COMBINED SECTIONS MEETING 2019: A LANDMARK EVENT The American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) annual Combined Sections Meeting was a huge success, welcoming over 16,000 physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and students to Washington DC. The American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) presented 42 sessions, including five of our popular Morning Sports Rounds. The AASPT pre-conference, presented by Jason Hugentobler, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS; Corina Martinez, PT, DPT, SCS, LAT, ATC; Bobby Jean Sanders Lee, PT, DPT, SCS, CSOMT, CSCS, USAW; Jessica B. Schwartz, PT, DPT, CSCS; and Kate Berz, DO, covered a full day of programming on “Sport-Related Concussion: The Evolving Role of the Sports Physical Therapist” on Wednesday, January 23. On Thursday, Chad Asplund, MD, AMSSM President; Mark De-
AASPT President Walt Jenkins is shown with Dr. Chad Asplund, President of the AMSSM and Sharon Dunn, APTA President, immediately following the AASPT presentation “Opioid Issues in Athletes.” This presentation was standing room only.
Carlo, AASPT Executive Director; Erin Barill; Allen Hardin; Elliott Hughes; and Cindy Whyde gave a powerful presentation on “Opioid Issues in Athletes.” This session not only provided realworld information from the physicians, physical therapists
and athletic trainers who face these issues daily, but also from the standpoint of the effects of drug use from the athlete’s perspective and that of their family. The session was standing room only, reflecting the importance and urgency of the opioid crisis.