2021 July/August NYPTA Newsletter by APTA New York

July/August, 2021 Volume M, NO. 39

Empire State Physical

Therapy

The O ff ic ial Ne w s l e t t e r o f t h e Ne w Yo r k Ph ysica l T h e r a p y Asso ciati on, Inc.

IN THIS ISSUE APTA's Capitol Hill Day

FEDERAL ADVOCACY

Cover Story (page 1,3-4)

The Importance of Succession Planning President's Letter

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

(page 2,5)

2021 APTA Award Winners (page 7)

Nominating Committee Article and Forms (page 8-10)

Member Spotlight: Michael Huson PT, DPT (page 11-12)

2021 NYPTA State Conference Overview (page 13)

Member Spotlight: Yvonne Egitto PT, DPT (page 15-17)

2021 Spring BOD Report (page 18-19)

News & Announcements (page 20)

APTA's Capitol Hill Day

By Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist New York Federal Affairs Liaison

This year APTA will have “Capitol Hill Day” (Formerly known as Federal Advocacy Forum/FAF) Monday September 13 to Tuesday September 14, 2021, following the centennial celebration and the House of Delegates. Monday will be an evening training session 4pm to 6:30pm to learn about the current bills we are advocating for in congress, which is mandatory attendance for all participants. After the training, there will be a PTPAC Party for all who wish to attend—free for PTPAC Eagles. Tuesday will be the BIG day where we go to capitol hill to have in person meetings with our members of congress and their staff to advocate on behalf of the physical therapy profession and the people we serve. It is on this day that we go to speak to members and educate them on the bills we have in congress and ask them to co-sponsor our bills. We must gather co-sponsors for the bills to get the bill to come to a vote on the house and senate floor. Once it comes to a vote, and hopefully passes in each legislative body, then it will go to the president’s desk continued on page 3

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 1

Volume M, No.39 July/August, 2021

M PP II RR EE EE M P PH YH Y S SI ICC AA LL

President’s letter

S TS AT TA ET E

T TH HE ER A R PA YP Y

Volume XXXIX, No.(8), November/December, 2005

Publisher

The Importance of Succession Planning I am beginning the final year of my second, and last, term as President of the New York Chapter. One of my areas of focus for this last year will be on succession planning. Succession planning, which involves identifying and developing future leaders, is an important function of any organization, not just for officer positions, but also for other Board and committee positions.1,2 In some organizations, leaders are expected to find their own successors by identifying who in the organization should be mentored to fill their position when they have finished their own service.3 While I believe it is important for NY Chapter officers to be involved in helping to identify members who have the potential to serve in leadership roles and to help with mentoring, it should “Effective succession planning should include more not be the only mechanism than just identifying the next person for recruiting new for each position” leaders. Peggy

Currently the Chapter Peggy Lynam, PT, DPT does not have a formal succession planning program. Despite this lack of a formal program, I believe we have been successful in “replacement planning”- identifying candidates to replace current leaders as their term expires through the nomination and election process overseen by the Chapter Nominating Committee. Each year, Chapter Officers and members of the Nominating Committee are elected by the District delegates participating in the Delegate Assembly. Over the past few years, though, we have had unfilled slates for some open Chapter positions up until the last minute when some members did finally agree to run for election to the open positions. Effective succession planning should include more than just identifying the next person for each position. This process should have a long term focus that includes strategies for developing new leaders from the “ground floor” up, not just right before an election is held. We need to identify those individuals who may already possess, or have potential to develop, the leadership qualities needed for different leadership positions, and we need to help train these individuals for eventually assuming these leadership roles.3

New York Physical Therapy Association 971 Albany Shaker Road Latham, NY 12110 Phone: 518.459.4499 • Toll-Free: 800.459.4489 Fax: 518.459.8953 www.nypta.org

Editor / Designer

Gloria Baker Empire State Physical Therapy is published 6 times yearly, with combined January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October and November/December issues. Its purpose is to provide physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and physical therapist/physical therapist assistant students with accurate and timely information relevant to the practice of physical therapy. The editor reserves the right to edit all communications. Anonymous letters will not be published. Views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the formal position of NYPTA unless expressly stated.

Editorial Board

Catherine Talbett, PT, DPT Alanna Pokorski, PT, DPT

Advertisements

All advertisements in Empire State Physical Therapy must comply with the ethical standards of the APTA. Acceptance of advertisements in this publication does not imply endorsement.

Submission of Material for Publication

Submissions should be sent via email to Gloria Baker, Editor, at gbaker@nypta.org. Submissions are subject to the discretion of the editorial board.

