PTA+ Physical Therapist Assistant

What happens when a physical therapist assistant with decades of clinical experience gets sidelined by long COVID — and decides it’s time to rewrite her career? In this inspiring episode, Gina Vitale shares how she transitioned from being a dedicated clinician, Pilates instructor, and home health provider into a thriving healthcare content writer — without going back to school, without a writing d...

Katie sits down with new grad PTA and leader Russ Burns for a vibrant discussion about advocacy, innovation, AI, and what it means to be a modern PTA in 2025. As they prepare to attend the Future of Rehab Therapy Summit at APTA HQ, they reflect on career transformation, the importance of in-person connection, and why PTAs need to see themselves as both contributors and leaders. Guest: Russ Burns,...

In this insightful episode, host Katie Sutton sits down with Drew Contreras of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to unpack the five biggest reasons PTAs (and other rehab professionals) must pay attention to the Future of Rehab Therapy Summit, happening July 9–10 in Washington, DC. This is not just another conference—it’s a pivot point for the entire rehab profession. If you're a PTA...

Original Airdate:Aug. 3, 2023 Welcome to the PTA+ Podcast! In this episode, host Katie Sutton has a captivating conversation with Amy Smith Hamel, PTA, a remarkable leader in the physical therapy field. Amy, the Regional Director of Operations at Restore Therapy in Alabama, shares her journey into leadership, the power of seizing opportunities, and the profound impact of mentorship and service. Jo...

This week’s conversation pulls no punches: it’s time to stop waiting for someone to save your PT career. If you’re not embracing change, building tech literacy, and developing self-awareness, you’re falling behind. We cover: The top skills for healthcare professionals by 2030 Why “manual dexterity” is losing importance How to build career resilience starting NOW Using AI like ChatGPT as a clinical...

This week’s conversation pulls no punches: it’s time to stop waiting for someone to save your PT career. If you’re not embracing change, building tech literacy, and developing self-awareness, you’re falling behind. We cover: The top skills for healthcare professionals by 2030 Why “manual dexterity” is losing importance How to build career resilience starting NOW Using AI like ChatGPT as a clinical...

Many physical therapists and PTAs hit a career crossroads—burnout, stagnation, or the itch to try something new. In this episode, Jimmy and Katie Dwyer walk through a 4-question framework inspired by James Clear to help you rethink your next move. If you’ve ever asked yourself: "What else can I do with my skills?" or "Am I stuck in this role forever?" — this episode is for you.

In today's episode, Katie interviews returning guest, Dr. Drew Wilcox, who is a PTA and PTA educator at Utah Tech. Drew talks about the reason he pursued a Ph. D. and then breaks down the groundbreaking research he performed for his dissertation on perceived stress in PTA students. His research dives into what the causes of stress are, the comparisons to DPT students, and what educators can do abo...

In today's episode, Katie interviews Elizabeth Simmons, PTA, Federal Affairs Liaison to the PTA Council, and PTA Council Representative/Board of Directors member in Indiana. Elizabeth is well-versed in all things “advocacy” and breaks it down for us. She helps describe advocacy from a 30,000-foot view, as well as the intricate details of speaking in person with your state representatives. Elizabet...

In today's episode, Katie and Sean Bagbey, PTA and Co-founder of Rehabilitation and Performance Institute (RPI) and recent Co-Host of the Health Education Transformation Podcast (HET Podcast) interview each other in a mash-up. In a fun and candid conversation, Katie puts Sean on the hot seat with “clinically based questions”, while Sean asks Katie “education-based questions”. The two hosts explore...

In today's episode, Katie interviews Drew Wilcox, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Utah Tech. Drew has a strong professional background in PTA education, and is an advocate for PTA advancement, student collaboration, and dedicated to driving physical therapy education towards sustainability. Katie and Drew have a diverse conversation discussing everything from PTA education, challenges i...

In today's episode, Katie interviews Rachel Foltz, Assistant Director at Central American Medical Outreach, also known as CAMO. Rachel previously worked as a PTA prior to transitioning to her current role at CAMO. Katie and Rachel discuss how she transformed her skills as a PTA to her current role in recruiting services, devices, and clinicians to work with and travel to Honduras to serve others....

