2020 March/April NYPTA Newsletter

March/April, 2020 Volume M, NO. 31

Empire State

Physical Therapy The O f f i ci al Ne wsl etter o f the N ew Yo r k Phys ic a l Th era py As s o c iatio n, I nc.

IN THIS ISSUE COVID - 19: We're Here For You (Cover Story (page 1,3)

COVID - 19 Outbreak (President's Letter (page 2) New for 2020: Lobby Day Goes Virtual

(page 4, 10)

Member Spotlight: Amy Stein, PT, DPT (page 5-6)

Winter BOD Report (page 7-8)

Research Committee Vacancy (page 10)

Member Spotlight: Tracy Hardes, PTA (page 11-12)

News Announcements/Meeting Dates (page 14)

COVID-19: We're Here For You

by Kelly Garceau, NYPTA Executive Director

The physical therapy profession is one that touches many people in many ways. You all chose a very hands-on profession that now requires you to keep hands off to the extent possible. What does that mean for you and your patients? It means that caring for your patients may now have to be handled differently, remotely. That's where telehealth/ telemedicine comes in.

To begin with, telehealth looks different among payers. While NYS Telehealth Parity Law requires commercial insurers and Medicaid to provide reimbursement for services delivered via telehealth if those same services would have been covered if delivered in person (Public Health Law Article 29-6; Social Services Law ยง367-7 and Insurance Law ยง3217-h), not all insurers allow for PTs to treat via telehealth.

Rather, they allow for E-visits, which are not the same as telehealth.

In that regard, we recently sent out an email template that APTA put together for members to send to CMS. The purpose of the email is to request that CMS expand the types of providers eligible to furnish telehealth medicine to include physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. A link to the letter can be found on the COVID-19 resource page of the NYPTA website (www.nypta.org).

Take the time to make your voice heard on this very important issue! continued on page 3

www.nypta.org

March/April, 2020 โ ข Empire State Physical Therapy 1

COVID - 19 Outbreak President’s letter

Dear PT, PTA and Student Colleagues, My original topic for my letter to the membership for this edition of the Empire State newsletter was planning for APTA’s Centennial in 2021 including both APTA and NYPTA activities.

Before I could complete my letter on this topic, however, the national emergency was declared due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Given the fast-changing status of this outbreak, and how our lives are currently being disrupted, I decided Centennial plans for 2021 was not the most pertinent topic. I am not sure where we will be as a state, or a nation, when this newsletter is published, so I am just providing a short message at this time.

My first concern is the health and safety of all members, your families, and the patients we serve.

Please take good care of yourself and your loved ones. Follow state and local health department and governmental guidelines as well as CDC/other national guidelines on how to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

I understand that so much information is being distributed by so many different entities that it can be confusing with respect to what recommendations to follow and what “The health and safety of all members, your famiactions to take. lies, and the patients we serve is my NYPTA released the following first concern” statement on March 23: Peggy NYPTA continues to support APTA’s Statement on Patient Care and Peggy Lynam, PT, DPT Practice Management during the COVID-19 Outbreak that “encourages physical therapists to use their professional judgment to determine when, where, and how to provide care…”.

However, with the increasing spread of the Coronavirus in NYS and the current NYS PAUSE Executive Order, NYPTA believes physical therapists should provide in-person services only when essential to the patient’s recovery or the patient’s setting (ie hospital, skilled nursing facility), physical therapists should defer in-person services that are not essential, and transition to services via telehealth to the greatest extent possible.

Please be assured that NYPTA leadership and staff are doing our best to keep as up to date as possible and provide the membership with information related to how the pandemic is impacting PT practice in NYS and other relevant Association activities. The Chapter website has a COVID-19 resource page and blast emails are being sent to members when new information is available. https://www.nypta.org/page/COVID-19Information.

APTA has also been releasing information on a regular basis and has established a webpage on the Coronavirus at the following link. http://www.apta.org/Coronavirus/.

I wish everyone well in these challenging times. Please reach out to me or Chapter office staff with questions or concerns.

