May 2023 PULSE

TO THE APTA PRACTICE LEADERS’ SUMMIT AND BEYOND

On April 19th I was fortunate to attend the “APTA Practice Leaders’ Summit” at the association’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. It was my rst time attending the meeting and my rst time to the new APTA building. The meeting was great, and the building is very impressive.

This day was by invitation and was attended by approximately 60 leaders from across the country. The CEOs of all the “big guns” including ATI and USPT were in attendance. The opening remarks were provided by Roger Herr, the President of the APTA.

The challenge for those attending was very direct: How will this group “partner” with the APTA to improve the profession of physical therapy?

The day featured three keynote speakers. The rst to present was Hannah Maxey, PhD, from Indiana University. Her presentation “Workforce Challenges Facing Health Care and Physical Therapy” provided an in-depth analysis of the systematic challenges facing an overstressed and understa ed American healthcare workforce. She spent time exploring the trends of the last ve years, with particular attention to the impact of the “COVID era.” It appears that a shortage of providers - from nurses, to MDs, to PTs - will continue to impact the provision of care for the next several years.

The second speaker was Stacy L. Lloyd, MPH, from the American Medical Association. She is the association’s Director of Digital Health and Operations. The premise of her presentation was to educate us on the AMA’s e orts to embrace and expand the use of technology. There is an immediate need and application in rural areas as well as for the broader population. Her goal was to engage members of the physical therapy community in a collaborative e ort to ensure that healthcare technology is successfully implemented and utilized in practices across the country.

Her presentation was a Master Class in big data. The amount of information being collected and analyzed by the AMA and large health systems is remarkable. One can only hope that the outcome is a more individualized course of care that improves outcomes and the entire patient experience.

IN THIS ISSUE

The nal speaker of the day was Representative Larry Bucshon, MD. Before being elected to Congress, Dr. Bucshon practiced as a thoracic surgeon. He is considered a “friend of physical therapy,” as he has often sponsored or supported bills that are advantageous to our profession. He told several stories about attempting to get legislation passed and shared how challenging things like Medicare reform and payment are to change. He is a big proponent of reducing the administrative burden that Medicare Advantage Plans have put on providers. In his words, “I’m in favor of anything that makes it easier for people to get e ective and a ordable care.” He repeatedly reminded the group that advocacy is absolutely essential to getting anything done in politics.

Following the formal speakers, we were randomly assigned to small groups and tasked with talking about the issues and challenges with an emphasis on solutions.

My three take aways from the day are:

• People are PTSMC’s greatest asset. That’s not changing!

• Technology and data will continue to shape what we do and how we do it.

• Political change requires a strong voice and a large bag of money!

The APTA is the largest association representing our profession. The organization is critical in negotiating payment and lobbying to improve the quality of life for physical therapists. I strongly encourage our clinicians to join and be active. PTSMC covers half of the annual cost of membership as part of your bene ts! Everyone can nd opportunities to get involved in the process of advocacy. I often wondered if the letter campaigns and phone calls to representatives mattered.... After listening to Representative Bucshon’s comments, I assure you they do.

The meeting was time well spent with others who deeply care about the profession of physical therapy. Clearly, there are challenges that we all face. I am happy to report that the overall mood was positive and con dent. The services we provide are extremely valuable to the individuals we serve as well as the systems we interact with.

Thanks,

Alan

ENERGAGE EMPLOYEE SURVEY

Your input matters to us! We’d like to hear about your experience working at PTSMC and PT For Life, so we are conducting an employee engagement survey.

Energage, an independent research company, is administering the survey May 10 - May 22.

Please be on the look out for emails from President Alan Balavender and Energage

Clinician’s Corner by Natalie Peterson, Plainville Physical Therapist

Recap of Dr. Daniel Witmer’s Doc Talk: Total Knee/ Arthro brosis and Associated Rehab Perspectives

Apply for PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency Info Session 5/23/23

HR Buzz

May is a Three-Payroll Month

CT Minimum Wage Increase Time O Refresher

529 College Savings Plan - Direct Deposit 401(k) Deadlines

Employee Spotlight: Stevie Fell Float PSC & Customer Experience Trainer

Money Beat: Ideas for Your Tax Refund By Jim Hungerford

DEI: Asian American & Paci c Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

By Marilex Santiago

PT for Life Week Photos

BRAGs

StriveHub Fab 5

“Steve (Platt) was excellent with manipulating my head, neck and shoulders. It worked wonders for me. The other people who helped with my care were good too. Front desk was pleasant and courteous, wait times were very low, patient density seemed reasonable in terms of how the PTs were managing their time.” - Guilford

“The compassion and kindness shown to my 90-yr old mom as she completes PT post-hip surgery. Harrison (Picard) is wonderful, and my mom has gone from fear about going to looking forward to each session. I'm very thankful for the team at PTSMC!” - Fair eld

“Sta are super friendly and overall a great atmosphere. My PT Olivia (Tarca) was great and knew how much to push me and help me after breaking my leg and working toward recovery.”

