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2022 CU PHYSICAL THERAPY ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Audrey Waldron

Get to know more about Audrey Waldron, PT, DPT, the 2022 Alumni Achievement Award recipient. Dr. Waldron is an alumna of the Class of 2013.

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What is your educational background?

I graduated with a. BA in Biology from LaSalle University in 1988 and went on to obtain my Master’s in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University & The University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ in 1990. When the American Physical Therapy Association established its Vision 2020, “by 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy,” I decided to engage in a program that would allow me to obtain this degree.

Why did you choose CU for your DPT degree?

I chose CU due to the outstanding faculty and curriculum they had developed to allow practicing clinicians to obtain their doctoral degree.

What is a fond experience from your time in the program? There were many fond memories, but one in particular were the discussions and mentoring I received from Dr. Margaret Schenkman when she served as my faculty advisor for my final project. Not only did she mentor me regarding writing an evidenced based paper, but our discussions on life and benefits of mediation.

What has your career path been like post-graduation?

I started practicing physical therapy in Colorado in 1990 at St. Anthony’s hospital where I gained a wide variety of experience in the different disciplines (inpatient orthopedics, neurology, wound care, and outpatient orthopedics). I then began to work in private practice for several years prior to being recruited by University Hospital to assist in developing and managing the first satellite outpatient physical therapy clinic in Boulder. Six years later I opened an independently owned physical Therapy practice in Boulder, Waldron’s Peak Physical Therapy and later also acquired Sirona Physical Therapy in Golden. Both clinics have survived the various changes in healthcare and continue to provide one on one care to our clients in a manner that allows clinicians to maximize the skills they honed in their doctoral programs.

Do you have any special interests within physical therapy?

My area of interest in physical therapy has been primarily in orthopedic patient care, practice management and advocacy for the profession of physical therapy at a state and national level. Clinically, I enjoy working with clients to provide them with the education and tools that they may be able to optimize their function now and throughout their aging process. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with clients off and on for many years and have become their primary health care provider for the management of their musculoskeletal conditions. Practice management interests have been focused on creating and sustaining a practice environment that allows clinicians to practice with autonomy and patients to access one on one care from providers delivering evidenced based care with compassion and who spend time listening and addressing the needs of their patients.

Where do you see your career going in the next five years? Interesting question as I am in the twilight of my career. In the next five years I foresee a gradual reduction in clinical care and transition of ownership of my private practices to an enthusiastic and motivated entrepreneur. I am open to the evolution of consulting opportunities and exploring working in hospice and/or becoming a death doula.

Outside of your day job, what other involvement have you had within the physical therapy community and profession? I had the great opportunity to be mentored by many outstanding leaders within the physical therapy community throughout my career. I served a total of 24 years on the Colorado Chapter Board of Directors and participated in 21 APTA House of Delegates. My tenure in the Colorado Chapter consisted of Mile High Chair, Delegate and Chief Delegate to the House of Delegates, Chapter President and Practice Director. As previously stated, I was also appointed to the membership task force of the National Private Practice Section (PPS) as well as chair of the PPS membership committee.

I have lobbied and testified on numerous issues related to the physical therapy profession in Colorado and lobbied physical therapy issues to members of Congress.

I have worked with the Colorado Chapter and other private practitioners in Colorado regarding payment and reimbursement for physical therapy services.

Over the years I have been a guest speaker in both physical therapy programs and several PTA programs in Colorado, presenting information on professional and practice topics.

What advice do you have for current DPT students?

My advice to current DPT students would be to find a path within the profession that fuels your passion, challenges your intellect and fills you with joy. Clinically, never compromise your ethics and values for the “business of healthcare,” but to continue to advocate for your patients and for yourself in a way that allows you to provide care in a meaningful, joyful manner. Listen to your patients and they will help guide you to what needs to be done for a successful outcome. The profession of physical therapy has tremendous opportunities for growth and development throughout your career and allows for the migration between different areas of practice, research, academia, administration as well as a cross over to other areas of healthcare. Seize the day and find your passion!

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