Best Regards,

Volume M, No.31 March/April, 2020

P II RR EE EE M M P H YS SI ICC AA LL P PH Y

S TS AT TAET E

T TH HE RE AR PAY P Y

Volume XXXIX, No.(8), November/December, 2005

Publisher

New York Physical Therapy Association 971 Albany Shaker Road Latham, NY 12110 Phone: 518.459.4499 • Toll-Free: 800.459.4489 Fax: 518.459.8953 www.nypta.org

Editor / Designer

Gloria Baker Empire State Physical Therapy is published 6 times yearly, with combined January/February, March/April, May/June, July/ August, September/October and November/December issues. Its purpose is to provide physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and physical therapist/physical therapist assistant students with accurate and timely information relevant to the practice of physical therapy. The editor reserves the right to edit all communications.

Anonymous letters will not be published. Views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the formal position of NYPTA unless expressly stated.

Editorial Board

Catherine Talbett, PT, DPT Alanna Pokorski, PT, DPT

Advertisements

All adver tisements in Empire State Physical Therapy must comply with the ethical standards of the APTA. Acceptance of advertisements in this publication does not imply endorsement.

Submission of Material for Publication

Submissions should be sent via email to Gloria Baker, Editor, at gbaker@nypta.org. Submissions are subject to the discretion of the editorial board.

Subscriptions

NYPTA members automatically receive this publication.

Nonmember subscriptions are $100 (US) or $150 (non-US) annually.

This price includes sales tax, shipping and handling.

Deadlines

Editorial and advertising deadlines are the first business day of the month prior to the month of publication.

Chapter Officers

Chapter Directors

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Speaker Chief Delegate

Brooklyn/Staten Island Catskill Central Eastern Finger Lakes Greater New York Hudson Valley Long Island Southern Tier Western

Peggy Lynam, PT, DPT Michael Tisbe, PT, DPT Keri Gill-Smith, PT, DPT Debra Engel, PT, DPT, MS Robert Streb, PT, PhD Roger Herr, PT, MPA

Hammouda Soliman, PT, DPT Yvonne Egitto, PT, DPT Adam Rufa, PT, DPT Audrey Paslow, PT, DPT Michael Huson, PT, DPT Kaitlyn Parrotte, PT, DPT Nannette Hyland, PT, PhD Keith Perrucci, PT, Genevieve Smith, PT, DPT Jacob McPherson, PT, DPT

Chapter Office Staff

Executive Director Kelly Garceau

kgarceau@nypta.org Communications Manager Gloria Baker

gbaker@nypta.org

Membership Coordinator Adilah Abdul-Matin

aabdulmatin@nypta.org

Events/CE Coordinator Erin Stack

estack@nypta.org

Peggy Copyright 2020 by the New York Physical Therapy Association. Requests for reprints should be directed to Gloria Baker at NYPTA, 971 Albany Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

2 Empire State Physical Therapy • March/April, 2020

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COVID-19: We're Here For You

We are also providing support for those of you working on the front lines in hospitals, SNFs and home care who are meeting the challenges of treating patients with COVID-19 daily. We have resources that include information from APTA sections on Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Care, Acute Care PT, CMS Long-Term Care Nursing Homes Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit, and the latest information on PPE. If you cannot find answers to questions that you may have, please feel free to reach out to the Chapter office staff.

The following is a list of subheadings on our COVID-19 page, with links and resource documents that are updated on a daily basis: • • • • • • • •

Latest Information on the Disease: COVID-19 Information from NYS - Dept. of Health/Education/Insurance CMS Resources Telehealth Practice Business Human Resources Facebook Groups on Telehealth

If you can't find an answer to your question, please feel free to reach out to the Chapter office via email (kgarceau@nypta.org) or by phone at 518-459-4499.

In the blink of an eye, life has changed for all. That is our one certainty these days -- life has changed. This virus will affect all of us, some more than others. We know that now is the time you need us, and we will be there.