- Windsor

“I have been going to PTSMC in Naugatuck for a few weeks now and I really appreciate the sta and the special attention that is given to the patients. And they work as a team so it helps to keep the momentum up on your exercises. Great group of people that help us get positive results!”

- Naugatuck

“Everyone is very knowledgeable and have your best interests in mind, it's never easy trying to recover from an injury but they made my experience enjoyable by being engaging and friendly.” -

Putnam

CLINICIAN’S CORNER

Doc Talk Recap: Dr. Daniel Witmer on Total Knee/ Arthro brosis and Associated Rehab Perspectives

By: Natalie Peterson, PT, DPT Physical Therapist at PTSMC Plainville

On March 29th, PTSMC Plainville was honored to host Dr. Dan Witmer, Board Certi ed Orthopedic Surgeon out of Hartford Hospital’s Bone and Joint Institute, who educated clinicians on arthro brosis of a total knee arthroplasty. Dr. Witmer, a Pennsylvania native, received his medical degree from Je erson Medical College in Philadelphia. He then came to Connecticut to complete a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Connecticut, in which he was presented with the Cavazos Award for Most Outstanding Resident during his graduating year. He then completed a one-year fellowship in Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement at Indiana University. During his fellowship, he was trained in complex hip and knee replacement and revision surgery, computer assisted surgery, cementless and partial knee replacement, and rapid recovery techniques enabling outpatient joint replacement for optimized patient recovery. Dr. Witmer’s discussion with PTSMC clinicians focused on the most current research along with his vast personal experience regarding patient’s experiencing arthro brosis of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Arthro brosis, or the “advanced sti ening” of a joint, occurs in 1-5% of patients following a TKA procedure. In regard to the knee joint, arthro brosis is de ned as >10 degrees of loss of extension, and only 80-110 degrees of exion. Dr. Witmer identi ed the most prevalent risk factors for TKA arthro brosis, speci c to the patient, as being poor preoperative range of motion, diabetes, females aged 50 and older, previous history of knee surgery, pain catastrophizing or anxiety. Technical risk factors include internal rotation of the femoral or tibial components, lack of tibial slope, raising of the joint line, over-tensioning of MCL/PCL, or basic malalignment. In situations where arthro brosis is not responding appropriately to conservative treatments, revision or manipulation may be implemented. In more recent studies, Dr. Witmer conveyed that the most common reasons for TKA revisions include, in order, infection, loosening of replacement parts, exion instability, sti ness, and lastly malalignment/malrotation. Though necessary in certain patient cases, Dr. Witmer highlights that manipulations are not always benign procedures. Rare but still considerable risks of TKA manipulations include patellar tendon rupture and supracondylar femur fracture due to the lost of a patient’s protective mechanisms against the manipulative intervention while under anesthesia. He highlights that patients who have undergone a manipulation should receive skilled physical therapy immediately (same day) to initiate mobility as soon as possible and most successfully prevent further arthro brosis. Most positive results with manipulations are those performed within 6-8 weeks of surgery. Following manipulation, the average

UPCOMING JOURNAL CLUB AND CASE DICUSSION DATES

All meetings are 12:00- 1:00 pm on TEAMS.

Case Discussion dates:

05/09 Spine focus

06/06 Spine focus

07/11 Spine focus

Click HERE for the full 2023 CD & JC schedule.

Email Danielle.Dunn@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting group.

gain in knee range of motion is 20-30 degrees, with the goal of 15-20 of those degrees being achieved within the rst year of rehabilitation. With patients who are manipulated after 3 months post-op, the range of motion achieved may be much less. Most trials of manipulated patients achieve a nal exion range of motion between 95-115 degrees, which is vital to inform the patient prior to receiving a manipulation. The more informed and understanding a patient is going into these types of procedures, the better the result can be both physically and mentally for them.

As treating clinicians, what should we do if we suspect one of our patients is demonstrating arthro brosis after a total knee? Dr. Witmer suggests that if a patient is more than 3 months post-op and still displaying a moderate amount of decreased mobility, ruling out infection should be the rst step. Typically, a blood panel to examine ESR/CRP should be obtained from the patient to rule this out. If signs of arthro brosis appear earlier on in a patient’s rehabilitation, it is encouraged that the patient receive a CT scan to rule out any component malrotation. For symptoms that may persist or develop much later in rehab or perhaps following the cessation of rehab (>2 years), a bone scan may be performed to evaluate any loosening of parts. At any stage of care, the discussion between the surgeon and the physical therapist can be the most bene cial at determining the next best step in regard to the patient’s plan of care.

Dr. Witmer emphasized the importance of the relationship and communication between surgeon and treating physical therapist in optimal patient care and prognosis. He emphasizes that pushing our patients appropriately by developing a good understanding of the patient’s pain tolerance, preoperative mobility/function, goals, and utilization of proper language and coaching techniques can be imperative in a patient’s rehabilitative success. He underlined the importance of our role as physical therapists to assist in preparing and educating our patients regarding the TKA procedure and possible outcomes. Early treatment and team communication are essential for good patient outcomes, and Dr. Witmer encourages treating clinicians to reach out to him with any treatment questions or concerns regarding our patient’s status at any point throughout their TKA rehabilitation.

STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE

May is a busy month for the Student Program! We are welcoming 10 new students:

Marissa Amatruda (College of St. Mary) will be working with Erik Schmitt in Westbrook. Samantha Arey (Boston University) will be working with Josh McAdams in Danbury.

Jaden Calixto (AIC) will be working with Liz Miller and Cait Ayotte in New London.

Kelly Hylton (SHU) will be working with Andrew Kalach in Fair eld.

Victoria Iannone (SHU) will be working with Roy Colter in Newington.

Gavin McConnell (AIC) will be working with Nic Sauerbrunn in Windsor.

Derek Pro ta (SHU) will be working with Dan Pagliuca in New Milford.

Jacob Rooney (SHU) will be working with Andrew Perazella and Russ Woodman in New Haven.

Taylor Schuler (SHU) will be working with Amy Demers and Emily Searle in Branford. Ryan Solorzano (SHU) will be working with Jared Schi er in Wallingford.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

Upcoming Courses

SPONSORED COURSES INTERNAL COURSES

Myopain Dry Needling DN-3: Advanced

May 19-21, 2023

*(RSVP by May 5)

Location: QU North Haven Campus

Evaluation & Management of Headaches: Lab Intensive

June 24- 25, 2023

*(RSVP by May 23)

Instructed by Partner 4 Rehab: Jason Myerson & Jason Grimes

Open to PTSMC clinicians

PTSMC Branford

Modern Management of the Older Adult

September 16-17, 2023

*(RSVP by August 25)

Instructed by ICE

Open to all PTSMC clinicians and ATCs

PTSMC Guilford

Introduction to the Assessment & Treatment of the Concussed Patient

June 10, 2023

Instructed by PTSMC expert: Rick Purdy

DOCS Requirement

PTSMC New Haven

Click HERE for full descriptions of the upcoming courses: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/KxtTDaeeIf

Email Mallory Mason at ConEd@ptsmc.com for all sign ups or questions. All course attendance must be approved by Partner/Director.

CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES LIST

Click HERE for full descriptions of the courses above opportunities: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/RCnzB8GqVU/Clinical_Excellence_List_of_Courses.xlsx_

CONGRATULATIONS TO MEGHAN BLANUSA

PTSMC’s New Clinical Excllence Coordinator!

Welcome to Meghan Blanusa, PT, DPT, OCS, in her new role as Clinical Excellence Coordinator. Meghan joined PTSMC as a PT Aide in Guilford in 2016. After graduating from Quinnipiac with her DPT, she accepted a position at PTSMC Naugatuck. In 2021, she completed PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency Program as the rst female graduate. In 2022, she achieved her OCS certi cation. Meghan is also an Auditor on PTSMC’s internal audit team. Outside of PTSMC, Meghan volunteers at the QU EQUIP pro bono clinic where she provides oversight and mentorship to QU PT students.

In her new role, Meghan will work closely with Danielle Dunn, Director of Clinical Excellence & Residency Program, to meet PTSMC’s clinical excellence goals, deliver a top-notch DOCS program, support the Residency Program, and deliver clinical education programs.

APPLY FOR PTSMC’s

ORTHOPAEDIC RESIDENCY

Danielle Dunn will be hosting an info session on PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency via TEAMS on May 23 from 8-8:30pm.

PTSMC Orthopaedic Residency is focused on:

• Growing and honing clinical delivery skills

• Preparing for orthopedic board certi cation exam

• Preparing for potential future PTSMC clinic ownership or leadership role

Residents who successfully complete the program will continue their professional development in the PTSMC Leadership & Management Development Program.

Program Details:

• 3 hours weekly didactic instruction (45 weeks total)

• 3 week Evidence Based Practice and Statistics Course

• 14 week Lower Extremity Course (Foot/Ankle, Knee, and Hip)

• 14 week Spine Course (Lumbopelvic, Thoracic, Cervical, and TMJ)

• 14 week Upper Extremity Course (Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist/Hand)

• 1 hour monthly case discussion

• 1 hour monthly journal club

• Coursework (300 hours combined lecture/lab & home study)

• External home study courses from the APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

• Current Concepts in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy,Pharmacology, Clinical Imaging, Frontiers in Orthopedic Science, and Post Operative Management of Orthopedic Surgeries

The one year orthopaedic residency program is completed while maintaining a clinical care schedule.

PTSMC o ers two options for clinical care:

• 40 hour work week (four 10 hour days) and maintain full salary

• 32 hour work week (four 8 hour days) with salary 80% of full-time salary. The other 8 hour day is devoted to didactic instruction, clinical mentorship, journal club, and case discussion

PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency program is “free” as long as the resident completed 3 additional years of full time employment with PTSMC. Please inquire for more information.

