Here is the summary from my [first ever] interview with Rockhurst Professor Christina Wisdom, DPT, OCS.  Our topic was physical therapy advocacy and the role of the student.

What is PT Advocacy?

Making our voice heard on issues that affect our profession and our patients.  It’s not just impacting us on a legislation level, but also on a community, group (like the MS Society) and local level by making things better for our patients.

Who is involved in PT Advocacy?

Generally when you see PT Advocacy people are referring to APTA and the larger scale legislative level aspect of advocacy. But PT and PTA students, APTA members, and non-APTA members are all involved and affected. Also patients are a big part of this, they are advocates for the profession and for themselves. Insurance companies and other professionals are also involved and affected by PT advocacy. When we advocate for something, other professions are going to be trying to advocate for their own turf as well.

Who are the biggest “competitors” with PT when it comes to advocacy?

It depends on what issues you are talking about. If you are talking about direct access, then orthopedic surgeons are a big opponent to PTs getting direct access, while internal medicine physicians have come more on board with that. When you are talking about mobilization and manipulation, chiropractors are the biggest opponents to PT [in some states] they have tried to own the right to do manipulation.

What is the overall goal of PT Advocacy/ what do we want?

To create positive change for our patient and our profession. In advocating for the profession we are directly advocating for the patient as well.

Why is this so necessary?

There is a lot of history to this…we have evolved quite a bit from our beginnings. We used to not market ourselves whatsoever because we were very oriented to the medical model. Our role now has expanded so much that it is now important for us to fight for what we are able to do as PTs.

What can we do, as students to get involved?

Lots of things! Going up the chain, going to school-wide or community events and promoting PT–you never know who is going to be there. You could run in to a senator, orthopedic surgeon, etc. Being involved in community organizations and having an “elevator pitch” about PT to be able to explain what we do in a short amount of time. Students can also get involved at the state level in the state chapters of APTA. There is also a lobby day every year in each state where PT and PTA students can go to the capitol and go talk to the legislators. You can also go sit in on a board meeting on the state level. The APTA website is a great tool for students too. There is a section called the “Legislative Action Section,” where you can see who your states legislators are and get information on issues that are being discussed currently. You can also take action on those issues. Students should also attend the National Student Conclave!! The registration is open now and it is a great time to network, meet other students and learn about the profession. Social media especially Twitter chats are a great way to meet other PTs and current issues.

What’s your PT “elevator pitch”?

I’m a physical therapist and I help people improve their movement and function-then I would expand from there.

What are some issues that we are fighting for now?

Many states are still fighting for direct access, or more thorough direct access. Some states are fighting for equal co-pays. Medicare coverage is another issue–some clinics will soon not be able to treat Medicare patients because the reimbursement is too low to cover overhead. Term protection is another issue; basically it is saying that physical therapists are the only people who can perform physical therapy. Most states don’t have term protection; so many chiropractors can say they offer physical therapy.

Students are more organized and focused nationally now then ever and it is very encouraging.

 

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