Subscriptions

NYPTA members automatically receive this publication. Nonmember subscriptions are $100 (US) or $150 (non-US) annually. This price includes sales tax, shipping and handling.

Deadlines

Editorial and advertising deadlines are the first business day of the month prior to the month of publication.

Chapter Officers

Chapter Directors

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Speaker Chief Delegate

Brooklyn/Staten Island Catskill Central Eastern Finger Lakes Greater New York Hudson Valley Long Island Southern Tier Western

Peggy Lynam, PT, DPT Michael Tisbe, PT, DPT Michael Huson, PT, DPT Debra Engel, PT, DPT, MS Genevieve Smith, PT, DPT Roger Herr, PT, MPA

Hammouda Soliman, PT, DPT Yvonne Egitto, PT, DPT Adam Rufa, PT, DPT Audrey Paslow, PT, DPT Catherine Talbett, PT, DPT Kaitlyn Parrotte, PT, DPT Nannette Hyland, PT, PhD Keith Perrucci, PT, Sarah Fishel, PT, DPT Julie Wolfley, PT, DPT, OCS

Chapter Office Staff

Executive Director Kelly Garceau kgarceau@nypta.org Communications Manager Gloria Baker gbaker@nypta.org Membership Coordinator Adilah Abdul-Matin aabdulmatin@nypta.org

continued on page 5 2 Empire State Physical Therapy • July/August, 2021

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APTA's Capitol Hill Day

By Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist New York Federal Affairs Liaison

to be signed into law. YOUR legislator’s co-sponsorship is important in this process, and they value and care what YOU say about it as you are their constituent (person who votes them into office), and we need your voice. If you have never been to D.C. to advocate, I implore you to try it at least once! It is truly invigorating to walk the halls of congress and speak with lawmakers to educate them on WHAT physical therapy is and WHY it is so important for society. Believe it or not, many members of congress and their staff do not know what physical therapy is and how it impacts society. It is up to us to educate them since they are making the laws of the system in which we all operate. If we do not educate them, they will make laws that do not consider the physical therapy profession or our patients. This year, there are many important issues we must raise our voices about, including making telehealth permanent under Medicare, adding PT to the National Health Service Corp to help reduced student loan debt, workforce diversity, and one of my favorites---eliminating prior authorization. Read below for more information on each of these bills. These are not all the bills that APTA has in congress right now, but only a highlight. CURRENT APTA BILLS IN CONGRESS: Telehealth – The Expanded Telehealth Access Act (H.R. 2168) • H.R. 2168 would make permanent the current temporary policy that allows physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to deliver and bill for services provided via telehealth under Medicare. • The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated that the use of telehealth in the delivery of physical therapy services can help expand access, provide convenience for Medicare patients, and promote flexibility and innovation for therapy clinics. • This bill specifically names physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, audiologists, and speech language pathologists, and facilities that furnish outpatient therapy, as authorized providers of telehealth under Medicare. National Health Service Corps – The Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act (H.R. 3759) • H.R. 3759 would allow physical therapists to participate in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program which repays up to $50,000 in outstanding student loans to health care professionals who agree to work for at least two years in a designated health professional shortage area. • The NHSC addresses the health needs of more than 17 million underserved individuals across the nation. Adding physical therapy services would help provide greater patient access to rehabilitation services, including for long COVID-19, and nonpharmacological treatment options in rural and underserved areas of the country. • Adding physical therapists to NHSC will also ensure that individuals in rural and underserved areas have access to nonpharmacological options for the prevention, treatment, and management of pain. Workforce Diversity – Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act (H.R. 3320/S.1679) • H.R. 3320/S.1679 would increase opportunities for individuals from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds in the professions of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, respiratory therapy, and audiology. The funding authorized in this bill allows higher education programs for these professions to strengthen and expand the comprehensive use of evidence-based strategies to increase the recruitment, enrollment, retention, and graduation of students who are currently underrepresented, such as racial and ethnic minority populations, individuals with disabilities, and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. continued on page 4 www.nypta.org

July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 3

APTA's Capitol Hill Day

By Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist New York Federal Affairs Liaison

