2023 May/June Newsletter

May/June2023

CATCH UP WITH APTA NEW YORK

Over the past few months, APTA New York has been working for you!

We gathered together for an in-person board meeting and Delegate Assembly to elect new officials, and make decisions about the future of our chapter.

It was so refreshing to see everyone in person and to see the excitement about our upcoming changes! the pertinent APTA New York information.

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May/June2023

A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Einstein is quoted as saying, “the measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” This change allows for growth Or put another way by Helen Hayes, "if you rest, you rust"

Two years ago APTA New York was guided by our most recent past president, Peggy Lynam, through an unprecedented time in our over 100 year history As an organization we went from business as usual to business as unusual as it could possibly be, with everything changing day to day.

As our leaders ensured PTs were essential workers, front line therapists struggled to adapt to seemingly daily changes, in regulations and in patient care protocols in every professional setting we are engaged in. As practitioners we adapted new ways to interact with patients, using telehealth for interventions and remote monitoring Some therapists faced longer hours, following stringent infection control protocols, while others were asked not to work. Educational institutions instructed remotely as students had to adapt to clinical instruction without physical clinical sites.

As our society cautiously transitioned back to “normal,” our identity changed as well from NYPTA to APTA New York, a metamorphosis from a regional entity, to a bolder stated part of a whole. However, we have not completed that transition.

We are an organization in transition.

In sports terms, we are rebuilding.

Our emergence from the pandemic can be summarized by another Einstein quote, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Let that sink in for just a second.

"I would love to stand here and tell you the state of our organization is firm and grounded, but I can’t. "

ALETTERFROMOURPRESIDENTCONTINUED...

See how it makes sense with what we see in our lives.

I have personally been through many changes over the last year, and this concept of change resonates greatly with me. Change is often viewed negatively, and yet change allows for growth, in our aspirations and a re-imagination of Physical Therapy and its impact on societal health.

Our aspirations, wants, and desires remain. We want unrestricted direct access. We want to be recognized as primary health care providers. We want others to not encroach on our profession. We want better pay and less administrative burden, we want…

As I transitioned into the role of President, our profession was facing a practice issue regarding blood flow restriction ( BFR ). To our organizational credit, we mobilized professionals both locally and nationally, engaged with our lobbyist, as well as with stakeholders from New York state to collaborate on a resolution.

It took time and effort, but the end result was positive It struck me there were no silos during this call to action, only dedicated, passionate volunteers working towards a common goal, the support of our profession.

We need to demonstrate more vocally our wins both to members and non-members, to explain the significance of legislation such as PTA licensure and our current bill designating our degree as one of a doctorate level, how these items may not get us increased payment alone, but may in time lead to easier passage of other legislation like unrestricted direct access and PTAs being able to treat worker’s compensation patients. We need to not only show our effectiveness, but demonstrate our value as an organization to members and potential members. Our efforts in collaborating with other professions, such as working with lawmakers and the athletic trainers in creating a bill for ATC licensure that both sides can live with equally, demonstrates the increased effectiveness of our voice for the physical therapy profession earned by past efforts

I would love to stand here and tell you the state of our organization is firm and grounded, but I can’t.

ALETTERFROMOURPRESIDENTCONTINUED...

We are recovering, we are transforming, and yes we are growing in some ways, however we have not seen a return to pre-covid membership, we have seen a decrease in volunteerism at the district and state levels, this Delegate Assembly was nearly half the size of a typical year, this year we have the fewest number of people looking to be nominated for house of delegates in over a decade and this year, we may actually not have a complete delegation attending house of delegates. Districts are struggling to find member leaders to fill offices.

I understand there are many factors contributing to this, but it is time to change.

