TheOncoPT Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Healing is more than physical— every small act of empathy and presence matters. In this episode, breast cancer survivor and advocate Thandi Montgomery shares how her cancer journey helped her shift from just getting by to actually living .  Thandi advocates for survivors and clinicians to make the same pivot, through the power of support, therapy, and her RIDE framework —Resilienc...

Send us Fan Mail “One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” – Brené Brown Your case report is exactly that— a survival guide for future OncoPTs . When you share your clinical reasoning, decision-making, and outcomes, you’re not just fulfilling an application requirement. You’re shaping how oncology physical therapy is...

Send us Fan Mail Too often, people living with and beyond cancer are sidelined from fitness—not because they can’t exercise, but because programs aren’t designed with their unique needs in mind.  In this episode, Elise talks with Dr. Kaci and Dr. Reed Handlery, PTs, about building inclusive, sustainable community-based programs for people with mobility challenges—including those living with and be...

Send us Fan Mail Dreaming of becoming a board-certified oncology PT but feeling overwhelmed by the application process? You’re not alone—and I’ve got you covered! In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to successfully apply for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Certification.  From documenting your experience to understanding the case report requirement, you’ll get the insider...

Send us Fan Mail Prostate cancer is extremely curable if caught early. However, men of color—especially African American men—are disproportionately diagnosed at advanced stages, facing significantly worse outcomes.  Health inequities, systemic barriers, and stigma around discussing men’s health continue to delay critical testing and diagnosis, deeply impacting families and communities. In this epi...

Send us Fan Mail What sets a good oncology PT apart from a great one?  Becoming a specialist in OncoPT doesn’t just elevate your clinical skills—it transforms how you advocate for patients, opens new career opportunities , and positions you as a leader in this growing field.  And one of the most powerful ways to showcase your expertise? The ABPTS Oncology Specialty Certification Exam . If you’ve e...

Send us Fan Mail Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and CAR T-cell therapy are evolving fast—are you keeping up?  In this episode of TheOncoPT Podcast , Dr. Adam Matichak returns to share the latest updates on these groundbreaking treatments and what they mean for your OncoPT practice. You'll learn how CAR T-cell therapy is expanding, why mobility strategies matter more than ever, and how to use vi...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever thought about presenting at a conference but weren’t sure where to start? Maybe you have an idea, but imposter syndrome kicks in, or the application process seems too overwhelming. In this episode, you’ll get a step-by-step guide to submitting a conference proposal, tips for making your application stand out, and why The Cancer Rehab Community Conference 2025 is the...

Send us Fan Mail APTA CSM 2025 was a whirlwind—in the best way possible. From groundbreaking sessions to game-changing hallway conversations, this conference was packed with insights, networking, and some much-needed discussions about the future of physical therapy.  But whether you attended in person or had to sit this one out, I’ve got you covered! In today’s episode, I’m breaking down my bigges...

Send us Fan Mail Studying for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Certification Exam?  In this episode of TheOncoPT Podcast , Elise breaks down everything you need to know—from the exam format and content areas to game-changing test-taking strategies that set you up for success.  But this isn’t just about passing a test. You’ll dive into the bigger picture—why your work in oncology rehab matters and how...

Send us Fan Mail Your patients are turning to social media for health information more than ever. But here’s the problem: there is a scarcity of accurate, trustworthy cancer rehab info available online. With millions searching for answers online, physical therapists have a unique opportunity to educate, advocate, and expand access to life-changing cancer rehab resources. In this episode, I sit dow...

Send us Fan Mail Treating patients with hematologic oncologic diagnoses isn’t just about managing fatigue—it’s about understanding the complex, ever-changing challenges they face at every stage of treatment.  From acute inpatient deficits to long-term survivorship, physical therapists play a critical role in improving outcomes for this population. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shai Sewell,...