Applicants will be evaluated on the following:

• Curriculum Vitae/Resume

• Personal Essay Statement

• Interview with faculty

• Two Professional letters of recommendation from faculty and/or work managers (Relationship of recommenders to you must be in a supervisory capacity)

***Applicants must have a valid PT license prior to the start of the residency program***

Learn more and apply online at: www.ptsmc.com/residency

Deadline to apply is July 30, 2023! Acceptance decisions will be made in September 2023 for start date in December 2023.

Please email Danielle at Danielle.Dunn@ptsmc.com with any questions.

HUMAN RESOURCES

MAY IS A THREE PAYROLL MONTH

The May 31st payroll will not have medical, dental, voluntary life or Colonial deductions.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

E ective June 1, 2023, the Connecticut minimum wage will increase to $15.00 per hour.

TIME OFF REFRESHER

Vacation Time - Use it or lose it!

Employees will lose any unused accrued vacation hours as of the reset date, which is the employee anniversary date. Unused vacation hours will be deleted on the reset date.

Full time employees are allowed to use up to 40 hours vacation before the hours are actually accrued. Part time employees are allowed to use up to 20 hours vacation before the hours are actually accrued. Balances will be displayed as a negative. The system will not allow entry of vacation requests if hours will exceed -40 or -20.

Sick Time - Roll it over!

Employees will not lose unused sick hours. Sick hours will rollover each year to a maximum of 160 hours for FT, 120 hours for PT 30 and 80 hours for PT (20) employees.

Holiday Time & Personal - Use it or lose it!

Holiday hours are accrued each January 1st and must be used by December 31st each year or will be lost. This includes the hours for 6 holidays and 1 personal holiday.

Holiday hours must be manually entered on the timesheet. Select “Holiday” under the pay code.

Personal holiday hours should be submitted in advance by selecting the “Holiday” pay code under the “Request Time O ” tab.

Holiday Time O Accrual Schedule

Full Time (FT) 56 hours (48 holiday and 8 personal)

Part Time 30 (PT 30) 42 hours (36 holiday and 6 personal)

Part Time 20 (PT 20) 28 hours (24 holiday and 4 personal)

DO YOU HAVE A 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN?

Employees who have a 529 College Savings Plan can have a biweekly direct deposit into a 529 account through payroll. To add a direct deposit, follow steps below:

• Click on Myself tab

• Under Pay

• Click on Payment Options and Add Bank Account

Learn more about 529 College Saving Plans: https://www. delity.com/about-chet/overview

401(K)

Employees who would like to make a change to their 401(k) biweekly contributions for the 3rd quarter of 2023 must complete the request by Friday, June 16th to be e ective with the July 12th payroll. It takes 3 quick steps to change your contributions:

• Login https://myplan.johnhancock.com/login

• Click on Manage and contributions

• Your current Before Tax and/or Roth contributions will be displayed. Click on the arrows to adjust your percentage then click continue at the bottom of the page.

• Sandra Boccialetti will be noti ed of the change

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to the following PT Aides who completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program: Derek Horowitz, Simsbury Bella Pasqualucci, Watertown

New Hire Referral Bonuses

We need your help! Do you know anyone who would be a perfect t for PTSMC or PT for Life? We’re o ering a referral bonus for all positions!

bottle for answering the trivia question correctly from the April!

Employee Spot light

Stevie Fell, Float PSC & Customer Experience Trainer

If you haven’t met Stevie Fell yet, there is a good chance you will soon! Stevie is PTSMC’s Float PSC and Customer Experience Trainer. She supports the front desk at all PTSMC o ces, provides coverage, and is the go-to person to help PSAs, PSCs, VPSCs, and PCCs succeed in their job roles.

Stevie is originally from Naugatuck, CT and currently lives in Woodbury. Before PTSMC, Stevie had graduated high school and started on the expected college route. She simply states, it was a mistake. She re ects that she was not in the right place to do school at the time but doesn’t discount the experience. She went into the job world, serving part-time and working full-time at the Waterbury YMCA. She made her way to PTSMC in 2015 as a part-time PSC in the Waterbury clinic.

A few years later, wanting to pursue jobs at the next level, Stevie decided to return to school and completed her BA in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psych. She was working at PTSMC during those undergrad years, with amazing support from Waterbury Partner & Director Erin Walsh. She went full-time in the clinic after completing her degree. Stevie is currently pursuing her master’s through SNHU online. Her area is psych, and she plans to narrow that scope to Industrial Organization Psychology. IO Psych, she explains, is more business-world focused and applies to a broad scope of career and industries.

In 2020, Stevie left PTSMC to pursue an opportunity in the psych industry. When that job didn’t pan out the way she hoped, she reached out to Kristen Forster, Director of Operations, to see if PTSMC had anything that would t. Stevie ended up interviewing with Kristen and Sandy Wickman Mason, VP of Operations for the position of Float PSC. PTSMC was looking for the right person with the right PTSMC experience- Stevie was it. Stevie had indicated she wanted to advance her skill set into administrative roles. When the Customer Experience Trainer position came to fruition, Stevie immediately applied. It all worked out for her to split the Float PSC and CET positions.