Be safe and stay well, Kelly Garceau, NYPTA Executive Director

www.nypta.org

March/April, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 3

New for 2020: Lobby Day Goes Virtual

By Jacob I. McPherson, PT, DPT, Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist Chairperson, NYPTA Public Policy Committee

Greetings fellow members, Over the past few weeks our clinics, hospitals, academic institutions, and even our own homes have been hit with unique and unprecedented challenges. In response to COVID-19 and mandates related to gatherings of any sort, Lobby Day will be unable to be held in its traditional form. This presents a brand-new opportunity for us!

This year we will be encouraging members to hold meetings with their representatives via teleconference (i.e. Skype, Facetime, Webex, etc). As we embrace technology for these meetings, we hope that we can recruit members from EVERY legislative district to meet with their Senator and Assemblyperson. With a carefully crafted message, we believe that these meetings can be just as effective as our in-person meetings but with the added benefit of convenience and efficiency.

Despite COVID-19, the 2020 NYS Legislative Session presses on and our Public Policy team has been gearing up for our chance to make an impact. We are currently monitoring the budget process closely as the April 1st deadline approaches. Our priority bills have been reintroduced into the legislature as this is the second year of our two-year legislative session. Now more than ever we need your support and here’s the top reasons why: 4. Democrats Getting Settled in the Senate As many of us know, Democrats now control both the Senate and the Assembly. All Senate committee chair positions were changed with new leadership for the first time in many years. With that came a time of adjustment to the new working dynamic. Our bills need to be passed by individual committees before they can be voted on by the entire Senate or Assembly. With new leadership came new bill sponsors and continued opportunity to educate our representatives.

3. The Opioid Epidemic Continues to Drive Public Policy State and Federal policy makers alike are listening for strategies to manage the opioid epidemic with a keen ear.

NYPTA’s Opioid Alternative Special Committee (OASC) has been collecting statistics on the opioid impact by county which will be infused into our talking points. This regionally specific data will be of particular interest to legislators as they advocate for their communities. Additionally, the OASC has compiled additional information to supporting PT’s role in pain management demonstrating that we are positioned well help combat this public crisis. Did you know that when a patient sees a PT first for back pain they are 75-90% less likely to be exposed to opioids? Unfortunately, patients are up to 25% less likely to see a PT if their copay is >$20/visit or if they have a deducible >$300. Information like this will definitely be of interest to our legislators and we need YOU to help spread the message.

2. Crucial Opportunity for Many First Impressions 2020 is ripe with opportunities to leave a great impression about physical therapy with legislators who may influence our profession’s priorities. Volunteering to be a resource for healthcare and rehabilitation information to a legislator can pay dividends down the road. New issues surrounding utilization management and Medicaid cuts give us an opportunity to weigh in on issues that affect more than just PT. 1. The Public Needs Us!!

With medical costs skyrocketing, out of control copays and deductibles, opioids wreaking havoc on our communities, and other professions looking to advance their interests, the time is NOW for showing NY’s legislators what WE bring to the table. Physical therapist services are a relatively inexpensive medical spend, research supports that our services outperform most others in efficacy, and we have a very important role to play in helping our citizens manage pain. The evidence supporting our profession has mounted to new heights and it’s time that others hear about it!! (continued on page 10)

4 Empire State Physical Therapy • March/April, 2020

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Member Spotlight: Amy Stein, PT, DPT Founder of Beyond Basics Physical Therapy

How long have you been a member of the NYPTA? Since 2000 What do you enjoy most about NYPTA? I love the community that NYPTA creates and the access to various PT and private practice resources. Also, the publicity that NYPTA helps with and their political action committee!

Tell us a little about your background, and how your path led you to where you are in your career today.

I am the author of the award-winning book, Heal Pelvic Pain and Beating Endo: How to Reclaim Your Life from Endometriosis, and creator of the video, Healing Pelvic and Abdominal Pain: The ultimate home program for patients and a guide for practitioners.