An effort to refocus on membership engagement, board transparency, and advancement of the profession began last year with our first town hall style meeting open to members and nonmembers. The one-hour event reached a membership of over 70 people establishing the want for such a mechanism of communication. Additional town halls will be scheduled. We resumed in-person lobby day in Albany this year supplementing in-person visits with virtual meetings on a different day

APTA New York will face the remainder of this year with more changes to come, the transition to a new Executive Director as Kelly Garceau retires, the potential sale of our building, an upcoming new website design, and more recently the use of funds to initiate a public relations campaign aimed at educating people on direct access to physical therapy, to support and augment our potential to successfully achieve unrestricted direct access

APTA New York will work closer with national through newly formed councils for PTAs and students, as well as participating in a component recruitment pilot.

There are conversations currently at the board of directors’ level regarding many changes ranging from how and when we meet, how we realize the objectives of our strategic plan as well as how to report these efforts in a format we can share with membership to answer the question many of us have heard… "What does APTA do to help me?”

May/June2023

ALETTERFROMOURPRESIDENTCONTINUED...

I recently was visiting a skilled nursing facility when a young therapist stopped me and said “ I heard you’re the president of APTA New York” I was surprised of all the things I would have thought he would have heard about me, I wasn’t expecting that. I said yeah it’s true, I am.

He paused for a minute, looked at me and asked” What would you say to a therapist that isn’t a member as to why they should become a member?”

I paused, and knowing neither of us had time for a deep and lengthy discussion, I said, 'who else is trying to advance you and your profession'? He smiled and walked away.

This moment made me consider our message, our efforts, and the answer to the question what do you do

It helped me realize at that moment this is the change, the evolution. Our victories can be celebrated but our efforts must be tangible and our responsibility to the profession is great.

"The enemy of great is good", Jim Collins states in his book, Good to Great. Think for a moment about that, he asserts when a company feels they are doing a good job there is little impetus for change to become great I have been a part of a very good organization filled with dedicated and caring people with far superior intelligence than myself, it is my desire that as we navigate through this change I will become a part of a great organization.

"Our victories can be celebrated but our efforts must be tangible and our responsibility to the profession is great."

May/June2023

ASPECIALTHANKYOUTOOUREXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,KELLYGARCEAU

Our long-time Executive Director, Kelly Garceau, is retiring on August 1. She has made a profound impact on our community and the profession.

At our Delegate Assembly meeting, we took a moment to honor Kelly's hard work and dedication, but we wanted to celebrate her across the association!

Kellyhasalwaysbroughtdedication,energyand claritytoherpositionasED.Sheisalwayswilling togowellbeyondherjobdescriptionforthe benefitofourassociationandourprofession.Iam proudtohaveworkedalongsideherandnowas shemovesontothenextchapter,proudtocall hermyfriend.

Kellyistrulytheultimateprofessional.Sucha tremendousblendofpassion,consistency, attentiontodetail,andcompassionate intentionhasmadehersuchasassettoour APTANYovermanyyears.

InallofKelly'stimewithAPTANewYorkover theyears,shehastrulyhadtheChapter'sand itsmembers'bestinterestsatheart Shehas providedmuchappreciatedsupporttoallof theChapter'svolunteerleadersinour collaborativeworktofulfilltheChapter's mission,visionandgoals.

Ithasbeenapleasureworkingwithyouover theselast10yearswhileyouwereatthehelmof APTANY Maythewindbealwaysatyourbackas youbeginyourjourneyintoretirement,having moretimetospendwithfamilyandfriends,and seekingnewadventures!

PEGGY LYNAM

MIKEMATTIA

ALANNA POKORSKI

May/June2022

UPCOMING EVENTS

Differential Diagnosis and Screening for Medical Referral: The “Do Not Want to Miss List” of Serious Medical Condition

July 15

Thiscoursewillbeledbyspeaker,MichaelRoss,PT,DHSc,BoardCertifiedClinicalSpecialistinOrthopedic PhysicalTherapyandFellowAmericanAcademyofOrthopaedicManualPhysicalTherapists

ThisisanonlineCEwebinarworth24CEHs

MORE INFORMATION TO COME!