Stevie has a plethora of knowledge when it comes to PTSMC front desk operations. She always wants to learn more, do more, and help others. She is a fast learner and thorough teacher who loves to discover each person’s learning style and teach in that style. She covers not only for clinics, but also covers for the Veri cation team, YHP team and VPSC.

Outside of PTSMC

Stevie lives the way she works. She does not set boundaries when it comes to trying new things! She loves all things music as well as reading and traveling. She listens to books on her three audiobook apps and reads both eBooks and print books.

Her avid love for music comes from being a part of school, town, and regional choruses when she was young. You can catch her at a concert every weekend in the summertime, from heavy metal bands to Taylor Swift to Toby Keith. If you’re lucky, you can catch her karaoke performance to Slim Shady! Karaoke is a major part of Stevie’s life. She runs a weekly karaoke night in the bar she used to live above for the last seven years! It has been one source for her vast knowledge bank of music. She loves a good “challenge” of Karaoke Roulette.

Stevie now lives with her boyfriend Andrew, her chihuahua named Taco, and their cats Sally and Blackjack. Taco truly is a “purse dog.” Stevie carries Taco around in her purse everywhere she goes. Stevie has always loved solo hiking, but it’s not totally solo with Taco at her feet or hanging out in her backpack. She has hiked all the mountains in CT and currently has goals to hike the big NH mountains soon.

Stevie and Andrew are starting what is called the “75 Soft” challenge to get on track to reach that goal. This is also a mental health practice for them, because the cold and darkness of winter hit them hard. The challenge combines daily actions of exercise, getting outside, hydrating, reading, and eating healthy. It won’t be easy, but the end goal of feeling great mentally and physically motivates them. ��

MAY BIRTHDAYS

Alyssa Tracey 1 Middletown

Madeline Lynch 1 New Haven

Brianna Galeazza 1 Orange

Michelle Gallerani 2 New London

Ethan Cordova 3 Danbury

Vicki Palmieri 4 Admin

Kathryn Flodquist 4 Waterbury

Marilex Santiago 5 Admin

Jenn Detlefsen 5 Admin

Michaela Horne 5 Putnam

Kenny Markwat 6 Essex

Traci O'Brien 8 New London

Jessica Green 8 Westbrook

Stephanie Bologa 10 Simsbury

Drew Gallagher 10 Southbury

Anna Scortichini 10 Wallingford

Emily Searle 11 Branford

Samantha Amico 11 Fair eld

Tyler Garcia 13 Middletown

Sean Ferguson 13 Watertown

Karen Havlicek 15 Admin

Kellie O'Donnell 15 New Haven

Grace Langdon 17 Fair eld

Natalie Pedane 17 Southbury

Brittany Kearney 18 Westbrook

Rebecca Petrosino 20 Fair eld

Kenny Kregling 20 Wallingford

Julia Swett 20 Westbrook

Mariah Martin 21 New Haven

Jennifer Melaragno 23 Avon

Brian Henderson 25 Branford

Lauren Granato 25 Glastonbury

Noah Tedeschi 25 Newington

Kriti Patel 26 Branford

Amanda Kell 26 Middletown

Paul Dinwoodie 27 Danielson

Christine Hill 27 Admin

Aidan O'Connell 28 Admin

Dave Plonsky 31 Guilford

Rebecca Sauvè 31 Naugatuck

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

Laewa Forrest Authorization Admin Representative

Kera Thorne PT Aide Danbury

Nicholas Sharp PT Aide Danielson

Alex Chakar PT Aide Fair eld

Madeline Archangelo PT Aide Fair eld

Lucas Morris PT Aide Guilford

Emiley Wilson PT Aide Guilford

Hannah Jenkins PT Aide Middletown

Anya Zielinski PT Aide Naugatuck

Marisa Keiser PT Aide New Haven

Alyssa Wright PT Aide New Haven

Robert Parra PT Aide New London

Brian O'Dea PT Aide Newington

Dara Phum PT Aide Orange

Shae Eucalitto PT Aide Simsbury

Joseph Antonazzo PT Aide Southbury

Amiyah Peters PT Aide Southbury

Chrystina Dziala Patient Care West Hartford Coordinator

Stephany Rozsa Physical Therapist West Hartford

Faiz Lilaporia PT Aide West Hartford

Jonathan Rodriguez PT Aide Wethers eld

Kristina Lipeika Physical Therapist Watertown

Nine Ideas for your Tax Refund

By Jim Hungerford, CPA Associate Vice President of Finance

A tax refund marks a great chance to set yourself in a better position for the future. If you’re getting a windfall from the IRS, here are some ways to make sure your money continues to work for you.

1. Create an emergency fund

Many people don’t have an adequate savings account accessible in case of a sudden nancial need. A lack of savings leaves you vulnerable to a medical emergency or major repair and can force you to seek out short-term loans at high interest rates or carry credit card balances for an extended period. Using your refund to start or augment an emergency fund could leave you breathing easier should one of those events arise.