I am considered a pioneer and a leading expert in pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, women’s health, and functional manual therapy for men, women, and children. In 2003, I founded Beyond Basics Physical Therapy in NYC, which now has locations in midtown and a downtown. I served as President of the International Pelvic Pain Society in 2017 and remain on their advisory board., which is non-for-profit. I co-edited Healing in Urology and am an author in many medical textbooks, including Pelvic Pain Management, Female Sexual Pain Disorders: Evaluation and Management, Management of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women, and The Overactive Pelvic Floor. I lecture internationally, am featured in the Endo What? documentary, and have been interviewed in media outlets ranging from the medical segments of popular TV shows, like Dr. Oz, ABC’s 20/20, to such magazines as Elle, Prevention, Parents, Women’s Health, and More magazine and newspapers such as the New York Daily News and New York Post.

During Physical Therapy school, I had a friend’s mother that had a total hysterectomy and ended up with severe bladder and bowel symptoms, pelvic and sexual pain and dysfunction. At the time, I was trying to help figure out what was going on. My graduate school was Problem Based Learning, so my professors told me to ‘figure out’ what she could have. I don’t think they really knew either… but I had a hunch regarding the root of the problem, and one out of the four professors that I asked, agreed with me. Many MD’s, healthcare providers and physical therapists still don’t know what pelvic floor physical therapy is, and that it even exists.

The lack of knowledge, awareness and medical education for my friend’s condition, as well as millions of others, really sparked my interest in educating myself, and pursuing post-graduate training in pelvic health. This led me to open my practice and dedicate it to the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic health conditions, in men, women and children. I’ve never looked back!

What's the most rewarding part about your work and what are some of the challenges?

It has been really rewarding and eye opening to watch my practice expand from 50 patients a week when I opened my doors in 2003, to today with 15 therapists and 250+ patients/week. Pelvic pain is more common than anyone thinks, and the number of patients we see reinforces this fact. Many men and women have been told it is ‘in their head’, even — to drink more wine, do yoga, as a means of a remedy to their pain. This is a real condition, and should not be brushed under the rug. The bottom line is, just really listen to your patients! That is what sets my approach apart from many.

As for challenges, the fact that some healthcare providers still don’t recognize that a patient’s pelvic pain and/or bladder, bowel symptoms, can be musculoskeletal in nature. I had a very interesting experience with a physician in the very beginning of my career. I was treating a patient for vestibulitis years ago, and I wasn’t sure if it was just nerve sensitivity or actual pelvic floor issues.

The patient also had bowel issues, so I wasn’t sure what was going on. With the pelvic floor physical therapy treatment, she was able to improve from an extra small dilator to a medium dilator. However, the physician called me up and yelled at me and said “You’re wasting this patient’s time. She is vitamin D deficient.” The physical continued to say that I was not treating her patient well and that she was vitamin D deficient, even though I got her from an extra small to a medium dilator. She did not recognize her progress and the fact that pelvic floor physical therapy can be successful.

And then I’ve also had, many orthopedic surgeons state that pelvic floor physical therapy cannot help pelvic and back pain. For www.nypta.org

March/April, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 5

Member Spotlight (continued): Amy Stein, PT, DPT Founder of Beyond Basics Physical Therapy

example, there is a big orthopedic hospital in NYC, and they’re known around the country because they treat many professional teams. I, and my team at Beyond Basics Physical Therapy, have explained to many of these physicians that hip pathologies could be attributed to pelvic pain. At first, the whole shield went up, but then, they started to accept that “okay” there’s quite a large population that has urinary symptoms and tailbone symptoms, so maybe there is a correlation. But, they still don’t want to fully deal with it or accept this as fact. They still send the patient to hip physical therapy and they’re in the hospital and usually the PT’s send to us thinking “Oh, they’ve got these other issues going on”. Quite a bit of resistance, but we are getting a little closer. We still have a long way to go.

What is a typical day like for you?

