In this episode of The Alex and Mo Podcast, we sit down with Scott Gardner, the visionary founder of the United Physical Therapy Association (UPTA), a groundbreaking grassroots organization dedicated to advocating for Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs).

Scott shares his inspiring journey of creating UPTA, driven by a deep passion to empower professionals in the physical therapy field. He sheds light on the pressing challenges PTs and PTAs face today, from reimbursement issues to navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Most importantly, Scott outlines UPTA’s mission to amplify the voices of these vital healthcare providers and ensure their contributions are recognized, respected, and valued.

Throughout this thought-provoking conversation, Scott delves into:

• The inspiration behind founding UPTA and its core mission.

• The critical need for advocacy and leadership in physical therapy.

• How PTs and PTAs can unite to drive meaningful change within their profession.

• His bold vision for UPTA’s role in shaping the future of the industry.

If you’re a PT, PTA, or healthcare professional seeking actionable insights, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of this emerging movement, this episode is for you.

While Scott’s journey has sparked both support and controversy, his fearless approach to tackling reimbursement disparities and his passion for advancing the profession are undeniably motivating. Tune in to explore how UPTA is reshaping the narrative for PTs and PTAs everywhere!

In this inspiring episode, Alex and Mo are joined by Marissa Cooper, OTRL, a dedicated home health occupational therapist who has taken her expertise in healing and care to a new frontier: maternal health and doula services for marginalized women.

Marissa shares her journey from supporting patients in their homes to empowering women throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. We’ll explore what inspired her to become a doula, the unique challenges faced by underserved communities in maternal care, and how her skills as an OT bring a fresh perspective to birth support.

Join us as we discuss Marissa’s mission to make compassionate, personalized care accessible at every stage of life.

In this episode, Alex and Mo sit down with Maria Aguila, an internationally trained physical therapist and private practice owner, to explore her inspiring journey from emigrating to the U.S. to building a successful career in physical therapy.

Maria shares the challenges she faced as an immigrant clinician and how those experiences fueled her passion for advocating for internationally trained PTs.

From navigating the complexities of the healthcare system to launching her own practice, Maria’s story is a testament to perseverance and leadership.

Tune in as she discusses her advocacy efforts at the state, regional, national, and global levels, and her mission to empower clinicians worldwide.

Today we dive deep into the issues, trends, and innovations shaping our profession.

This episode is especially important as we gear up for the upcoming Physical Therapy Leadership Congress this week.

Alex, Mo and Nick will dive into some pressing concerns facing our profession. Just recently, we’ve been hit with yet another cut in Medicare reimbursement. This continues to put a strain on our practices and the quality of care we can provide.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when you consider the rising costs of obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The return on investment is increasingly under scrutiny. Many are questioning whether the financial and personal sacrifices are worth it.

And let’s not forget about clinician burnout. It’s becoming more prevalent, with newer grads leaving the profession earlier than ever before. This trend is alarming and points to systemic issues within our field.

So, what gives? How do we navigate these challenges and find sustainable solutions? That’s what we’re here to discuss. We’ll be diving into these issues, sharing insights from our experiences, and exploring possible paths forward.

We’ll also be taking a look at what to expect from the Physical Therapy Leadership Congress. It’s an opportunity for us to come together as a community, voice our concerns, and advocate for positive change.

And we want to hear from you, our listeners. What are your thoughts on the Medicare cuts, the cost of DPT education, and clinician burnout? How are you coping, and what solutions do you think we should be pushing for?

So, grab your coffee, tea, beer, bourbon or whatever helps you get through, and join us for an important conversation about the state of physical therapy.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media and share your thoughts using the hashtag #StateOfPT. We’ll be reading your comments and might even feature some in our next episode.

Stay tuned, and let’s dive into the conversation.

David Friedberg, PT, DPT, is a distinguished physical therapist who graduated from the Russell Sage College DPT program in Troy, New York. During his undergraduate years at the State University of New York at Oneonta, David was a Division 3 NCAA wrestler, where he gleaned many life lessons from his time on the mat.

