PTJ Author Interview: Health Systems Science in Physical Therapist Education
In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Gregory Hartley, PT, DPT, FAPTA, and Neva Kirk-Sanchez, PT, PhD, about their recently published perspective, which defines the health systems science framework and advocates for the framework to be a foundational pillar in physical therapy education. Listen as the authors discuss how the framework can contribute to better clinical outcomes, support the development of community-based interventions, and better prepare students to be leaders in health care. Hartley and Kirk-Sanchez are co-authors of the article “Educating for Impact: The Imperative of Health Systems Science in Physical Therapy.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.
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25:36
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25:36
PTJ Author Interview: Cost-Effectiveness of Plantar Heel Pain Management
In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Shane McClinton, PT, DPT, PhD, about his recently published study, which compared the cost-effectiveness of usual podiatry care plus physical therapy with podiatry care alone in the management of plantar heel pain. Listen as they discuss the inspiration for the study, the typical patient experience for those with plantar heel pain, and why it is important for researchers to consider economic analysis studies for physical therapy. McClinton is co-author of the article “Cost-Effectiveness of Physical Therapist Treatment in Addition to Usual Podiatry Management of Plantar Heel Pain: Economic Evaluation of a Randomized Clinical Trial.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.
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26:09
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26:09
Accreditation Innovation: The Future of Physical Therapy Education
APTA is ushering in a historic change in physical therapy education: the merger of CAPTE and ABPTRFE into a single integrated accreditation body. This unification will streamline processes, reduce burdens on programs, and strengthen quality across the entire education continuum — from entry-level through residency and fellowship. In this podcast, APTA President Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, speaks with leaders guiding the transition about why now is the right time, how the merger supports innovation, and what it means for students, educators, and the future of our profession.
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26:32
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26:32
PTJ Author Interview: Credentialism and the CAPTE 50 Percent Requirement
In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA, talks with Andrew Hogan, PhD, about his recently published perspective on the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education standard requiring that at least 50% of core faculty in all physical therapist education programs hold an academic doctorate of PhD, EdD, or ScD. They discuss the history of the standard, why it could be a barrier to entry for faculty, and how academic physical therapy is unique compared to other fields.Hogan is the author of the article “Credentialism and Barriers to Entry: A Historical and Sociological Analysis of the CAPTE 50 Percent Requirement for Physical Therapy Faculty With Academic Doctorates.” Read the article on the PTJ website and follow PTJ on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more research updates.
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25:30
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25:30
September Advocacy Roundup: How to Use APTA’s Direct Access Report
In this episode of the APTA Podcast, Justin Elliott, vice president of government affairs at APTA, and William Boissonnault, PT, DPT, DHSc, FAPTA, discuss APTA’s recent report on direct access to PT services. Boissonnault, a key contributor to the report, discusses the purpose of the report, its significance in today’s physical therapy profession and health care system, and how this evidence can be utilized to promote direct access policies at every level. Don't miss this informative discussion on the state of direct access and the importance of advocacy in the physical therapy profession. Join the APTA Advocacy Network and read all the latest advocacy news. From the episode: Read APTA’s “State of Direct Access to Physical Therapist Services” report and “The Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States” report. From the episode: Use resources on APTA's consumer information website, ChoosePT.com, to help educate patients about physical therapy and direct access. Register for the free APTA Regulatory, Legislative, and Payment Updates Series (2025) for expert insights.