I don’t think I have enough room on this form to answer that. I wear at least 100 hats: patient care, business, financial and administrative management, marketing, mentoring within our office and outside our practice, community and healthcare provider outreach and awareness regarding pelvic health, volunteering for the International Pelvic Pain society (my other love and passion to spread how essential PT is and to support education and awareness), writing books and articles, doing podcasts and media interviews, helping to support and encourage my staff to grow, as well as advising people outside of work with their business and work aspirations; attending CEUs and/or healthcare conferences throughout the year; doing fundraising events with the office and supporting those, caring for 2 kids, husband and a new puppy, spending time with my extended family….

How do you make time to volunteer and be active in groups you're involved with?

It is tough, but if you have a passion for something you figure out ways to fit it in. IE. I have put a LOT of time and effort into expanding pelvic health through physical therapy but also through other non-for profit societies, like IPPS, ISSWSH, NYPTA and APTA. Who is one of your role models and why?

My step-father, Ira Ingerman, who raised me, educated me, and showed me unconditional love — he is my inspiration and my heart hurts because he passed away fairly suddenly this past year. He started out with nothing, except two loving parents, who immigrated from Russia. He worked very hard and became successful through grit and determination, and this value system had a profound impact on me. He was my mentor and advisor through my entire business career, and was always positive — giving great advice and direction. He taught me a good work ethic and how to succeed. I am forever grateful and thankful that I have had such a wonderful mentor along the way.

What advice would you give NYPTA members who are new to the profession and want to make a difference?

1. Have a good mentor that you trust.

2. Communicate well and efficiently with your patients/clients and your staff.

3. Be open to change and be flexible when appropriate.

4. If you are opening a new business or practice, you're only as good as your team, from what you hire in-house to what you outsource.

5. Be firm and consistent, but empathetic. I have made mistakes along the way (we are all human!), and have learned from them.

Keep going, keep learning and don't make the same mistake twice!

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?

With my family and my kids! We love to travel and to ski and snowboard!

What's the most important trend you see today?

Having a niche/specialty in the PT world is important to stay on top of your game.

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2020 Winter BOD Report On January 25th, 2020 the New York Physical Therapy Board of Directors (BOD) met via a webinar. Below is a summary. Please refer to the Winter BOD meeting minutes on the website for more detail.

Multiple motions were passed at the meeting including: • Motion to approve the revised NYPTA PTA Procedure Manual: Part 1; III. Appendix; E. Job Description – PTA Caucus Representative as amended by substitution to include the necessity for the PTA Caucus Representative to take part in the Chapter Board of Directors Meetings. This will allow the representative to stay abreast of current Chapter business that can be/is related to the PTA Caucus Representative’s duties.

• Motion to amend by substitution: Chapter Policy Manual Section 5. Chapter Administrative/Newsletter. Financial Policies: 9. Budget Policies G. Funding for NYPTA Attendance at APTA Federal Government Affairs Forum. The Federal Affairs Liaison recommended a policy with more flexibility to allow for effective use of funds on an annual basis • Motion that the NYPTA Board of Directors submit the following Bylaw amendment to the 2020 Delegate Assembly: The Annual Meeting of the Chapter shall be a business meeting of the Chapter Delegate Assembly at a time and place specified by the Chapter Board of Directors Executive Committee in consultation with the Speaker of the Delegate Assembly. Due to the time constraints for signing hotel contracts for the DA and only 3 BOD meetings held a year, it is rarely feasible for the whole BOD to formally approve the time and place of the DA meeting.

• Motion that the NYPTA Board of Directors submit the following Bylaw amendment to the 2020 Delegate Assembly: That the Bylaws of the New York Physical Therapy Association Article VII. Officers, Board of Directors & Executive Committee. Section 4. Board of Directors. B. Duties. be amended by striking “12. Determine the time and place of the conferences and Annual Meeting of the Chapter.” in its entirety and renumbering the remaining duties.