2023 Annual Student Conference: Your Future in PT

July 15

Thisisaconferencebystudentsforstudentswithyourinterestsinmind Thereisanopportunitytogrowyour networkandsocializewithotherPT/PTAstudentsandcliniciansacrossthestate Thiseventisin-personforthe firsttimein2years!

Learnfromexpertsinthefieldonuntraditionaltopics,trends,andadvancementsinPTthataren’tcommonly taughtinPT/PTAschool

GiveawaysandprizesincludingT-shirtsforallattendees,1-yearstudentmembershiptoAPTAfor3luckywinners, giftcards,andmore!

LET US KNOW IF YOU'RE INTERESTED!

May/June2023

RESEARCH COMMITTEE VACANCY

The Research Committee is currently seeking a new committee member to join the Research Committee starting July 1, 2023. The primary responsibilities of the Research Committee are to review abstracts for the Chapter Conference, organize and implement a research-related program at the Chapter conference, review applications and recommend funding for the Arthur J. Nelson Research Designated Fund, and serve as consultants to chapter members for research activities. Responsibilities also may include other special projects related to objectives established by the committee.

Although members of the committee are often physical therapists who have earned advanced research degrees, membership is open to clinical experts who can provide input and clinical perspective when reviewing abstracts, grant applications, and when assessing the needs of the membership with regard to research mentorship Terms of appointment are 4 years.

If you are interested in being considered, please forward your resume or curriculum vitae electronically to research@aptanyorg Further, feel free to contact a current member of the committee if you have any questions about service on the Research Committee. Current committee members are:

LISA MURATORI, PT, EDD, MSCS:

lisa.muratori@stonybrook.edu

JAYA (JENNIFER) RACHWANI, PT, MSPT, MSC, PHD:

VIJAYA PRAKASH MUTHAIAH, PT:

BOKKYU KIM, PT, PHD:

jaya.rachwani@hunter.cuny.edu

vijayapr@buffalo.edu

kimbo@upstate.edu]kimbo@upstate.edu

May/June2022

2023 ELECTED OFFICIALS

At the 2023 Delegate Assembly (DA) and Board of Directors meeting, we elected our new officials and inducted them into their new roles. Please join us in congratulating our new (and reelected) leaders!

MICHAEL HUSON:

CATHY ZACHER: GENEVIEVE SMITH: KAITLIN KIRKER: NANNETTE HYLAND:

Treasurer Secretary Member-at-Large, Speaker Nominating Committee Member Chief Delegate

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May/June2023

2023 APTA NEW YORK AWARD WINNERS

GENEVIEVE

PT, DPT

Congratulations to for being awarded the Leslie J Wood Outstanding Service to Chapter Award! She has made outstanding contributions to the New York Chapter in promoting the organization and its goals

We are so grateful for your dedication to the field and the commitment to your patients

DOREEN FRANK LEGISTLATIVE AWARD

Congratulations to

KevinPaulsen,PT,MSPT

for being awarded the APTA New York Lifetime Service Award! Kevin has demonstrated a commitment to the profession by serving APTA New York throughout his career

We are so grateful for his work for our organization, member support, and leadership in the field

DR.MARILYNMOFFAT DISTINGUISHEDSERVICEAWARD

Congratulations to for being awarded the Dr Marilyn Moffat Distinguished Service Award! This award recognizes an APTA New York member who has made an outstanding contribution to physical therapy

KaitlinKirker,PT,DPT

Kaitlin has demonstrated consistent service to the development of the physical therapy profession, beyond that which is inherent in being a member of the profession. Thank you for your dedication!

SMITH,

LESLIEJ.WOODOUSTANDING SERVICETOCHAPTERAWARD

May/June2023

OUTSTANDINGSERVICETO DISTRICTAWARD

Anna Len, Michelle Nunno-Evans, Megan James, Jeremy Crow (featured), Sandra Ribeiro (featured), Colleen Connors (featured), and Theresa Kolodziej

Congratulations to for being awarded the award for Outstanding Service to their district!

