TheOncoPT Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Stuck on your ABPTS Oncology case report? You are not alone. In this Ask Elise Anything episode, we’re diving into YOUR questions about writing your case report for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Certification application.  From choosing a strong patient case to avoiding perfection paralysis, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you write with confidence—and finish o...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or tempted to start over ( again ) on your case report?  Before you completely trash your case report, you’ll want to listen to this 👇 Molly Reynolds, PT, shares her honest journey of starting and scrapping multiple case report drafts before finally gaining momentum (and confidence) through the Case Report Writing Workshop.  You’ll hear exactly what he...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling overwhelmed by your case report? Thinking about using PTO just to finish writing? You’re not alone — and you definitely don’t have to do that. With the July 1 early bird deadline for the ABPTS Oncology application fast approaching, now’s the time to create a case report game plan that fits your real life (you know, the one with patients, laundry, and maybe even sleep). Whe...

Send us Fan Mail ✅ Write your case report. ✅ Earn CEUs. ✅ Make real progress on your ABPTS Oncology application. In this quick bonus episode, I’m sharing the major updates to Case Report Writing Workshop — including 18 contact hours for PT CEUs, new module upgrades, and a streamlined path to finishing your case report (without the burnout). 👉 Ready to join Case Report Writing Workshop or get t...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re reading this, chances are you’re seriously considering ( or already committed to ) pursuing your Oncology Specialist Certification. But what most PTs don’t realize is that the specialization process is a marathon, not a sprint.  And this marathon doesn’t finish when you take the exam. In this episode, I’m going to walk you through what the year ahead looks like — so you...

Send us Fan Mail As an OncoPT, it’s easy to underappreciate just how much you know. What feels “basic” to you —like explaining cancer-related fatigue or fitting a walker— is often life-changing information for someone else . So here’s your reminder: 👉 Don’t keep your knowledge to yourself. Share it. Because someone out there needs to hear exactly what you know— and only you can say it the way you...

Send us Fan Mail New cancer treatments are only one aspect of improving oncology care.  Because we also need the next generation of rehab professionals who are trained, willing, & excited to lead the charge in oncology rehabilitation . In this episode of TheOncoPT Podcast , we’re diving into the real-world impact of student-led research, mentorship, and global collaboration—and why this matter...

Send us Fan Mail Like the Texas bluebonnets, your growth as an oncology PT doesn’t happen overnight.   It takes time, patience, and the right conditions.  In this episode, we unpack why the steady, often invisible work you’re doing matters—and how it’s building the confident, expert clinician your patients need.  >>Join The Cancer Rehab Community today at TheOncoPT.com/community! Follow TheO...

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about board certification in oncologic physical therapy but feeling stuck on where to start — or whether you can even do it?  This episode is your roadmap and your pep talk in one. Theresa Walchner, PT, shares exactly how writing her case report and earning her Oncology Specialist Certification transformed her clinical confidence and sharpened her patient care.  And more...

Send us Fan Mail (P.S. Get ready for a good laugh in today’s episode 😆) You are a skilled, thoughtful clinician, but you’re not perfect. Even the best OncoPTs have blind spots.  In today’s episode, you’ll hear why feedback isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an essential tool for growth, clinical excellence, and building confidence, especially when working in complex oncology rehab settings.  We’ll als...

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...