2. Pay o debt

If you are carrying a credit card balance, consider using your tax refund to pay that o . It doesn’t make much nancial sense to put the IRS check for $3,000 in a fund yielding 1% interest and maintain a $3,000 balance on a credit card account charging 18% interest. Going this route allows you to put more money in the bank every month once those minimum payments vanish from your list of bills.

3. Fund your retirement

What better way to sock money away for retirement than by using funds that aren’t a part of your paycheck? You can use the funds to purchase or add to a Roth or traditional IRA.

4. Start (or add to) a 529 College Savings Plan

If you have children or grandchildren, you’d be doing them a huge favor by saving your refund in a college fund for their bene t. Setting up a 529 College Savings Plan can help them a ord a higher education in an era where rising costs leave many saddled with massive debt along with the degree. If you invest in Connecticut’s plan, the CHET (managed by Fidelity), you can even be able to pick up a deduction on your state income tax return.

5. Put it toward your student loans

At some point the moratorium on student loan payments will be lifted, and you will need to start paying those loans again. Student loan payments can be a frustrating expense, one that can hold people back from reaching other nancial goals. You could use your tax refund to make a larger-than-usual payment. That could put a dent in your principal balance and bring you closer to life without student debt.

6. Invest in the stock market

Historically, the stock market has o ered greater return on investment than savings accounts, CDs or bonds. While its uctuations make it a risky choice for immediate nancil need, the long-term outlook makes it a better option. Consider individual stocks or an index fund that moves up and down along with the market.

7. Prepay your mortgage

Making extra payments on your mortgage can be a great way to save money over the long term. Because so much of your payment on a long-term note goes to pay o the interest, reducing the principal can have an exponential e ect over the life of the loan. Even an extra payment or two now can make a big di erence in your future obligation to the bank.

8. Cover your bases with Life/Disability Insurance

Help take care of yourself and the people you love by using your refund to ll in any Disability and Life Insurance gaps. Thinking about what would happen to your family if you’re not around or if you’re too sick or injured to work isn’t fun, but it may help to put the appropriate amount of protection in place, for you and your loved ones’ futures.

9. File a new Form W-4 with HR

If your refund is several thousand dollars, you are making an interest free loan to the IRS. You can reduce your withholding, and thereby increase your current take home pay, by ling out a new Form W-4 to set your withholding accurately, based on a series of questions on the form. On the ip side, if you owe the IRS a bunch of money, you should also consider ling a new Form W-4 to avoid interest and penalties from underpayment of taxes.

Renee Corsillo has been promoted to Patient Services Administrator in the Danbury clinic. Renee started with PTSMC Danbury in February 2022. Prior to joining PTSMC, Renee spent quite a few years working at veterinary clinics and hospital emergency rooms as an ER Technician and a Clinical Information Manager.

Renee arrived at the Danbury clinic as numbers began to increase. Josh McAdams, Partner and Director, commented, “Renee embodies all that is PT for Life! She is loved by our patients and sta . She also brings organization and a sense of calm to the clinic. She is an innate problem solver and has been our go-to person since she was hired. We are fortunate to have her, and I am personally thrilled for her to take on more responsibilities and have more opportunities here in Danbury.”

In her personal time, Renee loves to hike with her rescue dog, Orion. They have solo hiked all of the trailed high peaks in the Catskill Mountains together. Renee is also an avid runner. She LOVES running! The half marathon is her favorite distance. She completed the Hartford Half and the Philly Half in fall 2022.

As a Patient Services Administrator, Renee is excited to take on more administrative responsibilities as the clinic continues to grow in sta and volume. She loves that she will take on some of the tasks that previously fell to Josh so that he can be free to focus on other aspects of running the clinic.

Renee also looks forward to the opportunity to get involved in community engagement in the Danbury area. She believes that everybody should know how great PTSMC is!

Nate Panico has been promoted to Patient Services Coordinator in the Westbrook clinic. Nate started at PTSMC in December of 2021 as one of PTSMC’s rst Patient Care Coordinators (PCC). In the PCC position, Nate learned the role of both the PT Aide and the Patient Service Coordinator. He completed the Skills Introduction for the PT Aide (SIPTA) Program in July 2022.

His primary focus has been the front desk at Westbrook, and he stepped up to take over front desk responsibilities during PSA Emma Graham’s leave last summer. Emma shared that, “Nate always comes to work with a positive attitude, he’s willing to learn and always engaging in a professional manner with patients. Patients and sta always have good things to say!”

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

MAKING SENSE OF STRESS

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Understanding stress is important to keeping yourself healthy both in mind and body. Humans have protective survival instincts, which include the stress response. When sensing danger, our bodies release hormones that allow for immediate action. The stress response - ght, ight, or freeze enables us to escape danger and survive in threatening situations.

Engagement & Wellness Calendar

May

Asian American & Paci c Islander May 1-31

Heritage Month

Mental Health Awareness Month May 1-31

#GetMoving Level Up Challenge May 1-31

Energage Employee Survey May 10-22

June

Pride Month June 1-30

Men’s Health Awareness Month June 1-30

PTSMC Gear Order June 16-28

Email wellness@ptsmc.com to subscribe to the Employee Engagement & DEI Calendar.

