rates, and with larger proportions of Hispanic and non-white residents. The authors discuss what inspired the research question, how they defined access as a metric, and the follow-up actions they recommend from the study. Ratoza, Patel, and Chevan are co-authors of the article “Geographic Disparities in Rehabilitation Provider Availability and Community Demographics in Texas: A Cross-Sectional Geographic Information Systems Study.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

APTA President Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, is joined by three fellow members of the APTA Board of Directors to discuss APTA’s Strategic Framework for 2030. They share details on the three interconnected priorities that APTA believes will shape the next generation of physical therapy: advancing our payment, empowering our members, and evolving our practice.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Katrina Monroe, PT, PhD, about her recently published study, which tracked physical therapist-patient conversations over a six-week care period and found that consistently responding to patients’ emotional cues was associated with lower pain intensity. George and Monroe discuss what empathy looks like during physical therapy visits, why there might be variability in empathetic communication, and why empathy’s influence might take time to appear in patient encounters. Monroe is co-author of the article “More Frequent Empathic Communication by Physical Therapists is Associated With Improved Outcomes for Low-Impact Chronic Pain.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

In this episode, APTA Vice President of Advancement Carmen Elliott sits down with Milly Polovich, a former patient of the pioneering Black physical therapist Vilma Evans. Together, they discuss Evans\' life, legacy, and barrier-breaking career, which helped open the door for future Black clinicians. Polovich also recalls her time spent with Evans in the 1950s, when Evans helped her regain mobility after a polio diagnosis. Learn more about Evans and other Black physical therapists who helped pave the way for future generations to follow: * Vision, Courage, Compassion: Black Physical Therapists Who Transformed the Profession

In this episode, ethics experts discuss the development of the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2026. Members of the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee and the Ethics Task Force break down what the code means for both everyday practice and the future of the profession. Plus, learn how the code was modernized to help PTs, PTAs, and students make ethical decisions in the era of AI and other emerging technologies. Learn more about the new code and other ethical milestones with these resources referenced in the episode: Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession Published in PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal in 2010: “The Revised APTA Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant: Theory, Purpose, Process, and Significance” The 31st Mary McMillan Lecture by Ruth B Purtilo, PT, PhD, FAPTA: “A Time to Harvest, a Time to Sow: Ethics for a Shifting Landscape” Reach out to [email protected] with any questions about the code of ethics.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Daniel White, PT, ScD, MSc, about his recently published survey study, which evaluated the effectiveness of a physical therapist-administered physical activity intervention in increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in adults after total knee replacement. The study found similar increases in physical activity in both the intervention and the control groups. George and White discuss if clinicians should reconsider the use of wearable technology and step goals, and they give advice to PTs aiming to increase physical activity in patients after total knee replacement.White is co-author of the article “Effectiveness of a Physical Therapist-Administered Physical Activity Intervention after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Trial.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

For the first time in APTA history, physical therapist assistants are eligible to serve on the APTA Board of Directors beginning with the 2026 cycle. In this episode, host Kelley Kubota, PT, DPT, MS, sits down with Evan Bier, PTA, and Timothy Russell, PTA, to discuss what this milestone means for the profession. Bier and Russell share their personal reactions to the news, reflect on how the PTA role has evolved, and discuss why belonging to APTA matters for PTAs at every career stage. Visit APTA’s website to learn more about PTA membership and explore APTA’s PTA resources.