Locum Tenens – Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R. 1611) • H.R. 1611 would allow physical therapists to use locum tenens and bring in another licensed physical therapist to treat Medicare patients and bill Medicare through the practice provider number during temporary absences, due to illness, vacation, etc. • Existing law applies only to physical therapists in rural and underserved areas. This limitation prohibits many physical therapists in private practice from taking needed absences without interrupting patient care. • H.R. 1611 would expand the use of locum tenens nationwide for outpatient physical therapists. Prior Authorization - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3173) • H.R. 3173 would improve transparency by requiring Medicare Advantage plans to report to the CMS on the extent of their use of prior authorization and their rate of approvals, denials, average time for approval, etc.; require HHS to establish a process for “real-time decisions” for items and services that are routinely approved; and require Medicare Advantage plans to consult with relevant professional organizations and stakeholders with respect to evidence-based guidelines. • While this legislation does not eliminate the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans, it is a good first step toward ensuring accountability and transparency on use and provide data on access issues in efforts to reduce administrative burden. After reading the list above, I hope one of these bills resonates with you and you feel the drive to want to educate your member of congress. This year, it is easier than ever to attend—APTA will be using a company who makes all the house and senate appointments for us! All you must do is show up and use your voice to educate your member of congress on what and why the PT profession is so important to society. If you are nervous to come, don’t be, myself and many other seasoned advocates will be there to help guide you. If you have any questions about advocating at the federal level, please feel free to reach out to me personally. Be sure to register here if you want to join us in Washington, DC!

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The Importance of Succession Planning

Within the past year, the Chapter Nominating Committee has led discussions at Chapter Board of Directors meetings on this specific issue based on their identification of the need to recruit a broader slate of candidates for Chapter leadership positions. At the recent Spring 2021 Board meeting, the Board approved creation of a task force charged to build a process for a formal leadership mentor program. Besides the goal of broadening the slate of qualified candidates for open leadership positions, the benefits of creating a more formal mentoring program include: preparing incoming leaders for their respective roles and responsibilities, and grooming new and upcoming leaders for leadership roles; thus providing formal succession planning for the Chapter. The Executive Committee will be appointing the members of this task force at our July meeting and the task force will be charged to report back to the Board at the spring 2022 Board meeting. Hopefully, the work of this task force will result in an effective long term succession planning initiative that will help ensure a pool of qualified future leaders for the Chapter. As an individual member, you can be involved in succession planning. Even if you do not have plans to serve in a leadership position yourself, you could help to identify potential leaders by recognizing leadership qualities in your colleagues and encouraging those individuals to seek out volunteer leadership positions. You do not have to be a leader to recognize what qualities make up a good leader. Are you ready to start your leadership development path? If you are interested in becoming involved in a volunteer leadership role, look out for calls for volunteers for Chapter committees and other positions. You can also contact your District Chair or the Chapter Office for other opportunities to serve at the District and Chapter level. As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Best Regards,

Peggy

References 1. Meinert D. Succession Planning Is Easier Than You Think. SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/ResourcesAndTools/hr-topics/organizational-and-employee-development/Pages/Succession-Planning-Is-Easier-Than-YouThink.aspx. Published August 16, 2019. Accessed July 11, 2021. 2. Board Officer Succession Planning. BoardSource. https://boardsource.org/resources/board-officer-succession/. Published June 4, 2019. Accessed July 11, 2021. 3. Brooks J. How Leaders Can Plan Their Own Succession. Chief Learning Officer - CLO Media. https://www. chieflearningofficer.com/2017/03/14/leaders-plan-succession/. Published August 1, 2019. Accessed July 11, 2021.

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 5

2021 NYPTA Events 2021 APTA Events

Fall BOD Meeting House of Delegates Saturday, October 16, 2021 Virtual August 28, 2021 NYPTA State Conference Centennial Gala Weekend Virtual Washington, DC October, 2021 September 10-14, 2021 House of Delegates Washington, DC September 11-12, 2021

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2021 APTA Award Winners Each year APTA honors outstanding achievements on the part of its members in the areas of overall accomplishment, education, practice and service, publications, research, and academic excellence. Congratulations to the following NYPTA members who are APTA award recipients: Catherine Worthingham Fellow Lori Quinn, PT, EdD, FAPTA Lucy Blair Service Award Roger Allan Herr, PT, MPA Nannette W. Hyland, PT, PhD Gabriel E. Yankowitz, PT, DPT Minority Scholarship Award Ivan J. Iton, SPT – Utica College Award recipients will be recognized during the Honors & Awards Ceremony, which is slated to occur on Sunday, September 12, from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Award Descriptions Catherine Worthingham Fellow Catherine Worthingham, PT, PhD, FAPTA, was a change agent who was effective, respectful, and honest, and motivated others to make an impact within the physical therapy profession. She was also a visionary who demonstrated leadership across the domains of advocacy, education, practice, and research. The purpose of the Catherine Worthingham Fellow designation, or FAPTA, is to honor her and inspire all physical therapists to attain the high level of professional excellence and impact in terms of advancing the profession she exemplified. The FAPTA designation is the highest honor among APTA's membership categories. Lucy Blair Service Award The Lucy Blair Service Award honors physical therapist members or physical therapist life members whose contributions to APTA are of exceptional quality. Qualifying contributions can pertain to association components, through work on appointed or elected positions, and/or in other capacities at the association and component levels. Minority Scholarship Award This is an annual award given to minority physical therapist students and minority physical therapist assistant students for their professional character and academic excellence by the Physical Therapy Fund.

