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Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Lauren Jones, a physical therapistat Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids who has extensive experience working with patients with limb loss and limb difference. Jones describes launching west Michigan amputee soccer clinics through the United States Amputee Football Federation after connecting with the University of Michigan program, emphasizing grassroots access, student involvement, and pathways to national-team camps, including growing women’s competition. She also discusses Mary Free Bed Guild–supported trips to Guatemala City delivering about 30 prostheses in one week—from casting and fabrication to delivery and gait training—within an established clinic that provides follow-up care; mostamputations there stem from motorcycle trauma. Jones stresses finding mentors and close prosthetist collaboration, and advocates for a PT specialty certification in amputee care.   PTs and PTAs in Michigan! You can receive PDR credit towardlicense renewal by listening to Waves episodes! Download and complete the LARA General Response Form and keep for your records.   00:00 Podcast Intro Guest Setup 00:41 Lauren Jones Background Role 01:43 Amputee Soccer Origins 03:32 Grassroots Program Expansion 04:13 How Amputee Soccer Works 05:31 Pathway To National Team 06:38 Medical Missions Overview 07:58 Guatemala Clinic Logistics 09:00 Prosthesis Week Workflow 11:31 Patient Impact Motivation 12:17 Why Missions Reignite Passion 14:20 Waiting Instant Gratification 16:12 Wheelchair Safety Net 17:20 Why Amputations Happen 17:38 Guatemala Trauma Reality 20:30 Teaching Future PTs 22:17 Working With Prosthetists 26:03 Need PT Specialty Credential 29:17 Take the Leap Abroad 30:40 Contact and Wrap Up

Healthcare Workforce at the Brink: Baby Boomers Turn 80 andWhat It Means for Physical Therapy in Michigan   Host Andy Wicks discusses Michigan’s rapidly aging population—baby boomers turning 80, nearly 19.25% of residents over 65, and a nearly 30% rise in that group through 2023—and the resulting healthcare workforce shortfall. Guest Aleysha Czartoszewski, Career Pathways Coordinator at the Michigan Health Council, explains the Council’s workforcefocus and her three-part series “Healthcare Workforce at the Brink,” highlighting simultaneous increased care demand and retirements. They note uneven provider distribution with rural North Michigan and the UP facing access gaps, limited local PT/PTA education options, and barriers like housing and paydifferences. The conversation covers efforts such as loan-repayment incentives, promoting geriatrics and prevention to help people age in place, improving student career exposure and clearer pathways, retaining staff after COVID-related burnout, and strengthening care coordination and patientnavigation; resources are available at mhc.org.   00:00 Michigan Is Aging Fast 01:05 Meet Michigan Health Council 02:11 Baby Boomers Turn 80 03:30 Urban vs Rural Shortages 05:34 Education Gaps and Incentives 09:40 Making Geriatrics Appealing 15:10 Pipeline Retention Coordination 22:10 Health Literacy and Navigation 26:15 Michigan Workforce Numbers 28:35 Soapbox Career Exposure 32:58 Resources and Wrap Up Michigan PTs and PTAs! Fill out this form and save for your records for PDR credit toward license renewal just for listening to this episode! A link to a directory of all PT and PTA programs, viewable by state. The Career Pathway Tool via Michigan Health Council.

APTA Michigan’s Waves host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Rachel Auer, a traveling physical therapist from Michigan and a Grand Valley State DPT graduate, about her nearly three years of travel PT across Michigan, Montana, Washington, Colorado, and currently Anchorage, Alaska. Auer explains she chose travel PT to explore the country and sample multiple practice settings, moving between acute care, inpatient/SNF, and outpatient to keep skills sharp. She addresses common misconceptions that travel jobs have poor training or are undesirable, noting her orientation experiences have generally been reasonable. She advises students to start by learning from travel therapy communities, talk with many travelers, and understand tax compliance around tax-free stipends, including consulting a travel-focused tax expert. She also discusses state licensure challenges without the PT Compact and shares outdoor adventures enabled by short-term contracts, while acknowledging frequent moves and housing shifts can be tiring and she may eventually return to Michigan. Use the LARA PT or PTA General Response Form to document listening to Waves episodes for your PDR license renewal credits! www.aptami.org YouTube