Editorial Board member Shauna Dudley-Javoroski, PT, PhD, talks with Jessica Feda, PT, DPT, DSc, and Evan Pucillo, PT, DPT, EdD, about their recently published article, which evaluated the reliability and validity of the Learning and Studies Strategies Inventory, aka LASSI. The authors define what self-regulated learning is, discuss how the instrument assesses self-regulated learning, and explain how LASSI was shortened through exploratory analysis to be more suitable for entry-level DPT students. Feda and Pucillo are co-authors of the article “Validation of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) in Doctor of Physical Therapy Learners: A Retrospective Observational Study.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Brittany Lapin, PhD, Joshua Johnson, PT, DPT, PhD, and Sandra Passek, PT, DPT, about their recently published article on the development and validation of the Physical Therapy Frequency Clinical Decision Support Tool, aka PT-PENCIL. The tool identifies which patients are most likely to benefit from daily physical therapy to be discharged home. The authors discuss what spurred their interest in this research, the study design and methodology of the predictive model, and the potential challenges of using large datasets. Lapin, Passek, and Johnson are co-authors of the article “Development and Validation of PT-PENCIL: The Physical Therapy Frequency Clinical Decision Support Tool to Increase Hospital Discharge to Home.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

In this episode, APTA staff experts Rachel Miller, MPH, and Sharon West, JD, discuss how the final 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule will affect the physical therapy profession. They explain why physical therapists can expect an average 1.75% increase in payment under this fee schedule and provide important updates on telehealth and remote therapeutic monitoring. For more insights from APTA, read this news article, CMS Finalizes Fee Schedule Pay Bump for the First Time in 5 Years, and watch APTA's Regulatory, Legislative, and Payment Updates webinar from Nov. 19. Staff referenced the following resources from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in this episode: The Quality Payment Program Small Practices webpage. CMS’ Ambulatory Specialty Model, aka ASM, webpage. QPP’s Rehabilitative Support for Musculoskeletal Care MVP webpage.APTA continues to advocate for reforms to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to increase payment, reduce administrative burden, and provide more flexibility to both patients and providers. Sign up for the APTA Advocacy Network, a free, member-only service that sends you special legislative updates and action alerts so you're up to speed and ready to act. Contact APTA’s advocacy staff with questions related to this year’s fee schedule.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Stanley Hung, PT, PhD, about his recently published survey study, which looked at implementation factors for intensive rehabilitation within real-world inpatient stroke rehabilitation settings. George and Hung discuss the differences between the DOSE and Walk ‘n Watch trials, the potential inaccuracies of wearable technologies and monitors in clinical practice, and what other methods can be used in addition to survey methods in implementation science. Hung is co-author of the article “Real-World Experiences of Therapy Staff Implementing an Intensive Rehabilitation Protocol in Canadian Stroke Inpatient Rehabilitation Settings: A Multi-Site Survey Study.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

What do Americans really think about physical therapy—and what’s keeping more people from seeing a PT? In this episode of the APTA Podcast, host Alicia Hosmer sits down with APTA’s Drew Contreras and Emilio Rouco, as well as APTA’s research partners Shelly Adcock and Tam Nguyen from Penta Group, to unpack findings from APTA’s Consumer Perceptions Report. Hear how insights on awareness, access, and trust are shaping APTA’s national advocacy and public awareness strategies — including the new ChoosePT: PT for Future Me campaign — and what PTs and PTAs can do to help more Americans view physical therapy as a valuable, smart strategy to maintain lifelong movement and health.

In this episode, Megan Brown, PT, DPT, details her journey from beginning her career as a physical therapist to founding her business Mind The Mat Pilates & Yoga. Gain practical advice for your career and finding your passion while gettinga preview of what Brown plans to share during her panel discussion “Unfiltered & Unlocked: 3 PTs on Building a Career You Love” at APTA CSM in Anaheim, California.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Gregory Hartley, PT, DPT, FAPTA, and Neva Kirk-Sanchez, PT, PhD, about their recently published perspective, which defines the health systems science framework and advocates for the framework to be a foundational pillar in physical therapy education. Listen as the authors discuss how the framework can contribute to better clinical outcomes, support the development of community-based interventions, and better prepare students to be leaders in health care. Hartley and Kirk-Sanchez are co-authors of the article “Educating for Impact: The Imperative of Health Systems Science in Physical Therapy.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Shane McClinton, PT, DPT, PhD, about his recently published study, which compared the cost-effectiveness of usual podiatry care plus physical therapy with podiatry care alone in the management of plantar heel pain. Listen as they discuss the inspiration for the study, the typical patient experience for those with plantar heel pain, and why it is important for researchers to consider economic analysis studies for physical therapy. McClinton is co-author of the article “Cost-Effectiveness of Physical Therapist Treatment in Addition to Usual Podiatry Management of Plantar Heel Pain: Economic Evaluation of a Randomized Clinical Trial.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