These members have made outstanding contributions to their district and we are so happy with their hard work

Congratulations to the following winners who were not in attendance:

MERIT AWARD:

NEW YORK CHAPTER APPRECIATION AWARD: Gurpreet Singh, PT, PhD

James Pierre-Glaude, PT, DPT, ATC and Yvonne Egitto, PT, DPT

PTA EXCELLENCE AWARD: PT OF THE YEAR AWARD: David Faccini, PTA Amy Stein, PT, DPT

STUDENT PARTICIPATION AWARD: Paige Weston (Clarkson University), Jaelah Geor (Daemen University), Krystal Schools (Herkimer County Community College), Cianna Weary (Ithaca College), Victoria Smith (Long Island University), Vivian Chen (Mercy College), Alexis Saratan Sarabia (NYIT), Ashanti Lyking (NYU), & Andrew Karablas (SUNY Broome Community College).

STUDENT DEI AWARD:

Kayleen Alvarado-Rodriquez (Ithaca College)

STUDENT FUTURE LEADER IN DEI AWARD:

Ashanti Lyking (NYU) and Jessalyn Weindling (Herkimer Community College)

May/June2023

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT MARIA FRANCES LO

Maria Frances Lo is a new member of APTA New York and excited to share her story!

She shares an extremely personal story on what brought her to the profession, who helped her along the way, and how the COVID-19 Pandemic was influential to her life.

Learn more about Maria by clicking on the link below!

"IttookaglobalpandemicformetorealizethatI neededtogetout.Istartedworkingataclinicasa physicaltherapisttechnician/aidandtrulyfellinlove withthefield.Itallowedmetohelpothersandwatch themprogressweeklyinanoutpatientsetting."

May/June2023

PT SPOTLIGHT MATT SMITH

Matt Smith is an extremely active member of the APTA New York community In his spotlight, he shared his thoughts on the profession and shares insight on what makes the profession special.

Matt has been a member for 9 years and is becoming increasingly active in the APTA New York community!

Learn more about Matt below!

VIEW THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE!

"Themostrewardingpartoftheprofessionis helpingthechildrenthatIworkwithlearn somethingnewandimprovethequalityof theirlife."

May/June2023

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

TheGreaterNewYorkDistricthad theirfirstin-personbusinessmeeting, election,andCEUevent! Theywerejoinedbyspeakers,Claire HammettandRachelHey-Shipton!

Members met with state leaders for another successful Lobby Day!

TheGreaterNewYorkDistrict madeanimpactattheArthritis Foundation2023Walktocure arthritisinNYC!

May/June2023

MAKING YOUR MARK: HOW YOUR PRESENCE AT APTA CAPITOL HILL DAY IS CRITICAL FOR PROGRESS

ByTheresaMarko,PT,DPT,MSBoard-CertifiedClinicalSpecialistinOrthopaedicPhysical Therapy,APTANewYorkFederalAffairsLiaison

The physical therapy profession faces a number of challenges, from declining insurance reimbursement to scope of practice issues Advocacy is critical in addressing these challenges and advancing the profession. One of the most important advocacy events for physical therapy is APTA’s Capitol Hill Day.

What happens at APTA Capitol Hill Day?

At APTA Capitol Hill Day, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students from all over the country come together to meet with lawmakers and staffers to advocate for the profession for policies that will improve health services for patients and our profession. This is a 1 & ¼ day event on July 24th (4-6 pm training) and July 25th (8 am-4 pm advocating on the hill). Read more about the logistics here

MAKING YOUR MARK: HOW YOUR PRESENCE AT APTA CAPITOL HILL DAY IS CRITICAL FOR PROGRESS CONT.

Why is your presence critical for progress?

APTA Capitol Hill Day is an exciting opportunity for you to advocate for your profession and patients to make your voice heard. By coming, you will play an active role in shaping the future of health legislation and policies that affect the daily practice of physical therapy.