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 7

The NYPTA is Soliciting Nominations for Chapter Leaders The nominating committee would like to start to get the word out for next year’s elections. At our 2022 Delegate Assembly elections will be held to fill the following leadership roles: • • • •

President Vice President Speaker of the Delegate Assembly Nominating Committee Member

These roles are crucial in moving our Chapter forward. The Chapter has a dynamic strategic plan to guide us through 2024. NYPTA’s mission is to empower and support its members in advancing the practice and profession of physical therapy through advocacy, education and research. Integrity, honesty, credibility, respect, open dialogue, collegiality and member parity are the core values of the association. If the mission and core values speak to you then please consider running for a position. If this is not the right time for you to serve, please reflect on the leaders and members in your district who are qualified for these positions. If you recognize a colleague as a good candidate - then tell them! We tend to be intimidated by the thought of serving in a leadership role and your encouragement may prove crucial to someone in recognizing their potential to serve the NYPTA. Please talk to your colleagues and ask them to consider running for one of these positions. To access descriptions for these positions go to: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nypta.org/resource/resmgr/imported/Job_desc2011.pdf For information on the time commitment go to: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nypta.org/resource/resmgr/imported/time_commitment2011.pdf The online nomination form for President, Vice President, Speaker of the Delegate Assembly and Nominating Committee member is at: https://www.nypta.org/page/20222024NominationForm and must be submitted to NYPTA’s Office no later than 5:00 PM on November 15, 2021. Nominations are also being accepted for Delegates to APTA's 2023 House of Delegates. Submissions must be at the NYPTA Office no later than 5:00 PM on December 15, 2021. The APTA 2023 HOD online nomination form is at: https://www.nypta.org/page/2023HOD. The Nominating Committee is working to develop a strong slate of candidates for these positions, please contact us with any questions regarding the nomination and election process, or with questions about serving in these roles. We look forward to hearing from you. Nannette Hyland, nhyland@mercy.edu (Committee Chair) Clarence Chan, cchan@lagcc.cuny.edu Theresa Marko, theresa.marko@gmail.com Printable nomination forms are available on the following pages.

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Nomination Form T e r m

o f

O f f i c e :

2 0 2 2

2 0 2 4

Nominations are being accepted for the offices of President, Vice President, Speaker of the Delegate Assembly and Nominating Committee Member (1). Instructions: Complete one copy of this form for each nominated individual. Submit this form to the Chapter Office. If you wish, you may nominate a person for more than one elected position on this form. The completed form(s) must be RECEIVED by the Chapter Office no later than November 15, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. There will be no exceptions to this deadline. Please print. Individual’s full name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Complete home or work address:_________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone numbers: (h) (_____) ____________________________________ (w) (_____)__________________________________ The above individual is nominated for election to the following office: ______________________________________________________________ or ____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ The Chapter Office will solicit the consent to serve and biographical information from the person you nominate. The individual must have been a member of the association for two years preceding the election date and be qualified to execute the duties of the elected position(s). Please print or type. Your full name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ District: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your signature: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Designate in what official capacity you are submitting this form; e.g., elected District Officer, Chapter Committee Chairperson, or Chapter Member. If no designation is noted, the Chapter Member capacity will be assumed.

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❑

On behalf of committee: __________________________________ _______________________________________

❑

On behalf of a district:

Title of Office Committee Name __________________________________ _______________________________________

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Individual member:

Title of Office District Name ____________________________________________________________________________

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The House of Delegates is an APTA policy-making body comprised of voting chapter delegates, non-voting delegates (the Board of Directors and section, assembly, and PTA Caucus delegates), and consultants. The House typically meets annually for 3 successive days during which time delegates make decisions on issues that may have far-reaching implications for the association and for the profession of physical therapy. Any physical therapist member who has been an APTA member in good standing for two years immediately preceding the annual meeting of the House of Delegates for which you were elected may serve as a Chapter Delegate. You have until December 15, 2021 to nominate someone or yourself for Delegate to APTA’s 2023 House of Delegates.