APTA is ushering in a historic change in physical therapy education: the merger of CAPTE and ABPTRFE into a single integrated accreditation body. This unification will streamline processes, reduce burdens on programs, and strengthen quality across the entire education continuum — from entry-level through residency and fellowship. In this podcast, APTA President Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, speaks with leaders guiding the transition about why now is the right time, how the merger supports innovation, and what it means for students, educators, and the future of our profession.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Andrew Hogan, PhD, about his recently published perspective on the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education standard requiring that at least 50% of core faculty in all physical therapist education programs hold an academic doctorate of PhD, EdD, or ScD. They discuss the history of the standard, why it could be a barrier to entry for faculty, and how academic physical therapy is unique compared to other fields.Hogan is the author of the article “Credentialism and Barriers to Entry: A Historical and Sociological Analysis of the CAPTE 50 Percent Requirement for Physical Therapy Faculty With Academic Doctorates.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

In this episode of the APTA Podcast, Justin Elliott, vice president of government affairs at APTA, and William Boissonnault, PT, DPT, DHSc, FAPTA, discuss APTA’s recent report on direct access to PT services. Boissonnault, a key contributor to the report, discusses the purpose of the report, its significance in today’s physical therapy profession and health care system, and how this evidence can be utilized to promote direct access policies at every level. Don't miss this informative discussion on the state of direct access and the importance of advocacy in the physical therapy profession. Join the APTA Advocacy Network and read all the latest advocacy news. From the episode: Read APTA’s “State of Direct Access to Physical Therapist Services” report and “The Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States” report. From the episode: Use resources on APTA's consumer information website, ChoosePT.com, to help educate patients about physical therapy and direct access. Register for the free APTA Regulatory, Legislative, and Payment Updates Series (2025) for expert insights.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Shawn Farrokhi, PT, PhD, about winning the 2025 APTA Outstanding Research Award for the article “The Influence of Active, Passive, and Manual Therapy Interventions for Low Back Pain on Opioid Prescription and Health Care Utilization.” They discuss why the article was chosen for the award, how the Military Health System Repository was used as a data source, and how the study has impacted practice and patient care.The APTA Outstanding Research Award encourages the publication of outstanding physical therapy research articles, including both foundational and clinical research impacting practice and patient care. Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn for more research updates.

A brief introduction from the leadership of the academy. Jason Lau, PT, DPT, interviews Jamie Grigsby, PT, DPT, and Melissa Lazinski, PT, DPT, DHSc, with APTA Hand & Upper Extremity at APTA CSM in Houston. Visit the APTA Hand and Upper Extremity website to learn more about the academy. Watch a video of this interview on the APTA Magazine website.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA, about winning the 2025 Jules M. Rothstein Golden Pen Award for Scientific Writing. The Rothstein Golden Pen Award recognizes an author who has demonstrated superior writing skills in one or more articles published in PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal and has collaborated with or encouraged others to make similar contributions. Listen as Stevens-Lapsley reflects on her notable article contributions, offers writing advice for the toughest aspects of scientific writing, and discusses how to find the right audience for a paper.

APTA staff expert Rachel Miller, MPH, breaks down the proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and what it means for the physical therapy profession. Use your voice to make a difference: Visit the APTA Patient Action Center to submit your comments on the proposed rule to CMS. You’ll find an easy-to-use template letter that tells CMS to appropriately value physical therapy codes and to recognize physical therapy as a high-quality, low-cost service that prevents and manages chronic disease. Learn more about this year’s proposed fee schedule: APTA Regulatory, Legislative, and Payment Update webinar, August 2025 Takeaways From the Proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Part 1 Takeaways From the Proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Part 2 (including an update on the KX modifier) To learn more about the legislative initiatives that would improve payment and reduce administrative burden for PTs, read about APTA’s ongoing advocacy on payment reforms. Sign up for the APTA Advocacy Network, a free, members-only service that sends you special legislative updates and action alerts so you're up to speed and ready to act. Contact APTA’s Advocacy staff via email: [email protected].