On APTA Michigan’s Waves podcast, host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Bill McGehee, current Speaker of APTA’s House of Delegates (term ending Dec. 31, 2026), about his background as a physical therapist and Tufts University DPT clinical professor, and his path from chapter service in Illinois to APTA House of Delegates Speaker of the House (elected 2020). McGehee explains the House as the membership’s representative body of 450+ delegates from 51 chapters and 18 sections that sets association policy and positions, adopts bylaws and the profession’s vision, and elects APTA leaders, while the Board of Directors holds fiduciary responsibility for the $50M organization and must balance House priorities with strategy, risk, and timing. He discusses the speaker’s leadership/servant role, the value of mission and vision as a “North Star,” and how Roberts Rules protect minority voices and keep proceedings productive. McGehee’s “soapbox” is that society knows what PTs do; key barriers are access and other constraints, and PTs should lead and practice at the topof their scope.   If you are a PT or PTA in Michigan, you can earn PDR creditfor license renewal just by listening to this episode! Fill out the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant General Response Form from LARA and save it for your records.   00:00 Welcome to Waves 00:52 Meet Bill McGehee 03:50 Service Path to Leadership 06:14 Running for Vice Speaker 09:02 Speaker Role and House Purpose 12:12 House Energy and North Star 15:21 Speaker as Leader and Servant 19:02 Board Duties and Tension 22:04 Strategic Plan Reality Check 23:18 Why Motions Get Opposed 23:48 Covington’s Vulnerable Moment 25:48 Trust and Communication Gaps 28:20 Robert’s Rules Explained 29:47 Learning to Chair Efficiently 35:25 Delegate Mindset Shift 37:33 Soapbox on PT Value 40:19 Wrap Up and Credits

In this episode of Waves, a podcast from APTA Michigan, host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Kay Mastrocola, a pelvic health physical therapist and the creator of the popular Instagram and TikTok account 'DPTs with Anxiety.' Dr. Mastrocola shares her unique journey through DPT school, her experience with neurodivergence, and how she became a PT influencer by creating memes. They discuss the importance of mental health in higher education and healthcare, strategies for overcoming academic challenges, and the role of social media in building supportive communities. Dr. Mastrocola also offers advice for new graduates and emphasizes the human side of physical therapy. Are you a PT or PTA in Michigan? You can get PDR credit towards license renewal just by listening to Waves episodes! Fill out the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant General Response Form and save for your records. It's that easy! Host: Andy Wicks, PT, DPT Edited by Andy Wicks and Jenn Hood, SPT Music by Mark Joesting 00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast00:43 Meet Dr. Kay Cola01:26 The Birth of DPTs with Anxiety04:06 The Impact of Pelvic Health PT06:27 Addressing Mental Health in PT Education16:39 Navigating Academic Probation22:10 The Struggles of Medical School22:25 Support Systems and Adaptability24:40 Invisible Disabilities and Accommodations26:35 Making Memes and Content Creation28:51 The Impact of Social Media on PT33:59 The Importance of Emotional Support in PT39:27 Favorite Posts and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Andy sits down with Natalie Hoffman, a second-year physical therapy student at the University of Michigan Flint and the 2025 Solstice Scholarship winner. Natalie shares her inspiring journey of organizing a 3v3 soccer tournament to raise funds for local families affected by cancer, turning a $500 scholarship into $3,600 for two deserving families. She discusses the power of community, the importance of service in physical therapy, and how her upbringing shaped her passion for helping others. Key Topics:• Natalie's background and introduction• The Solstice Scholarship: what it is and how it works• Organizing a charity soccer tournament: challenges, teamwork, and impact• The importance of community involvement in PT school and beyond• Natalie's academic journey: dual DPT/PhD program, research interests, and future goals• Dream job aspirations: working with veterans and military populations• Reflections on service, education, and making the most of opportunities in PT school• Advice for students: get involved, volunteer, and build connections Notable Quotes:• “I took $500 and changed it into $3,600 with the help and support of family, friends, and everyone at Soccer Zone.”• “You only have one time in PT school that you can get all these opportunities lined up. So just take advantage of it.” Connect with Us:• Learn more about the Solstice Scholarship and how PT students are making a difference in their communities.• For more inspiring stories and interviews, subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media. Our handle is @aptaMIwaves.Call to Action: If you’re a PT student or considering a career in physical therapy, look for ways to get involved in your community. Volunteer, connect, and make the most of your time in school!

