Waves

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 f

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 runnin

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 their peers. The discussion covers the organization's origins, its challenges, and its suc

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

Alex Hill, an outpatient physical therapist based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a gem of a human being. She shares her decade-long journey in physical therapy, specializing in pelvic health, oncology, lymphedema, and gender-affirming care. Alex, perhaps better known as The OncoPelvic PT, discusses the importance of trauma-informed care, patient empowerment, and validation in clinica

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

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

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. Chloe discusses her journey with the Solstice Scholarship and how she organized a rock-climbing event to support victims of substance abuse through the Community Heali

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 th

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