• Motion that the NYPTA Board of Directors submit the following Bylaw amendment to the 2020 Delegate Assembly: That the Bylaws of the New York Physical Therapy Association Article VII. Officers, Board of Directors & Executive Committee. Section 5. Executive Committee. C. Duties of the Executive Committee be amended by adding a new “6. Determine the time and place of the conferences and Annual Meeting of the Chapter.”

• Motion that the NYPTA Board of Directors submit the following Bylaw amendment to the 2020 Delegate Assembly: That the Bylaws of the New York Physical Therapy Association Article I. Name and Relationship to American Physical Therapy Association. Section 1. Name. be amended by striking “The New York Physical Therapy Association, Inc” before the first “hereinafter” and inserting “APTA New York.”

• Motion that the Awards Committee Manual be edited Section III Appendix A. Calendars 1. Calendar of Activities and Deadlines: Chapter and Student Participation Awards by inserting after 1st week in January...Program Chairs.

At least 6 weeks prior to the DA- Return deadline for all Chapter award nominations • Motion that the Awards Committee Manual be edited Section III Appendix A. Calendars 1. Calendar of Activities and Deadlines: Chapter and Student Participation Awards by striking “all Chapter and” after “4 Weeks prior to DA”: So that it will read: 4 weeks prior to DA: Return deadline for Student Participation award nominations Generative discussion:  Update on APTA Branding Initiative/Unified Brand Strategy - President provided an update. Currently 36 Chapters and 11 Sections have adopted the new Brand  Chapter BOD Community on APTA Hub - President advised the Board that we currently have the option to develop a free Hub community for the NYPTA Board, which would be a private community.

www.nypta.org

March/April, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 7

2020 Winter BOD Report (continued)

 Impact of Recent Medicare Changes on PT Employment/Practice - Vice President reached out to the Board on the impact of these changes as well as to gather feedback from others. There were several instances of these changes and their impact was provided. President advised that APTA is aware of this issue since it is a national issue. Further updates from APTA provided at CSM.  Timeliness of Authorizations by Certain Part B Payers - Vice President advised the Board that there are delays in receiving authorizations for patients. Members should contact Chapter office with authorization issues.  NYPTA PAC Initiatives/Strategies - NYPTA PAC Chair and the ED provided information on initiatives that the Chair is interested in implementing. The Chair would also like to improve the membership understanding of the difference between APTA PAC vs. NY Chapter PAC.  Keynote Speaker/Other Presenter Ideas - 2021 Conference - Program Committee Chair gave an update on the financial impact of the conference. Asked the Board for suggestions for speakers for the 2021 conference.

A speaker on the opioid epidemic was suggested. A suggestion was made to live stream non-lab courses. In the past there have been 1/2 day courses for PTAs. The committee will look at that possibility for the 2021 conference. Public Policy advised that the Advocacy Workshop it is being looked at for future conferences.  Alternative Exhibitor/Exhibit Hall Model - Program Committee Chair provided information on a conference where vendors provided sponsorship for lunch and were able to demonstrate their products/services. Possibly think about other models where there are particular vendors for particular courses which may help vendors get more exposure.  PTA Membership – Discussed District’s concerns about the reduction in PTA members in NYPTA. Cost of membership and lower salaries seems to be a major reason. Discussed initiatives to increase PTA membership.  President advised that we were able to change the date of our October BOD meeting and it now will not compete with ELC in 2020

The meeting concluded with Good and Welfare Respectively submitted by Debra Engel, PT, DPT, MS NYPTA Secretary

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March/April, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 9

New for 2020: Lobby Day Goes Virtual

Virtual Lobby Day 2020 is scheduled for Tuesday May 12th. Of course, if your legislator is not available on that date, any other time is perfect! Talking points will be updated and appointments will be made but what is truly vital to our success is YOUR PARTICIPATION!! Click HERE for registration information. Firsthand accounts from PRACTICING CLINICIANS, ACTIVE EDUCATORS, SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, AND ADMINISTRATORS are what resonate with members of the legislature. We need to increase the number of practicing therapists and therapist assistants advocating both in Albany and at the district level. Our success hinges on our ability to educate our legislators on issues impacting both OUR profession and their constituents.