A brief introduction from the president of the academy.Thailey Leak, SPT, interviewed APTA Oncology President Chris Wilson, PT, DPT, DScPT, at APTA CSM in Houston. Learn what Wilson says about the skills, settings, and steps to thrive in this specialty. Visit the APTA Oncology website to learn more about the academy. Watch a video of this interview on the APTA Magazine website.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editorial Board Member Shauna Dudley-Javoroski, PT, PhD, talks with Keshrie Naidoo, PT, DPT, EdD, and Diane Jette, PT, DSc, FAPTA, about their recently published perspective titled "An Improvement Science Framework to Advance Sense of Belonging for Physical Therapist Students From Minoritized Backgrounds.” The authors explain how “wicked problems” and “solutionitis” can arise in physical therapist education, discuss how to measure and cultivate a sense of belonging in physical therapist students, and suggest how to use an improvement science framework to face challenges in other education programs.Read the article on the PTJ website, and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

In this episode, Alice Bell, PT, DPT, senior specialist, health policy and payment, is joined by Wanda Evans, PT, DPT, MHS, senior specialist, health policy and payment, to discuss how APTA advocacy led to Aetna’s decision to provide unrestricted direct access to physical therapist services. Bell and Evans recap the almost decade’s worth of effort by APTA staff to move the needle and ultimately help deliver this significant win for the profession. This episode also features insights from Laura Keivel, APTA senior specialist, PAC and grassroots, who shares tips and best practices for making the most out of August’s Congressional recess — and any of your interactions with elected officials. Don’t miss this fascinating episode on the importance of relationship-building and advocacy in advancing the profession.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Matthew Schumacher, PT, DPT, DSc, Kyle Cottone, PT, DPT, DSc, and Laura Siviter, PT, DPT, DSc, about their recently published study, which identified six themes related to barriers to clinical practice guideline implementation for low back pain. The authors discuss why they chose a mixed-methods approach, why clinician training and confidence may be a barrier to clinical practice guideline usage, and how clinicians can use clinical practice guidelines to build therapeutic alliances with patients.Schumacher, Cottone, and Siviter are co-authors of the article "Understanding Barriers to the Use of a Low Back Pain Clinical Practice Guideline in Physical Therapist Practice: A Mixed-Methods Approach.” Read the article on the PTJ website, and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

In this episode, Colleen Ward, PT, DPT, board-certified clinical specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, chats with three fellow APTA members about their experiences becoming board-certified clinical specialists. They share how earning certification has transformed their careers and the different paths they took to achieve it. Additionally, they offer advice for anyone considering certification. Since February 1985, when podcast panelist Meryl Cohen, PT, DPT, MS, FAPTA, and her peers, Linda Crane, PT, and Scot Irwin, PT, DPT, became the first physical therapists to achieve advanced specialist certification, this credential has been opening doors for thousands of professionals in the field. After listening to the episode, visit these resources to learn more: · APTA Specialist Certification Governed by ABPTS website and its “Become an ABPTS-Certified Specialist” page · APTA Report: "A Physical Therapy Profile: Wages for the Profession, 2021-22" · A Brief History: The First Specialist Certification Exams Held

A brief introduction from the president of the academy.Annabelle Hu, SPT, a first-year student at University of Southern California Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, interviews Stephanie Woelfel, PT, DPT, president of APTA Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology & Wound Management at APTA CSM in Houston. Learn more about these two clinical specialties that both reward curiosity and problem-solving.Visit the APTA Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology & Wound Management website to learn more about the academy. Watch a video of this interview on the APTA Magazine website.