House of Delegates Nomination Form Nomination Form and NYPTA Consent to Serve Form for Delegates to APTA’s 2023 House of Delegates, Date/Location: TBD DEADLINE: December 15, 2021 Instructions: Individuals wishing to become Delegates to the APTA House of Delegates must now submit their own Nomination Forms. Please print or type on the form below and mail or fax it to the Chapter Office (NYPTA / 971 Albany Shaker Road / Latham, NY 12210). The completed form must be RECEIVED in Chapter Office by December 15, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. There will be no exceptions to this deadline. Qualifications: Only Physical Therapist members who have been APTA members in good standing for two years immediately preceding the annual meeting of the House of Delegates for which they are elected may serve as Chapter Delegates. Full name of nominee:_____________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Phone: (H)(_____) _____________ (W)(_____) ________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________ Current District Affiliation: _________________________________________ Date of membership in Chapter: _____________________________________

Don't want to fill out a paper form. nominate someone online by going to:

You can

Please list specific Chapter, District or National Association activities (offices, committees, etc.) in which you have been involved. Please include dates and be specific. The information you provide is used by the Delegate Assembly to evaluate candidates. (Please attach your Association activities to this form, using additional sheets, if more space is necessary.) Chapter:________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ District: ________________________________________________________

2022 - 2024 Officer Nomination Form

_______________________________________________________________

https://www.nypta.org/page/20222024NominationForm

_______________________________________________________________

Deadline: 11/15/2021 2023 HOD Nomination Form https://www.nypta.org/page/2023HOD

Deadline: 12/15/2021 NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!

National: _______________________________________________________

The conditions below are mandatory pre-Delegate activities required for Delegates to the House of Delegates. Please initial your consent adjacent to the statements: _________IF ELECTED, I WILL ATTEND DISTRICT MEETINGS WHOSE PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO DISCUSS ISSUES RELATIVE TO THE DELEGATE ASSEMBLY OR HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEETINGS. _________IF ELECTED, I WILL ATTEND THE DELEGATE ASSEMBLY HELD PRIOR TO THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEETING FOR WHICH I AM ELECTED. _______________________________________________________________ Date Signature

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Member Spotlight: Michael Huson PT, DPT Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Clinical Associate Professor, Nazareth College

How Long have you been a member of NYPTA?

I first joined the APTA as a junior at Ithaca College in 1999. I was not active early in my career, but became much more active as I realized the impact of regulations and insurance companies have on access to therapy a few years after opening my private practice. I started to attend district meetings and attended my first Lobby Day in 2009. Since recognizing that I can have a positive impact on our profession, I now regularly serve as a delegate to Delegate Assembly, completed 2 terms as Finger Lakes District Treasurer, and I am currently finishing my first term as Director and will attend my 3rd House of Delegates this year. What do you enjoy most about NYPTA? The ability to be part of a community of therapists working toward the common goal of strengthening the profession. Being able to network with current and past leaders has been invaluable to my growth. The organization has great resources for all professionals through all stages of their career. Tell us a little about your background, and how your path led you to where you are in your career today. I grew up in a small town in the Finger Lakes region and attended Ithaca College. After graduating from Ithaca College in 2001, I joined a small orthopedic practice in Geneva, NY which I purchased approximately 2 years later. A few years after taking over the practice I was asked to become an adjunct at the Rochester Campus of Ithaca College as they were transitioning to a DPT program. I was then inspired to continue my education and enroll in the tDPT program at A.T. Still University. I quickly fell in love with teaching and after 8 years as an adjunct I decided to apply for my current fulltime position at Nazareth College. At that time, I was still overseeing my outpatient practice, which I transitioned out of approximately 3 years ago. Since transitioning out of my practice, I still find some time for patient care as a per diem therapist at local clinics, and I have started another business completing video running analysis, called Run Healthy Roc. What’s the most rewarding part about your work and what are some challenges? The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the immense growth in students as they journey through the DPT program. I am lucky enough to have contact with students from day 1 in gross anatomy through the orthopedic curriculum and into a business and leadership class in their final year. Recently, the biggest challenge is trying to engage students in a virtual environment. The pandemic has definitely forced me to be more flexible and creative in order assist the students in their success in our program. What is a typical day like for you? The day starts with either helping to get children ready to catch the bus or prepare for virtual school (depending on the day of the week). Since COVID, much of my day is spent either teaching or in meetings over Zoom while assisting children with their virtual work. Now that youth sports have opened back up, I will spend at least part of most evenings coaching travel soccer or attending gymnastics, football or baseball games or practices.