More specific details about the logistics on Virtual Lobby Day, as well as updated talking points for meetings with your legislators will be released shortly. Your time away from clinics, practices, classrooms, or rehab departments will prove a worthwhile investment if we can create movement on our priorities. Please make plans to particpate in this year's Virtual Lobby Day, and come armed with personal stories demonstrating our value to patients and the public. It is you, our membership, whose continued commitment and passion for physical therapy will make the difference!!

Sincerely, Jacob I. McPherson, PT, DPT Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist Chairperson, NYPTA Public Policy Committee

Research Committee Vacancy The Research Committee is currently seeking a new committee member to join the Research Committee starting July 1, 2020.

The primary responsibilities of the Research Committee are to review abstracts for the Chapter Conference, organize and implement a research-related program at the Chapter conference, review applications and recommend funding for the Arthur J. Nelson Research Designated Fund, and serve as consultants to chapter members for research activities. Responsibilities also may include other special projects related to objectives established by the committee.

Although members of the committee are often physical therapists who have earned advanced research degrees, membership is open to clinical experts who can provide input and clinical perspective when reviewing abstracts, grant applications, and when assessing the needs of the membership with regard to research mentorship. Terms of appointment are 4 years.

If you are interested in being considered, please forward your resume or curriculum vitae electronically to research@nypta. org. Further, feel free to contact a current member of the committee if you have any questions about service on the Research Committee. Current committee members are: Gary Brooks, PT, DrPH (Co-Chair): BrooksG@upstate.edu Ayse Ozcan Edeer, PT, PhD (Co-Chair): ayse.edeer@dc.edu Andrew Ray, PT, PhD: Andrew.Ray@RoswellPark.org Lisa Muratori, PT, EdD, MSCS: lisa.muratori@stonybrook.edu

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Member Spotlight: Tracy Hardes, PTA Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist Physical Therapist Assistant, University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital

How long have you been a member of the NYPTA? Since 2014 when I was a student at Genesee Community College.

What do you enjoy most about NYPTA? First and foremost, this is my profession. I find it invaluable to support the field that provided me the opportunity to do what I love. My second favorite thing I enjoy is the networking locally, regionally and nationally. I have the utmost confidence that I have a true network of professionals to help guide who I am as a PTA. Tell us a little about your background, and how your path led you to where you are in your career today.

When I was 19, I woke up as a normal teenager. By mid-day I had sudden onset facial weakness which turned out to be Bell’s Palsy. I wasn’t diagnosed for almost 10 days, despite going for immediate care. I was located in a small town in the southern tier and my mom and I had to drive 4 hours each way to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for Physical Therapy because they were the closest facility specializing in facial nerve paralysis rehab. I fell in love with the work they provided as well as other establishments that provided me rehab for sports related injuries. I knew this was a field that made a difference.

My journey into Physical Therapy was extensive though and I didn’t pursue a degree as a PTA until 2013 after working in Professional Sports and Entertainment for 12 years.

What's the most rewarding part about your work and what are some of the challenges?

I work in Acute care and have since I graduated. So, the most rewarding part of my job is seeing the confidence build on patients' faces when they are moving toward discharge from the hospital. I get to play a vital role in progressing our patients back to their new life. I’m a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist so seeing a lot of people who have had a traumatic life change learn their new “normal” is really empowering. Most challenges we face relate to insurance company denials for appropriate levels of rehab. We in therapy are passionate about our patients and getting them the maximum recovery. We spend lots of time advocating for our patients and making sure we assist them not only during the session, but afterward to receive further care.

What is a typical day like for you?

Always busy, covering almost 5 miles of walking and stairs each day on the Oncology Units at the University of Rochester – Strong Memorial Hospital -- meeting a variety of new patients along the way.

Who is one of your role models and why?