Waves Podcast – "The Tortured PT Department" Host: Andy WicksGuests: Dr. Katie Noble, Dr. Nancy Boyd, Dr. Julie Wiebe Episode Summary:In this episode of Waves, host Andy Wicks sits down with three outstanding physical therapists—Dr. Katie Noble, Dr. Nancy Boyd, and Dr. Julie Wiebe—to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in sports physical therapy. The conversation explores the underrepresentation of women in sports medicine, the importance of mentorship and "accelerators," and theevolving landscape of care for female athletes.

This episode of Waves features Jenna Muri-Rosenthal, aspeech-language pathologist and founder of Fit to Function Recovery, highlighting her innovative approach to combining rehabilitation with fitness training to help neurologic patients exceed their therapeutic goals. Host Andy Wicks and Jenna discuss the limitations of traditional rehab, the benefits of functional fitness, and the importance of fostering a sense of achievement in patients. They explore practical ways to integrate CrossFit principles into therapy to enhance recovery and build community support for individuals with disabilities.   00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast 00:24 Meet Jenna Muri-Rosenthal 01:47 The Journey to Fit to Function Recovery 02:31 Challenges in Traditional Rehab 03:18 CrossFit and Cognitive Rehabilitation 04:17 Functional Movement and Recovery 06:46 Empowering Patients Beyond 'Good Enough' 10:04 Measuring Progress in Rehab 16:55 Making Rehab Functional and Relatable 20:00 Normalizing Movement in the Gym 22:19 Overcoming Hesitation in Fitness 23:06 Creating Inclusive Fitness Environments 24:52 Adapting Sports and Fitness for Recovery 26:05 The Importance of Functional Fitness 27:23 Encouraging New Challenges and Learning 32:42 The Power of Words in Rehabilitation 35:26 Continuing Care and Preventative Management 38:01 Conclusion and Resources Adaptive Training Academy Fit to Function Recovery (Instagram)

In this episode of Waves, host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Abby Gordon, a pediatric sports physical therapist based in Seattle. Dr. Gordon shares insights into her diverse career, including her experience working with professional athletes and as an adjunct faculty member. The discussion covers her clinical practice at Seattle Children's Hospital, her love for treating chronic pain patients, and her recent endeavors in academia and writing. They also delve into the topic of weight-inclusive care and its significance in physical therapy. Dr. Gordon's upcoming book, 'It Depends,' is also highlighted, discussing the various considerations and decisions one faces in life and career. Abby is @agordon55 on most socials. Her email address is [email protected]. Michigan-based PTs and PTAs! You can get license-renewal credit just by listening to Waves episodes! Download the PT General Response Form from LARA and save for your records. 00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast 00:45 Meet Dr. Abby Gordon 01:33 Pediatric Sports Therapy Insights 03:18 Treating Chronic Pain in Pediatrics 04:22 Transition from Adult to Pediatric Therapy 05:42 Balancing Professional and Pediatric Therapy 06:21 The Importance of Therapeutic Alliance 10:34 Writing and Blogging Journey 17:17 Teaching Anatomy at Tufts 19:17 Innovative Teaching Methods in Anatomy 20:12 Challenges and Fun in Teaching Cardio Pulmonology 21:07 Balancing Clinical Practice and Academia 23:40 Weight Inclusive Care in Healthcare 27:20 Addressing Ableism and Inclusivity in Physical Therapy 33:05 WNBA and Personal Interests 34:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