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 11

Member Spotlight: Michael Huson PT, DPT Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Clinical Associate Professor, Marist College

Who is one of your role models and why? My personal role models have to be my parents. As a first-generation college graduate, I have to thank them for all of the hard work and sacrifices they made to get me through my education. As an educator, Dr. Charles Ciccone would be my role model. His ability as my professor and advisor to break down the most complex topics in class and make them digestible to his students is astounding. I can only hope to make a fraction of the impact on my students that he made on me. What's the most important trend you see today? I love seeing the amazing entrepreneurship and adaptability of PTs. Recent years have presented many challenges to the PT profession, and whether it is insurance cuts, regulation changes or a global pandemic, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are constantly finding new ways to affect the health of their communities. Most recently the ability of practices to transition to telehealth and continue to care for patients through the COVID pandemic has been amazing. What advice would you give NYPTA members who are new to the profession and want to make a difference? Mentorship in your early years is extremely important. Find great mentors in practice and take every opportunity you can to learn. Also, do not wait to become active in the profession. Reach out to your local district to seek out opportunities to serve and attend meetings. It is a great way to network and collaborate. How do you make time to volunteer and be active in groups you're involved with? For this I must give credit to my wife, Melyssa, who has supported me through every opportunity that I have taken advantage of (no matter how crazy). We are a great team and have found a way to juggle the craziness of work and service while raising our children.

What else would you like NYPTA members to know about you? My wife and I have 4 kids ranging from the ages of 5-11 years old and a 2-year-old Collie-Beagle mix named Penny. Our family loves to travel, and even though we both work at Nazareth College, Melyssa and I actually met on a trip to Costa Rica.

If you know someone or perhaps it's you for a member spotlight, contact Adilah Abdul-Matin at aabdulmatin@nypta.org 12 Empire State Physical Therapy • July/August, 2021

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2021 NYPTA State Conference Overview This year members and non-members will experience the 2021 NYPTA conference virtually throughout the entire month of October. This provides the opportunity to attend the conference from anywhere. With a virtual format, the NYPTA can offer exciting NYS approved continuing education course options with a variety of dates and times. Courses will cover but not limited to orthopedics, oncology, neuro, and the biopsychosocial model. Here’s a list of the dates and times that the conference courses will be taking place: • • • • • • • •

Thursday, October 7th: Option for one of 2 courses from 7pm-9pm Sunday, October 10th: One 4-hour course from 9am-1pm Thursday, October 14th: Research keynote presentation from 7pm-9pm Sunday, October 17th: Research platform presentations/centennial scholar presentations from 9:30am-1:30pm Thursday, October 21st: Option for one of 2 courses from 7pm-9pm Thursday, October 28th: Option for one of 2 courses from 7pm-9pm Saturday, October 30th: One 4-hour course from 9am-1pm Sunday, October 31st: Conference closing ceremony and Keynote speaker from 9am11:30am

*Research poster presentations will be recorded and placed on the website all throughout the month of October for viewing* More details including pricing information to follow. Conference Registration will be open on Monday, August 16, 2021

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 13

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Member Spotlight: Yvonne Egitto PT, DPT Clinical Assistant Professor, Marist College

How Long have you been a member of NYPTA? I have been a member of the NYPTA for 12 years. Unfortunately, I didn’t truly appreciate the benefit of membership and participation early in my career. What do you enjoy most about NYPTA? As I have become more active in the NYPTA I have met many physical therapists who work in a wide variety of settings. I have had the opportunity to learn from all of the people that I have had the opportunity to meet and work with. I love that the NYPTA is continually trying to make our profession better and stronger. I have recently worked on the Minority Affairs Taskforce and it was wonderful to see how each member of the Board of Directors cared so deeply about improving inclusivity and diversity in our profession. Tell us a little about your background, and how your path led you to where you are in your career today. My first degree was in biochemistry, I know this seems like a giant leap. During my undergraduate years I had the good fortune to work closely with the Athletic Trainer of a Division III school (so there were no student trainers). The ATC taught me a lot and sparked an interest in the rehabilitation process. I worked in a biochemistry lab for a couple of years, but missed direct interaction with people and so I applied to the Stony Brook Physical Therapy Program. I thought that I would pursue sports physical therapy, until my first pediatric class. I loved and still love watching children of all ages achieve their goals and am honored that I can play a small part in their successful rehabilitation. In the past I have had the pleasure of working in Early Intervention, school based programs, center-based outpatient programs, and at Blythedale Children’s Hospital. More recently, I began working with the older adult population and have found that I enjoy meeting and working with individuals in this demographic as well. I have learned so much from each physical therapist I have worked with both the novice and experienced, as well as each patient and their families. I am currently a full-time faculty member of the newly accredited DPT Program at Marist College in the beautiful Hudson Valley. The switch to academics was one I had not planned but I could not be happier! I love meeting students and hopefully encourage them to consistently ask themselves “why.” I hope that they leave this program as confident physical therapists who are prepared provide optimal care to their future patients. I continue to provide pro bono evaluations and sessions to local children and several years ago began working in the field of geriatrics as well. What’s the most rewarding part about your work and what are some challenges? One of the most rewarding aspects of being a member of a DPT program is when you see a student have that “ah ha” moment. When the information that has been presented in several classes clicks and the student becomes more of a clinician. I also really enjoy having a student tell me that they are interested in pediatrics. One of the most challenging things has been the COVID restrictions of the past year and a half.