This is a tough one to answer. I have several role models, however, if I keep it related to the field of physical therapy, I’d have to say my top role model is my professor from college, Dr. Christopher Caputi. He, like many others, is so passionate about PT that he chose to drive the field forward through education.

www.nypta.org

March/April, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 11

Member Spotlight (continued): Tracy Hardes, PTA Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist Physical Therapist Assistant, University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital

What's the most important trend you see today?

It’s no secret that our profession is seeing many changes related to reimbursement of services. What’s interesting is that our profession has been here before. I truly believe we will move past this “blip” by continuing to provide excellent care to our patients and advocating for our field since we truly know the value.

What advice would you give NYPTA members who are new to the profession and want to make a difference?

Get involved. I recently had the pleasure of hearing our APTA President Dr. Sharon Dunn speak at CSM. She said it best “APTA is the vehicle that drives our profession into the future. You can be in the driver’s seat, passenger seat, or you can be in the trunk and go wherever the car is going because someone else is driving.” There are several ways to be involved from a local, regional or national perspective. If you aren’t sure how, send me an email – tracyhardes@yahoo.com How do you make time to volunteer and be active in groups you're involved with?

I was once told the phrase, “I don’t have time” should be changed to, “I don’t make time.” That’s exactly it. You have to make time. I am a very busy person and I juggle multiple volunteer opportunities as well as enjoy time with family and friends. The commitment it takes to make a difference can be within your allotted time. You can’t run yourself ragged, but you can prioritize what’s important to you. I have come to learn that a life of service to others is most important to me.

What else would you like your fellow NYPTA members to know about you?

I am probably one of the most eclectic people you'll meet. I'm an eternal optimist who shares positivity on social media every day. I love being active and enjoy a variety of different sports like running, hiking and curling. I'm from a small family and a small town but have been fortunate to live in Nashville, TN for 11 years and now live in Rochester, NY for 11 years so I can appreciate a larger city. My top volunter opportunities are with Team Red, White and Blue, a national organization designed to enhance the lives of America's verterans, and directing a 5K run/walk in my home town of Portville, NY that supports a scholarship in memory of my friend, Lt. Michael McGreevy Jr.

Do you Know someone who should be a member spotlight? Email aabdulmatin@nypta.org with their name and email address.

12 Empire State Physical Therapy • March/April, 2020

www.nypta.org

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March/April, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 13

News & Announcements

APTA's Engage The new member volunteer platform to make it easier to volunteer at both the national and Chapter level.

Use APTA Engage by: • Log-in with an APTA ID and password • Create your volunteer profile • Opt-in to APTA Engage to receive notifications on opportunities that match your interests • Search and apply or sign up for opportunities at the national or Chapter level More information can be found at: https://engage.apta.org.

To get started go to: https://engage.apta.org/volunteerresources/about-engage.

NYPTA dues may be tax deductible.

Below is the portion of your dues that is not deductible as an ordinary and necessary expense to the extent that APTA and NYPTA engage in Lobbying: The non-deductible portion of your Chapter dues is 8% The non-deductible portion of your National dues is 20%

2020 NYPTA Events

Connect with us on Social Media!

EC/BOD Spring Virtual Meeting May 1, 2020 -Web-based Virtual Delegate Assembly May 2, 2020 - Web-based Virtual Lobby Day May 12, 2020 Pending EC/BOD Fall Meeting October 1-2, 2020 2020 APTA Events 2020 Virtual HOD June 1-3, 2020 Virtual NEXT APTA Conference TBD

to Competent Professional Services Professional misconduct and unlicensed practice of the professions are against the law!

To report suspected cases of professional misconduct or unlicensed practice of the professions, call 800-442-8106 or email conduct@mail.nysed.gov.

14 Empire State Physical Therapy • March/April, 2020

(Click buttons to view)

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March/April, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 15

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16 Empire State Physical Therapy • March/April, 2020

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March/April, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 17

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www.nypta.org

New York Physical Therapy Association A Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association 971 Albany Shaker Road Latham, NY 12110

www.nypta.org

March/April, 2020 • Empire State Physical Therapy 19