Think about the following ‘day-to-day’ situations that can cause stress:

• Job promotions

• Major events/ parties

• Planning a vacation

• Deadlines at work

• Family illness

• Financial concerns

Notice the rst three listed are situations that are commonly viewed as positive, yet they can add pressure to your life as you make plans, manage priorities, and regulate your expectations and emotions. It is the amount of pressure you feel, your body’s reaction, and your ability to cope that determines how you handle these stressors.

If not dealt with, stress can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Therefore, it is very important to address stress proactively and aggressively. Check out the following list of ways that stress can be addressed and managed.

Healthy lifestyle habits provide an important foundation for your body and mind to deal with stress. Examples include:

• Eating healthy

• Getting quality sleep

• Exercising regularly

• Mindfulness/meditation activities

• Seeing your primary care physician for check-ups

• Deep breathing exercises to reset your brain when overwhelmed

Time management allows for a sense of self-control and autonomy and reduces the e ect of potential stressors. Some time-management strategies include:

• Using a calendar to plan your day out

• Setting built-in breaks to hydrate, stretch or rest your eyes

• Writing down your to-dos for the day in order of importance

Setting boundaries can help you protect yourself from being in stressful situations and improve self-regulation when you do become stressed.

•  Eliminate triggers when possible

• Learn to say NO!

• Set your priorities and limits with co-workers & loved ones

To actively work on reducing stressors and improve stress management, join the Level Up #GetMoving Challenge!

Level Up #GETMOVING CHallenge

Level Up #GetMoving Challenge: May 1 – May 31

There’s still time to join! Reach out to wellness@ptsmc.com to get set up with Motion Connected and start working toward better mental and physical health.

Physical activity challenge- average 20 min of purposeful physical activity per day. Mental health goals- complete a series of workshops and practices throughout the month.

Reach the goals and get rewarded! You could earn a PTSMC #GetMoving Long Sleeve and Mental Health Daily Check-In’s Journal to keep putting wellness rst even after the challenge.

DEI

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI)

Heritage Month

By Marilex Santiago, DEI Leader & Administrative Coordinator

May is Asian American & Paci c Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the rich history, culture, contributions, and experiences of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Paci c Islanders in the United States. This month-long observance has its roots in a joint congressional resolution in 1977 that designated the rst ten days of May as “Asian-Paci c Heritage Week.” It was later expanded in 1990 to encompass the entire month of May. The month of May was chosen because the transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, and most workers who laid its tracks were Chinese immigrants.

The celebration of AAPI Heritage Month is important because it recognizes and elevates the stories, experiences, and struggles of the AAPI community, which has often been marginalized and overlooked in American history. This month also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about issues facing the AAPI community, such as discrimination, hate crimes, and the model minority myth. The AAPI community is incredibly diverse, encompassing more than 50 ethnic groups and speaking over 100 languages. They are the fastest-growing racial group in the United States, with a population of over 24 million people.

There are several ways to observe AAPI Heritage Month, by learning, supporting, and advocating:

• Learn about the history and contributions of the AAPI community through books, documentaries, and online resources. Click HERE for a great collection of documentaries, interviews, stories, and art to learn more from the AAPI community.

• Support AAPI-owned businesses and artists and attend cultural events and festivals. Check out AAPI Westport, a Westport, Connecticut based group with the mission “to foster a sense of belonging within our community, as well as increase AAPI visibility and awareness throughout Westport and beyond.” Click HERE for their events and directory to see how you can support locally.

• Speak out against discrimination and hate crimes targeting the AAPI community and advocate for policies that promote equity and justice for all.

PTSMC Happenings!

Danielson celebrated Easter by giving out treats to patients. Pictured: Emma McMillan (left), PT Aide, and Cameron Walton, PTA.

Wallingford dressed up for “Look-Alike Day.”

MAY

May 6 Putnam

Jog with Judy 5k

May 12 PTSMC

Orthopaedic Society Annual Meeting

May 15 Doc Talk at PTSMC Guilford

Dr. Elizabeth Gardner of Yale Orthopedic Specialists

May 20 Branford, Guilford, & New Haven New Haven Family Stroll

May 21 Newington Newington Library 5k

JUNE

June 8 Newington

Cruising Newington

June 17 Watertown Watertown Block Party

Are you participating in an event?

Reach out to Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com

On April 22, 15 PTSMC clinicians attended the TMJ Course instructed by PTSMC experts Michelle Kijewski, Wallingford Director, and Rebecca Petrosino, Fair eld Partner.

WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE CLASSES

On April 5th and 6th, the women of PTSMC gathered at Wethers eld and Branford for Women’s Self Defense Classes. The events raise $340 that PTSMC matched, and $680 was donated to The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services!

Sandra Boccialetti (left), Director of Human Resources, and Danielle Dunn, Wallingford PT and Director of Clinical Excellence and Residency Program, attended the APTA’s New England Student Conclave in Boston.

Did you miss the April monthly video?

President Alan Balavender discusses the upcoming employee survey, administered through the independent research company, Energage, and the importance of providing feedback.