In this episode, Rachel Miller, MPH, APTA health policy and payment specialist, shares key updates on the organization's advocacy efforts over the past few months. Discover how APTA is working to reduce administrative burdens in physical therapy, address inefficiencies in Medicare and Medicaid policy, and tackle commercial payer issues. This episode also features insights from APTA's Harker Intern, Alvin Osorio Flores, SPT, who shares his journey and experiences within the advocacy team. Don't miss this informative discussion on the importance of advocacy in the physical therapy profession. Join the APTA Advocacy Network and read all the latest advocacy news. Read articles on APTA's efforts to reduce administrative burdens and address TRICARE payment issues. Register for the free APTA Regulatory, Legislative, and Payment Updates Series (2025) for expert insights. Explore internship opportunities available at APTA.

A brief introduction from the president of the academy.Britton Farnum, PT, DPT, interviews Mary Jane Rapport, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, president of APTA Pediatrics. Learn what Rapport says about the skills, settings, and steps to thrive in this specialty.Visit the APTA Pediatrics website to learn more about the academy. Watch a video of this interview on the APTA Magazine website.

In this podcast, APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee member Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler, PT, DPT, PhD, asks three experts about the most pressing ethical issues related to artificial intelligence, one of the most rapidly evolving frontiers in health care. They provide insights about data privacy, bias, informed consent, and more. The EJC recently wrote two columns in APTA Magazine related to AI ethics: one on unveiling and shaping AI technologies and another on exploring AI ethics within the five roles of physical therapy. Read more about common and emerging ethical issues facing PTs, PTAs, and students in APTA Magazine's “Ethics in Practice” series.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Sally Mastwyk, PT, MPhysio, and Casey Peiris, PT, PhD, about their recently published study, in which 230 participants received a 30-minute health screen in physical therapy private practices in Australia to determine the feasibility of physical therapists conducting client health screening with point-of-care testing. The authors discuss how they implemented the study in a network of private practice clinics, why they chose the three outcomes of acceptability, demand, and practicality, and how they can determine effectiveness in future research.Mastwyk and Peiris are co-authors of the article, "Metabolic Health Screening in Physical Therapy Private Practice in Australia: A Feasibility Study.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

A brief introduction from the president of the academy.Conner Murphy, SPT, interviewed APTA Pelvic Health President Darla Cathcart, PT, DPT, PhD, at APTA CSM in Boston. Learn what a day in the life of a pelvic health physical therapist looks like and advice for exploring this specialty.Visit the APTA Pelvic Health website to learn more about the academy. Watch a video of this interview on the APTA Magazine website.

Elizabeth Pimentel, PT, MA, recalls a memorable patient and her struggles to make peace with the patient’s untimely death. Access the article on the APTA Magazine webpage for photos and to learn more about this episode’s speaker.

In March, the American Physical Therapy Association published a workforce forecast in PTJ that used original survey data to project shortages in physical therapists through 2037. Listen as Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with authors Timothy Dall, MS, and Tara Manal, PT, DPT, FAPTA, about the different data sources used for the report, what a microsimulation is as an approach, and some strategic interventions that could help address the projected shortfall.Dall and Manal are co-authors of the article "Current and Projected Future Supply and Demand for Physical Therapists From 2022 to 2037: A New Approach Using Microsimulation.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates. To learn more, sign up now for an APTA Live event, “Understanding the APTA Workforce Forecast Model: Insights and Discussion with Authors,” on May 1 at 10:30 a.m. ET, in person (limited availability) or online.

In this episode, entrepreneur and APTA member Odell Miller, PT, DPT, interviews APTA Vice President of Strategic Affairs Drew Contreras, PT, DPT. They talk about starting a business, how new technologies are rapidly changing the profession, and ways PTs can take care of themselves to avoid burnout. During the episode, Contreras referenced ChoosePT.com, APTA’s consumer website. Learn more about APTA’s work to support the profession at apta.org.

