March/April, 2021 Volume M, NO. 37
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 NYPTA is Planning a Virtual Lobby Day Cover Story (page 1,3)
A Positive Meaning of "See Something, Say Something" (President's Letter) (page 2,4)
2021-2023 Slate of Officers (page 5-13)
Research Committee Vacancy (page 14)
Member Spotight: Julie Wolfley PT, DPT (page 15-16)
NYPTA PT of the Year Award (page 17)
Call for Posters & Platform Abstracts (page 18)
Winter 2021 BOD Report (page 19)
NYPTA is Planning a Virtual Lobby Day
By Marcia Miller Spoto, PT, DC Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy NYPTA Public Policy Committee Chair
The year 2020 was impactful in so many ways for Americans, and especially for the healthcare system. Healthcare providers in New York State were especially affected by COVID, with the surge in cases during the spring last year. Given the necessary shift in focus to treating COVID patients and controlling the spread of the virus, the NYS legislature, like most state legislative bodies, was consumed with managing the pandemic. As a result, the NYPTA annual lobby day was cancelled last year. Although things are looking much better this spring, with the mass vaccine distribution effort and the hope for a return to somewhat normal life within reach, the traditional mechanism for engaging with the legislature will not be possible in 2021. Like many other professional groups and organizations, the NYPTA is planning for a virtual lobby day as a viable alternative to in-person meetings with legislators. This will allow for a meaningful engagement with our elected officials for the purpose of promoting legislation that will ultimately improve our ability to deliver essential healthcare services to our patients. continued on page 3
www.nypta.org
March/April, 2021 • Empire State Physical Therapy 1