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 15

Member Spotlight: Yvonne Egitto PT, DPT Clinical Assistant Professor, Marist College

Trying to teach content that is very hands on via a virtual platform was difficult and I found myself constantly questioning whether or not I was doing an adequate job. Fortunately, we were able to navigate the challenges as a team with a lot of help from our administration as well as all of the other faculty members across the United States. There were many forums, webinars, and mentoring available to assist us because what we all strive for is to provide our students with the best physical therapy education possible. So, let me take just a minute to Thank Everyone who has assisted me, not only during COVID but throughout my very short career as a DPT faculty member. What is a typical day like for you? I am now in my office by 8am daily (hooray). Each day is different depending on if/when I teach. I usually leave for home between 4:30 and 6 pm where I like to be outside as much as possible. I almost always facetime with my daughter and grandchildren in Savannah GA. Who is one of your role models and why? I have so many professional role models that it is impossible to choose one. Right now, I would have to say Dr. Nia Mensah. I met Nia at Blythedale and she has shown me what passion and resilience looks like. Nia cares so deeply that she started a not-for-profit organization, Kusudi International, to provide outreach to individuals in underserved communities around the world. Nia did not just talk about the needs of the community; she is actively doing something to address them. In addition, she is a fierce advocate for her patients and the best friend and colleague you can ask for. She is raising two wonderful children and has returned to school to work toward her PhD. I am honored that she often refers to me as a mentor, she has set the bar high for me to be as passionate and never wavering in my dedication to the profession, and my community, both local and global. What's the most important trend you see today? Since I have been practicing for some time, I have to say the move toward evidence-based practice is the best and most important change I have seen that is impacting every area of our practice.

16 Empire State Physical Therapy • July/August, 2021

www.nypta.org

Member Spotlight: Yvonne Egitto PT, DPT Clinical Assistant Professor, Marist College

What advice would you give NYPTA members who are new to the profession and want to make a difference? I admit to being afraid to volunteer and get involved. I think that is a common issue particularly with newer members. It can be very intimidating walking into a room where everyone else appears to know one another. It is also much easier to remain quiet in these situations. My advice is to take the leap. It took me much too long to realize that my perspective is not only appreciated, but it is needed. I can also speak from experience when I say, the people in that room are not there to intimidate or control the narrative, and they will quickly become people you look forward to seeing and working with. How do you make time to volunteer and be active in groups you're involved with? I think if anything is important you make time for it. My husband always jokes that I am only happy when I am doing something for free. It is true, service is something that feeds my soul and I could not live without it. What else would you like NYPTA members to know about you? I have been married to my wonderful and understanding husband for almost 32 years. We have 2 grown children who have made me so proud that if I start gushing here, you will all stop reading. One of the most significant things is that in 2017 I had an intercranial hemorrhage. This experience really helped me see physical therapy and physical therapists in a different way. I gained a perspective of how our patients feel during their rehabilitation process.

If you know someone or perhaps it's you for a member spotlight, contact Adilah Abdul-Matin at aabdulmatin@nypta.org

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 17

2021 Spring Board of Directors Report (continued) By Debra Engel, PT, DPT, MS NYPTA Secretary

The Spring Board of Directors Meeting was held on April 30th. Below is a summary of the Motions approved and some discussion topics. Please refer to the Spring BOD draft minutes on the website for more detail. The Board of Directors approved a limited budget for 2021, with the plan to revisit items as the fiscal situation changed. As our fiscal situation has improved, the following motions were presented and approved to restore funding to the following items: • A “Board approved overage” to the 2021 NYPTA budget in the amount of $5,000 for House of Delegates. • A “Board approved overage” to the 2021 NYPTA budget in the amount of $5,000 for a 2021 contribution to the NYPTA PAC. • A “Board approved overage” to the 2021 NYPTA budget to fund the President’s stipend in the amount of $6,000. • A “Board approved overage” to the 2021 NYPTA budget in the amount of $7,234 to fund staff salary. • A “Board approved overage” to the 2021 NYPTA budget in the amount of $1,000 for the Federal Affairs Forum. The following additional Motions were presented and approved: • To allow flexibility for future funding of chapter PAC activities at the district level. • Funded one overnight stay and travel expenses for the Minority Affairs Student Award Winner and the Minority Affairs Student Future Leader Award winner for attendance at the APTA Centennial Gala Celebration. • Approved the creation of a task force to build a process for a formal leadership-mentor program. • Approved the revision of the PTA Committee Procedural Manual regarding the job description of the PTA Liaison. • Approved the Greater New York District bylaws as amended. • Approved the Research Committee’s selection of Vijaya Prakash Krishnan Muthaiah, PT PhD to receive the Arthur J. Nelson Research Designated Fund award for 2021. • Charged the Public Policy Committee in collaboration with the Marketing and Engagement Committee and authors of the research grant final report to develop a one-page summary report for distribution at virtual lobby day to internal and external stakeholders. Highlights of the Generative Discussion: • Program Committee Chair gave an overview of the 2021 virtual conference programming as well as pricing. • Discussed how to recapture Members lost during the Pandemic • Discussion on low PTA membership and suggestions were offered on possible ways to recruit and retain PTA members.