Send us Fan Mail Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is more than just numbness and tingling.  With up to 83% of patients experiencing persistent CIPN, oncoPTs need practical, evidence-based strategies to address these challenges head-on. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Katie Schmitt, PT, to discuss an innovative, hands-on approach to treating CIPN, improving balance, and integr...

Send us Fan Mail For children and adolescents with cancer, exercise is a proven way to improve quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, and physical strength. Yet, many young patients struggle to stay active, especially during hospitalizations.  Enter Virtual Reality (VR), an innovative tool that’s bridging the gap between exercise recommendations and real-world challenges. In this episode, I sit...

Send us Fan Mail Cancer during pregnancy is a reality that’s becoming more common. In fact, it’s now the second leading cause of death among women in their reproductive years .  But what does this mean for OncoPT?  These patients face incredibly complex physical and mental health challenges—not just during pregnancy but long after. That’s where you come in . In today’s episode, I’m talking with sp...

Send us Fan Mail With over 240,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer every year, it’s no surprise that many patients seen in orthopedic clinics also have breast cancer somewhere in their medical history. Here’s the catch: breast cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and reconstruction don’t just treat cancer—they also create ripple effects across the entire body, leading to pr...

Send us Fan Mail The new year is officially here, which means we have begun the countdown to APTA-CSM 2025! 🎙️ "Watch Your Mouth: Improving Therapeutic Alliance Through Effective Communication" is not just another talk about communication—this session dives deep into the how of connecting with your patients on a meaningful level.  We’re talking about building trust, navigating those toug...

Send us Fan Mail Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this presentation reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Neuropathy can be challenging to address, but it’s very common in cancer rehab.  And it’s not just chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) either.   In this replay episode, guest Dr. Kayl...

Send us Fan Mail Coming in as the #2 most popular episode of TheOncoPT Podcast, it's our interview with fan favorite, Dr. Katie Schmitt! As cancer survivorship improves, you WILL see more patients with chronic side effects & impairments. One of these side effects is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).  Unfortunately, CIPN can be challenging to treat, & much research sti...

Send us Fan Mail Prostate cancer survivors sometimes fall into the gap between pelvic floor PT & OncoPT - who should be treating the patient & when? The short answer is all hands on deck, but Dr. Matthew Johnston, PT, breaks down exactly how to prioritize your patient’s impairments & which team your patient should see first. In today’s year-end replay episode, we dive into the physical...

Send us Fan Mail In this replay episode, I sit down with Dr. Alyssa Carey, one of my Case Report Writing Workshop students, to talk about her journey in creating a compelling case report. We dive into the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and how the process transformed her as a clinician. This episode is more than a guide to case report writing —it’s an invitation to reflect on your...

Send us Fan Mail "There is a whole person, with a whole bunch of body systems that are all implicated or affected in all of this, but who also exists within this greater community. And we cannot discount any of those factors if we're really trying to make a difference in the function, in the independence, in the quality of life in our patient." In this celebratory recap episode, Dr....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Elise takes a look back at The Cancer Rehab Community Conference 2024, sharing key takeaways and highlights from the event.  Dive into the incredible sessions with the actual conference speakers, covering topics like: Using manual therapy to manage CIPN Safety in cancer rehab (from the safety queen herself, Dr. Susan Maltser!) Strategies to ensure cancer rehab has...

Send us Fan Mail The Cancer Rehab Community Conference 2024 delivered an inspiring weekend filled with learning, collaboration, and innovation.  Attendees gained actionable insights from experts, shared practical applications of the latest research, and celebrated the strides being made in oncology rehab.  Whether you missed it or want to revisit the key moments, this recap covers everything you n...

Send us Fan Mail Cancer rehab can be challenging to practice on your own.  Worst yet, too many therapists get the advice “You’ll just figure it out.” That’s why a COMMUNITY of support, inspiration, and innovation is so important to your journey as an OncoPT. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on The Cancer Rehab Community Conference, and how it’s transforming the global standard of on...