Exploring Varied Career Paths in Physical Therapy with Dr. Tiffany WolfIn this episode of Waves, host Andy Wicks is joined by Dr. Tiffany Wolf, a versatile physical therapist from Denver, Colorado. Dr. Wolf shares her diverse career experiences, including working in correctional facilities, handling challenging cases, and treating a variety of patient populations such as chronic pain and oncology patients. She provides insights on the importance of patient advocacy, the role of a generalist versus a specialist in physical therapy, and offers advice for new graduates and students preparing for clinical rotations. The conversation delves into the nuances of building rapport with patients, adapting to limited resources, and the significance of hands-on experience in the field.00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast00:46 Meet Dr. Tiffany Wolf01:39 Working in Correctional Facilities02:35 Challenges and Adaptations in Prison Therapy04:11 Building Patient Rapport in Unique Settings08:38 Navigating the Correctional System During COVID10:36 Home Exercise Programs and Patient Compliance11:51 Treating the 'Failed' Patient12:43 Specializing in Chronic Pain and Lymphedema16:48 Diverse Experiences in Physical Therapy17:34 The Role of Generalists in Physical Therapy18:29 Challenges and Rewards of Rural Physical Therapy21:19 Diverse Experiences in Physical Therapy22:28 Preparing Students for Clinical Rotations28:09 Empowering Patients to Advocate for Themselves30:53 Advice for New Graduates in Physical Therapy32:02 Conclusion and Contact Information Are you a PT or PTA in Michigan? Download the PT or PTA General Response Form from LARA to document your efforts and keep it for your records. It’s that easy!

In this episode of Waves, a podcast from APTA Michigan, host Andy Wicks is joined by Dr. Sarah Cruser to delve into the evolving role of primary care and health promotion within the physical therapy (PT) profession. Dr. Cruser shares her diverse practice background, from outpatient orthopedic care to working with older adults and acute care. They discuss the fundamental impact of factors like exercise, diet, sleep, social connections, and stress management on overall health and how PTs can incorporate these elements into their practice, regardless of the setting. The conversation also explores the challenges PTs face in addressing these factors, such as scope of practice and billing concerns, and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. Additionally, Dr. Cruser offers insights on the potential future of PT, envisioning a model where PTs function more as consulting and diagnostic clinicians with a strong focus on health promotion. 00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast 00:33 Meet Dr. Sarah Cruiser 01:32 Health Promotion in Physical Therapy 03:36 Barriers and Misconceptions 05:24 Trauma-Informed Care 09:43 Billing and Scope of Practice 11:04 The Role of Nutrition 14:53 Primary Care Approach in Physical Therapy 18:40 Consulting and Diagnostic Clinicians 25:53 Personal Anecdotes and Patient Care 28:56 The Art of Patient Interaction 29:40 Exploring Health and Wellness Residencies 30:34 Challenges in Primary Care and Health Promotion 33:35 The Importance of Diet and Lifestyle 36:17 Empathy and Understanding in Patient Care 42:57 Encouraging Creativity in Clinical Education 50:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Living Nourished: Make Peace with Food, Banish Body Shame, and Reclaim Joy, by Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDN, CDN Earn PDR credits for listening to Waves episodes! Fill out this form and save it for your records.

In this episode of Waves, Andy interviews Dr. Ryan Wood,co-owner ofForefront Therapy and co-founder of Forefront Community Therapy in Evansville, Indiana. Dr. Wood shares his journey from his academic background to starting his own clinic and nonprofit organization focused on bringingaccessible, quality care to his community. They discuss the challenges and strategies behind running both for-profit and nonprofit clinics, the importance of evidence-based practice and education, and the role of professional involvement in advocacy and policy change. This episode provides insightfulperspectives on maintaining sustainability and impact in the healthcare sector.   00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast 00:23 Meet Dr. Ryan Wood 01:20 Founding Forefront Therapy 01:50 Core Pillars of Forefront Therapy 03:01 Challenges and Inspirations 03:42 Establishing Forefront Community Therapy 05:22 Navigating Financial and Operational Hurdles 07:21 Balancing Profit and Nonprofit Models 12:02 Grant Writing and Community Support 23:27 Educational Initiatives and Mentorship 27:06 Deliberate Growth and Team Building 29:43 The Sacrifices of Starting a Practice 30:01 Advice for New Graduates 30:14 The Importance of Mentorship 30:42 Nonprofit Challenges and Blessings 31:25 Balancing Family and Business 31:42 The Reality of Financial Risk 37:18 Direct Access and Lobbying Efforts 40:11 Burnout and Avoidance Strategies 42:27 Innovative Nonprofit Models 53:16 The Importance of Political Action Committees 55:29 Conclusion and Contact Information   Forefront Therapy:www.forefronttherapy.org PTs and PTAs in Michigan! Get PDR credit for license renewalby listening to Waves episodes! Fill out theLARA General Response Form and keep it for your records!