This is your chance to interact with policy-makers and decision-makers to have face-to-face meetings with members of Congress and their staff to voice your concerns, share your expertise, and educate lawmakers about the role of physical therapy in promoting health and wellness. By building relationships with legislators and their staff, you can become the trusted source of information on physical therapy issues that will help shape the content and direction of current and future legislation. Every voice matters in the fight to advance the physical therapy profession We need you to tell YOUR story

Finally, attending APTA Capitol Hill Day provides an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth to have the chance to be a part of something larger than yourself and experience the power of collective advocacy in making a real difference in the health and wellbeing of your patients and communities

What policies are on the agenda for this year’s Capitol Hill Day?

This year's policy agenda is sure to include payment reform of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and is likely to include advocacy for PT workforce, admin burden, telehealth, and more.

LONG-TIME CHAPTER MEMBER DIES

Joan Pfitzenmaier passed away on March 28, 2023 after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She grew up in Havertown, a western suburb of Philadelphian and was in the first class to graduate from Chatham Park Elementary School in 1956 and then attended Haverford High School. Joan went on to receive her baccalaureate degree in physical therapy from Simmons College (1966) and a master’s degree from Columbia University (1968). Joan was an active member of the Greater New York District of the American Physical Therapy Association and the NY Chapter throughout her professional life.

Joan practiced in New York City and became a certified Feldenkrais practitioner during her early practice years. She had a twenty-five year career in the academic environment at Downstate Medical Center beginning in 1968 and eventually became Chair of the Department. During her time there, she was Program Director of a 3-year Long Term Training Grant in Physical Therapy from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. At the university level, she served as Chair of the both the Admissions and Academic Standing Committees and was a Member of the Program Development Committee. In 1974 she was coauthor of a Physical Therapy Fund grant-sponsored project entitled “Fraternal Twins: The First Years of Life: A Study of Development”. This was a video project that tracked the differences in development of fraternal twins and was reviewed in JAMA and shown at the APTA Annual Conference in Houston and the World Confederation for Physical Therapy meeting in Montreal.

She was recognized for her expertise in the Feldenkrais method as was noted by 16 presentations at professional conferences, including 11 APTA Chapter Meetings throughout the US, 2 presentations at APTA’s CSM, and an international presentation in Australia Joan was invited to present the method at various medical centers, hospitals, and children’s facilities in the tri-state area, and she conducted 28 workshops throughout the US in the Feldenkrais method She also taught the method at New York University, the University of Delaware, the University of Vermont, and Hunter College

She was a Member of the State Board for Physical Therapy from 1979-1990 serving in multiple capacities. She was: Coordinator of the New York City Examination Site for the oral/practical examination which was required for licensure at that time (1979-1982); member of the Advisory Committee for the Professions (1980-1984) Chair of the Board (1981-1984); Chief Examination Coordinator of the oral/practical examination (1981-1984); and appointed to the licensure/disciplinary panels (1987-1990).

Joan also provided extensive community service to the Brooklyn Visiting Nurse Association where she served as a Member of the Professional Advisory Committee and a Member of the Board of Directors. Joan was an inveterate traveler, regularly attending physical therapy meetings nationally and internationally and fitting in travelling to exotic spots at the same time. She was a passionate reader, a lover of the arts, and a fervent devotee of learning, teaching. and healing.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Did you know?

Graduating student members who participate in the Early Career Discount Program receive a 50% discount on their first year?

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There's a new APTA Mastercard that can help with personal AND business loans?

Plus! It supports the PT Fund.

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You can save up to 75% on office and school supplies?

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MichaelTisbePT,DPT

MichaelMasaracchioPT,DPT,PhD

MichaelHusonPT,DPT

DebraEngelPT,DPT,MS

LynnRiversPT,PhD

GenevieveSmithPT,DPT

AnnaLenPT,DPT

YvonneEgittoPT,DPT

AdamRufaPT,DPT

AudreyPaslowPT,DPT

CatherineZacherPT,DPT

RosaTorres-PanchameDPT,PT

NannetteHylandPT,PhD

EricGreenbergPT

SarahFishelPT,DPT

JacobMcPhersonPT,DPT,OCS