18 Empire State Physical Therapy • July/August, 2021

www.nypta.org

2021 Spring Board of Directors Report By Debra Engel, PT, DPT, MS NYPTA Secretary

Highlights of the Generative Discussion (continued): • The Federal Advocacy Forum will be known as “The Day on the Hill.” Delegates to the House are encouraged to stay an extra day and attend. • Advised the Board that the ED is looking at discussion forums for the Board to use to discuss issues between meetings. • Discussed changing BOD Regular Meeting Schedule to meet more frequently since virtual meetings are possible. • Discussion was held on the feasibility of holding the Fall BOD meeting in person. • The Flower City Research Grant final report was submitted and a summary was provided to the Board. • Survey questions regarding the revision of the NYPTA website have been developed and will be disseminated to the membership in the near future. • Discussed modernizing CE Credit for Clinical Instructors. • DEI Committee Co-Chair recommended that as Chapter documents/manuals are updated, consideration should be given to update terminology pronouns to gender neutral. • Discussed the PT/PTA Staffing Levels in Acute Care and whether the Chapter should consider legislative initiatives to address current staffing levels in the hospital system. Good and Welfare: President thanked: • • • • •

Kerri Gill - Smith for her service and hard work as Treasurer Audrey Paslow for her service on the EC Liz Barbaretti for her service on the Membership Committee Ayse Edeer for her service on the Research Committee Kathy Birnbaum for her service on the Awards Committee

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 19

News & Announcements

Elected Delegates to the 2022 APTA's House of Delegates

Jeremy Crow - Greater New York James Dunleavy - Hudson Valley Michael Huson - Finger Lakes Nanette Hyland - Hudson Valley Theresa Marko - Greater New York Jacob McPherson - Western Michael Mattia - Brooklyn/Staten Island

Marilyn Moffat - Greater New York Katilyn Parrotte - Greater New York Lynn Rivers - Western Genevieve Smith - Southern Tier Rosa Torres-Panchame - Greater New York

2021 - 2023 Elected Officers

Michael Huson PT, DPT, OCS - Treasurer Debra Engel PT, DPT, MS - Secretary Roger Herr PT, MPA - Chief Delegate Theresa Marko PT, DPT, MS - Nominating Committee Member . NYPTA CE Course, Thursday August 26, 2021

Trauma Informed Rehabilitation: Evidence Based Approach to Inclusive, Compassionate & Holistic Care The National Council on Behavioral Health estimates that 70% of all Americans, 223 Million people, have experienced significant trauma at least once in their lives. This interactive virtual seminar will teach attendees how to immediately integrate the 5 core principles of trauma informed care into both their work environments and client engagements. This training will reveal the hidden impacts of trauma on the brain, emotions, and physiology while introducing participants to holistic, trauma sensitive treatment approaches that can be used effectively with any client population. Following this seminar, clinicians will have the knowledge to quickly adopt strategies that foster trust, empower client choices, and markedly improve patient outcomes. Learn more and register here: https://www.nypta.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1534367&group= 2021 NYPTA Events

Connect with us on Social Media!

Fall BOD Meeting Saturday, October 16, 2021 NYPTA State Conference Virtual October, 2021 2021 APTA Events House of Delegates Virtually August 28, 2021 Centennial Gala Weekend Washington, DC September 10-14, 2021 House of Delegates Washington, DC September 11-12, 2021

to Competent Professional Services Professional misconduct and unlicensed practice of the professions are against the law!

To report suspected cases of professional misconduct or unlicensed practice of the professions, call 800-442-8106 or email conduct@mail.nysed.gov.

20 Empire State Physical Therapy • July/August, 2021

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 21

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 23

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24 Empire State Physical Therapy • July/August, 2021

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New York Physical Therapy Association A Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association 971 Albany Shaker Road Latham, NY 12110

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July/August, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 25