This episode explores the impactful journey of 'I Am an Athlete Too,' an organization founded by Maria Valet, Monica Aho, Abby Flaminio, and Lindsay Marquardt. The initiative aims to integrate adaptive sports into high schools, allowing students with physical disabilities to compete alongside their peers. The discussion covers the organization's origins, its challenges, and its successes in expanding the opportunities for adaptive athletes, highlighted by Maria's inspiring story and ongoing advocacy. I Am An Athlete Too (Facebook) I Am An Athlete Too (Instagram) Adaptive Track & Field USA Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association Amie Stanton-Day Paul's Party Daniel Romanchuk Susannah Scaroni Sam Grewe USOPC/NCAA Para College Inclusion Project 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:30 Meet the Team Behind 'I Am An Athlete Too' 01:26 Maria's Journey: From Injury to Advocacy 03:32 Challenges and Triumphs in Adaptive Sports 06:16 Fighting for Inclusion in High School Sports 17:18 Building a Movement: Clinics and Equipment 32:49 Overcoming Hesitancy and Fear 33:46 Addressing Fairness Concerns 34:11 Scoring System Proposal 37:19 Track and Tennis Integration 38:47 Adaptive Sports in NCAA 39:42 Personal Achievements and Experiences 43:33 Role of PTs in Adaptive Sports 46:54 Expanding Adaptive Track Events 48:55 Growing Adaptive Sports in Michigan 49:45 Upcoming National Adaptive Sporting Event 51:23 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Renaissance man Dr. F. Scott Feil discusses his journey in physical therapy and shares insights on overcoming monotony in the profession. Dr. Feil emphasizes the importance of looking for opportunities for growth, engaging in side-hustles, and leveraging skills to create multiple income streams. He also talks about the significance of effective communication and sales in healthcare, the challenges of burnout, and building a business that aligns with personal values. The episode underscores the value of continual self-improvement and innovative thinking in achieving career satisfaction and success in physical therapy.   F. Scott Feil on X Healthcare Education Transformation Podcast LARA General Response Form to receive PDR credit for listening to Waves episodes   00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast 00:58 Meet Dr. F. Scott Feil 01:44 Financial Challenges in Physical Therapy 03:17 The Side Hustle Journey 03:35 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Early Influences 04:44 Balancing Career and Personal Life 06:17 Starting a Mobile Physical Therapy Practice 08:00 Consulting and Business Growth 13:30 The Importance of Communication and Sales 19:43 Challenges in Physical Therapy 22:47 Business Education in Academia 24:14 Real-World Business Skills 25:36 Opportunities in Physical Therapy 30:04 Balancing Work and Life 33:03 Finding Job Satisfaction 34:48 The Reality of Burnout 38:50 Entrepreneurship Isn't for Everyone 39:41 Final Thoughts

Alex Hill, an outpatient physical therapist based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a gem of a human being. She shares her decade-long journey in physical therapy, specializing in pelvic health, oncology, lymphedema, and gender-affirming care. Alex, perhaps better known as The OncoPelvic PT, discusses the importance of trauma-informed care, patient empowerment, and validation in clinical practice. Additionally, Alex reflects on her experiences with residency, mentorship, and the evolving understanding and acceptance of pelvic health and oncology in society and the medical field.   Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn 00:00 Meet Alex Hill: Physical Therapist Introduction 00:46 Specializations and Passion for Public Health 01:35 Podcast Journey and Oncology Focus 03:55 Pelvic Health and Oncology Intersection 06:41 Educational Path and Residency Experience 15:58 Mentorship and Resources for New Professionals 24:27 The Power of Healing Touch 26:08 Patient Control in Medical Settings 26:46 Trauma-Informed Care in Oncology 28:49 Normalizing Pelvic Health Conversations 40:34 Gender Affirming Care in Rehab 45:06 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information