In today's solo episode, Katie explores developing yourself as a Clinical Instructor with the audience. While it is fully recognized that developing as a CI varies across the spectrum regarding school and facility policy and procedure, this conversation is meant to be a starting block for new and emerging Clinical Instructors. In today’s show, Katie reviews three topics: fundamental ways to develo...

In today's solo episode, Katie explores becoming a Clinical Instructor with the audience. While it is fully recognized that this can be a broad and multifaceted conversation, she reviews three basic topics in today’s show: knowing why, how, and when to become a Clinical Instructor. Thank you for tuning in to another insightful episode of the PTA+ Podcast. Be sure to subscribe for more conversation...

In today's episode, we are thrilled to feature Shannon Carillo, a dynamic and innovative PTA from Virginia, who has carved new paths in the realms of billing, insurance, and risk management. Currently, Shannon is a Solution Architect for WebPT. Shannon shares her story of discovering a gap in patient billing experiences, leading her to explore consulting and ultimately redefine her career trajecto...

With over 15,000 Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and students in attendance, our podcast host and guest share a unique connection forged at the APTA's Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in Boston. Today, we had the pleasure of chatting with Ashley Mannino from New Jersey. She shares her insights into the world of physical therapy, our chance encounter at CSM, and her recent certif...

Welcome to another episode of PTA+ Podcast! Feeling lost in the whirlwind of conference preparations? You're not alone! In today's episode, we've got your back. Join us as we unravel the secrets of conference prep, focusing on the upcoming APTA's CSM in Boston, MA. Meet our expert guest, Kacey Dennis, a seasoned PTA from Arizona, and a conference pro. Kacey shares her insights on travel preparatio...

In this episode you will learn about the historical changes in our profession, that help propel the PTA forward. In this discussion with PTA Council Delegates Brenda Dorman, Jeannie Thompson, and David Harris, you will hear about all things “APTA House of Delegates”. This trio of PTAs explain their experience with casting the first votes on behalf of all PTAs in 2022 and 2023. We talk about the st...

This episode of PTA+ Podcast showcases Dr. Sigourney Weathers, a trailblazing Physical Therapist from Carrollton, Texas, who has married her passion for gymnastics with her dedication to physical therapy. Sigourney specializes in Rebound Therapy, using trampolines as a therapeutic tool to enhance her clients' rehabilitation journey. With a focus on empowering her clients through joyous and energet...

Join us in an empowering conversation with Margie Nguyen, a pioneer in the PTA realm, as we delve into her multifaceted career in home health. Margie isn't just pioneering treatments in the greater DC area; she's revolutionizing the role of PTAs through her influential online presence. As the creative force behind the Instagram account “Not Just a PTA” and host of the impactful “Therapy Talk Thurs...

SUMMARY OF EPISODE In this episode, we talk to Sara Davidson, PTA. Sara is a PTA working for the Cleveland Clinic in the Neuro Control Lab. Sara breaks perceived barriers in the realm of physical therapy research as a Physical Therapist Assistant. We discussed what a typical day looks like in a research lab, and the nuts and bolts of physical therapy research, including grants and funding.  Sara i...

Welcome to the PTA+ Podcast! In this episode, host Katie Sutton has a captivating conversation with Amy Smith Hamel, PTA, a remarkable leader in the physical therapy field. Amy, the Regional Director of Operations at Restore Therapy in Alabama, shares her journey into leadership, the power of seizing opportunities, and the profound impact of mentorship and service. Join us as we explore Amy's advi...

In this episode, we talk to Jeremy Foster, PTA about his trip to the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) Congress. Jeremy describes what Physical Therapist Assistants “look like” on the international level.  He describes how he ended up going to Dubai to present information to other countries about how a PTA works in the US, and how this could be applied to other countries in the field...

In this episode of the PTA+, host Katie Sutton sits down with Chris Junkins, co-owner of Dosher Physical Therapy Associates in upstate South Carolina. As a PTA clinician and ATC/L, Chris works with athletes and tests employees for industry employment. He shares his experiences and insights on becoming a leader in the field, including the barriers he had to overcome and what others can do to break...