Interested in how large language models compare against clinicians? Listen as Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Yael Arbel, PT, MHA, Yoav Gimmon, PT, PhD, and Liora Shmueli, PhD, about their recently published study, which tested the performance of ChatGPT and Google Gemini against 30 physical therapists and 30 physical therapist students on 20 multiple-choice questions about vestibular rehabilitation. The authors discuss the impact of prompt engineering, the potential for studies with other large language models, and the importance of human expertise when integrating new technological tools. Arbel, Gimmon, and Shmueli are co-authors of the article "Evaluating the Potential of Large Language Models for Vestibular Rehabilitation Education: A Comparison of ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Clinicians.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

A brief introduction from the president of the academy.Corry Brinken, PT, DPT, interviewed APTA Orthopaedic President Bob Rowe, PT, DPT, DMT, MHS, at APTA CSM 2024 in Boston. Learn how Rowe says students can best prepare for a career in orthopedics. Visit the APTA Orthopaedic website to learn more about the academy. Watch a video of this interview on the APTA Magazine website.

In this episode, we check in on both state and federal advocacy efforts to prioritize patients' access to physical therapy and support PTs and PTAs throughout their careers. We look back on key wins from 2024, while also looking ahead to what the rest of 2025 might have in store. To learn more, join the APTA Advocacy Network and read more on apta.org: · Policy Principles for Outpatient Therapy Reform under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule· APTA News: Congress Fails to Address Medicare Fee Schedule in Continuing Resolution· APTA Advocacy Delivers 2 Major Wins in 2025 Fee Schedule· Position Paper: The Prevent Interruptions In Physical Therapy Act· Position Paper: Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act· APTA News: APTA Chapters Fuel State-Level Wins in 2024 · APTA State Advocacy Map· APTA Regulatory, Legislative, and Payment Updates Series (2025)

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Amee Seitz, PT, DPT, PhD, and Kyle Strickland, PT, DPT, about their recently published perspective, which presents a modified emergency department treatment-based classification system for low back pain with three case examples. Listen as the authors discuss the “origin story” of the algorithm, how the emergency department creates a unique setting for physical therapy, and why patients may be more open to trying nondrug treatment options.Seitz and Strickland are co-authors of the article "Application of Algorithm-Based Treatment Approach to Low Back Pain in the Emergency Department.” Read the articles on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

Emily Berthelette, PT, DPT, examines what it's been like on the patient side of PT services. Access the article on the APTA Magazine webpage for photos and to learn more about this episode’s speaker.

A brief introduction from the president of the academy.Brett Traeger, PT, DPT, interviewed American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy President Mike Reinold, PT, DPT, ATC, at APTA CSM in Boston. Learn what Reinold has to say about finding your niche as a sports PT and how mentorship plays a big role in their specialty.Visit the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy’s website to learn more about the academy. Watch a video of this interview on the APTA Magazine website.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Nicole Tombers, PT, DPT, about her recently published article, which used data from the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service to compare influences on applications to doctor of physical therapy programs between applicants who identified as white and applicants who identified as Black, American Indian, Asian, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander. George and Tombers discuss how the DPT application is structured, what is included in a holistic narrative analysis approach, and what factors draw applicants to the field of physical therapy. Tombers is co-author of the article “Influence of Race and Ethnicity on Application to Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs.” Read the article on the PTJ website, and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Alexander Garbin, PT, DPT, PhD, and Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA, about their recently published companion papers, which evaluated the effectiveness of a progressive multicomponent intervention for older adults in home health settings across three comparison groups. Listen as the authors discuss the pragmatic aspects of the trials, how the second study illustrates the importance of design and interpretation of control groups, and how early career researchers interested in conducting their own clinical trials can get started. Garbin and Stevens-Lapsley are co-authors of the articles “Progressive Multicomponent Intervention for Older Adults in Home Health Settings Following Hospitalization: Randomized Clinical Trial” and “Improving Function in Older Adults With Hospital-Associated Deconditioning: Lessons Learned Comparing a Randomized Controlled Trial to Real World Practice.” Read the articles on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.