University of Kentucky DPT Student Named Winner of Federal Advocacy Forum Essay Competition A University of Kentucky DPT student was recently named the winner of the KPTA’s Federal Advocacy Forum Essay Competition and will represent the Commonwealth at the APTA Federal Advocacy Forum in Washington, DC in April. Daniel C. Brown of Frankfort will represent Kentucky and will meet with legislators and aides to discuss issues affecting the physical therapy profession. He serves as the APTA Student Liaison for his class and as a mentor to UK’s PrePhysical Therapy Student Association. Brown is active in his community and has participated in a number of charitable causes, including: United Way, Saint Jude, Habitat for Humanity, the UK Newman Center and the student-run free PT clinic at Good Samaritan Hospital. He has also participated in fundraising activities for Good Shepherd Church. Brown attended the APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting in 2010 and his interest in becoming a leader nationally grew from that trip. He is the son of Terry and Debbie Brown, both physical therapists. He will graduate from UK’s DPT Program in 2013.
Daniel Brown of Frankfort will represent Kentucky at the 2012 Federal Advocacy Forum this spring.
His winning essay is below. Advocate: a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy As a physical therapy student, my future is, and will continue to be, affected by ever-changing state and national laws. While the future is ideally characterized by change and improvement, I desire to contribute my voice to the evolution and progression of our profession. I am grateful for, proud, and fully invested in my career choice as a physical therapist. It is a personal and professional responsibility to become involved with the APTA and governing bodies that influence and control our profession. Health care issues, student loan repayment acts, and direct access are many of the issues that are important to me as a young professional starting my career. The challenges to our patients, as well as our profession, can be addressed through the advocacy efforts lead by APTA. Becoming involved allows me to influence laws that will not only benefit me as a practitioner, but the community and my patients as well. As an enthusiastic physical therapy student and APTA liaison of my 2013 class, my positive attitude and respect for the profession give me the desire to join the advocacy efforts of those who already tirelessly support our specialty. Through my membership in Student Assembly, KPTA, and attendance of CSM, I am privileged to know and be surrounded by mentors who are committed to a lifelong advocacy for PT. Joining others on Capitol Hill in April is an opportunity for me to continue my commitment to the success of our profession.