The Future of the PT Profession is Bright President's Letter page

The Future of the PT Profession is Bright

During recent admission interviews for the DPT program at LIU, a student candidate asked what my opinion was of the future of physical therapy. This student expressed concern that physical therapy will not be around as a profession for much longer because of the discontent he has heard from some PTs in the outpatient clinic where he works as a physical therapy aide. This candidate told me that the therapists frequently talk about being burned out and don’t know if they want to continue working as physical therapists because “there is no future for PT”.

My answer was that I believe the future of the physical therapy profession is bright even though the profession is facing many ongoing challenges such as decreased payment for our services and increased administrative burden, in addition to the disruption that has been brought about by the COVID pandemic over the past two years. Even though things are difficult, I don’t believe we should just give up. As clinicians, when we have a patient who is struggling during their recovery, we don’t tell the patient to give up because it’s

"The key ingredient for a successful future of the PT Profession is perseverance"

Peggy

just too hard. We actually do the opposite and try to motivate them: we tell them to keep working a little at a time, and we try different intervention approaches. We emphasize the importance of continuing to persevere and keep working towards their goals; to take it “day by day” and that even small gains are meaningful.

I take this same approach with respect to the challenges we are facing as a profession. I believe the key ingredient for a successful future of the PT profession is perseverance. The ability to persevere through tough times requires not just individual commitment, but also support from others. I have found that one of the main benefits of membership is the many connections I have made over my 40 years as a physical therapist and member of APTA. Collaboration with my colleagues has helped me stay positive and keep doing my part in working to advance the profession. I know so many volunteer leaders at both the chapter and national level who are continuing to work hard every day to address the PT profession’s “difficult recovery” and to elevate the recognition of the PT profession’s important role within the wider healthcare arena. Our colleagues are continuing to advocate for change in the areas of payment and regulation. I give credit for the “small gains” we make such as the temporary moratorium on the 2% Medicare sequestration cut that was approved by Congress in December.

On the other hand, I do recognize that it can be hard to keep working on the same issues day after day. I understand the frustration many members are feeling when it seems like one step forward in one area can be offset by two steps back in another area. We all need some kind of help to stay motivated, just as our patients need our help to continue working towards their goals.

This past October, APTA started the “Fit for Practice” program. This initiative consists of weekly webinar programming to address feelings of burnout, fatigue, and professional uncertainty. The variety of weekly programming prioritizes health in four areas: Movement including strength and mobility; Resiliency including mental health and stress management; Restoration including sleep

and nutrition; and Practice Health including professional development and practice management. This programming is available at no cost to all physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students. The Fit for Practice initiative is just one example of how the Association is helping its members deal with the challenges we all are facing.

My overall message to you is please don’t give up, and keep believing in the future of the PT profession. Continue to persevere. Keep track of those small gains that can eventually add up to significant improvements for the profession. Take advantage of the benefits of membership in your professional organization to help you navigate current and future challenges. We can accomplish so much more as a group than as individuals.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Best Regards,

Peggy

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