David currently practices in an outpatient private clinic in Long Island, New York. Outside of the clinic, he dedicates his time as the Course Coordinator for NPTE Final Frontier, a preparation course aimed at helping PTA and PT students pass their NPTE exams (https://www.npteff.com). His passion for education extends to co-hosting the NPTE Final Frontier Podcast, providing valuable guidance to students.

In addition to his clinical and educational roles, David serves on the Board of Directors for the Foreign Academic Credentialing Tools & Services (FACTS PT), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that assists foreign-trained students with the PT and PTA licensure process in the United States (https://www.factspt.org).

David has presented at several prestigious conferences, including the APTA Combined Sections Meeting, the California Physical Therapy Association Tri-State Conference, and the World Physiotherapy Congress. He was also selected as an APTA Association Leadership Scholar for 2024.

You can connect with David through the following platforms:

• Email: DavidPTDPT@yahoo.com

• Facebook: Facebook.com/DavidPTDPT

• Instagram: Instagram.com/DavidPTDPT

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/DavidPTDPT

• Twitter: Twitter.com/DavidPTDPT

Dr. Roody Joseph, PT, DPT, OCS, is a distinguished board-certified orthopaedic physical therapist and an associate professor with a passion for advancing the role of physical therapists as primary points of contact for non-invasive musculoskeletal injuries. A graduate of Florida International University (FIU), Dr. Joseph earned his Bachelor of Science in 2009 and Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2012. He further honed his expertise by completing an orthopaedic residency at The Ohio State University (OSU) in 2014.

As a minority in his profession, Dr. Joseph brings a unique and valuable perspective to his dual roles as a clinician and an academic. He joined the NSU Florida Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2016, where he teaches Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP), research, and musculoskeletal (MSK) courses. Dr. Joseph’s clinical practice is equally impressive, working within the NSU Sports Medicine Clinic and as an independent contractor through Luna Physical Therapy via his private practice, A.R.T Physiotherapy, LLC.

In addition to his teaching and clinical responsibilities, Dr. Joseph is a published researcher, a journal editor, and an entrepreneur. He holds leadership positions within the Florida Physical Therapy Association, where he continues to influence and shape the future of physical therapy.

Join us as Dr. Roody Joseph shares his insights on the evolving role of physical therapists, his experiences as a minority in the field, and his seamless blend of clinical practice and academic duties.

In this upcoming episode, we are honored to host Dr. Kiaana Howard, PT, DPT, an esteemed educator, practicing physical therapist, speaker, and DEIB-J (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice) contributor.

Dr. Howard is dedicated to community engagement, focusing on raising awareness about health disparities and social inequities affecting underrepresented minority (URM) groups.

As a TEDx/ TED Talk speaker, Dr. Howard has addressed crucial issues in her talk titled “The Lack of Diversity in Healthcare: A Health Disparity,” where she emphasized the urgent need to enhance visible diversity within physical therapy and other healthcare professions.

In this episode, we will delve into the systemic challenges and explore actionable steps to foster a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment. Join us for an enlightening conversation that aims to inspire change and promote diversity in healthcare.

Born and raised in Brazil, Francisco moved to the United States in 2005. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Exercise Science from IUPUI in 2009 and earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from The University of Pittsburgh in 2012. With a background in orthopedics and sports medicine rehabilitation, Francisco decided to merge his expertise in physical therapy with his passion for animals. In 2015, he completed his certification in canine rehabilitation at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute.

In 2017, Francisco founded TheK9PT - Canine Rehabilitation and Wellness, which began as a mobile business and has since evolved into a thriving canine rehabilitation clinic in the Chicago area. He also serves as a consultant for the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and co-instructs their Business of Canine Rehabilitation course.

Driven by a desire to assist both dogs and canine rehabilitation therapists, Francisco launched TheK9PT Academy, a program that has already helped over 50 therapists, including physical therapists and veterinarians, start or grow their canine rehabilitation practices. He currently serves as the President of the Animal Physical Therapy Special Interest Group within the American Physical Therapy Association.

Join us tomorrow 05/21/2024 at 8pm EST as @sportsdpt13 and @drmoniquecaruth host Francisco to learn more about his dedication to the field of canine rehabilitation and his commitment to helping others succeed.

francisco@thek9pt.com || www.thek9pt.com