Newington attended the Newington High School Career Fair. Pictured: Christina Mogelnicki, Director, and Roy Colter, PT.

PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS

UP

BLOG POSTS

Dana Colonese, Orange PT, completed Myopain's DN-3 course down in Bethesda, MD, earning the certi cation of Certi ed Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist.

Welcome to new DOCS program mentors:

Jill Cristaldi, PT, DPT, GCS - Wethers eld Mario

Brian Vo, Windsor Partner, and Jason Smutnick, Windsor PT, added to their dry needling credentials by achieving the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy's, Certi cation in Dry Needling®.

REEL

Mike

SoCIAl Media Sensation

PTSMC Newington

Christina Mogelnicki, Director, and Noah Tedeschi, PCC, created a video on mobility drills for golfers to do on the course. This is the rst in a series they’re producing on golf.

Follow PTSMC on social!

Paredes, PT, DPT, CMTPT - Orange

Nicole Dorosh, Human Resources Coordinator, and her husband Dylan welcomed Lillian Blake.

Ryan Balavender, Director of Facilities, and his wife Meg welcomed Maya Gail.

Jared Lynch, Data Analyst, got engaged to Savannah-Nicole Villalba.

Popolizio, Glastonbury PT, broke down LSVT-BIG treatment for Parkinson’s Disease in honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

PT for Life Week Photos!

Plainville

Westbrook

Simsbury

Avon

Wallingford

Naugatuck

Glastonbury

Watertown

Windsor

Wethers eld

Branford

Newington

Shelton

Southington

Middletown

Waterbury

Orange

West Hartford

BRAGS 2023

Brag Recipient: Bella Pasqualucci, PT Aide Watertown

Bragger: Anonymous

Bella has worked with us for almost a year, and she has demonstrated a work ethic that has gone above and beyond what is expected. She consistently comes to work with a smile and bright personality. Patients have taken notice and commented on her ability to multitask and provide excellent patient care. Unfortunately for our office, Bella is leaving us to pursue further education. We wish her all the best and know she will make an excellent PA.

Brag Recipient: Bianca Tata, PT Aide Newington

Bragger: Noah Tedeschi, PCC Newington

Bianca always goes out of her way to make the patients feel comfortable while they are here. She does a great job at listening to them and relaying any info to the therapist. She also always comes to work wanting to learn more about the roles of an aide and front desk responsibilities so she can be the best at her job as possible.

Brag Recipient: Christine Hill, Senior Referral Coordinator YHP

Bragger: Grace Burke, Customer Service

Representative YHP

She is always there to help with a smile and is dedicated and such a good team member and is extremely knowledgeable.

Brag Recipient: Cindy Hales, Account Receivable Coordinator

Bragger: Betsy Holt, PSA Simsbury

Cindy is amazing! She always helps me, and the very few times she cannot help, she will tell me who I can reach out to. She will always say, "What's the ID#? Let's look at it together." The question could be for a patient, for Insurance, or just something that looks o in receivables. Sometimes I apologize for reaching out as often as I do, she will stop me and encourage me to call. I know she is also terribly busy, but as a TEAM member she makes me feel important, which I then pass on to the patients and sta here in Simsbury. I love that the PTSMC sta are kind, reliable, trustworthy and accessible. Thank you, Cindy, for who you are and what you do to make my work better!

Brag Recipient: Dani Pilgrim, PCC New Milford

Bragger: Carley Murphy, PSC New Milford

Dani went out of her way for me when I started working at PTSMC and still does every day! I was beyond nervous and overwhelmed starting as a PSC, but there wasn't a day that went by that she didn't help and support me. Every question I had she could answer and always radiated infectious positivity. With all her patients she is attentive and kind, always wearing her signature smile. She truly brightens each patient’s day, as well as my own. She's never not running around and working hard. Dani is a key player in the success of the New Milford clinic. If anyone deserves to be bragged about, it's her.

Brag Recipient: Mark Bagdasarian, PT Aide

Newington & Wethers eld

Bragger: Noah Tedeschi, PCC Newington

Mark always engages very well with the patients to make their time here as good as it could be. Mark also enhances the o ce environment by coming in with a good attitude which makes being at the clinic that much more enjoyable

Bragger: Roy Colter, PT Newington

Mark is an excellent PT Aide that patients and sta enjoy having around. While his March Madness bracket did not win us the free lunch, we are sad to see him go. Best of luck with PA school Mark!

Brag Recipient: Noah Tedeschi, PCC Newington

Bragger: Roy Colter, PT Newington

I wish I could clone Noah. He has been a PT Aide and PCC that has gone above and beyond to help make our operation run smoothly. I am sad to see him go off to PT school, but I know he is going to make an excellent clinician!

BRAGS 2023

Brag Recipient: Roslin DellaVecchi, PTA

Naugatuck & Watertown

Bragger: Anonymous

Roz has been a great addition to our team here in Watertown over the last year. She continuously puts her patients rst and works directly one on one with them often times causing her to end her day late. She also extends her hours often to make up for hours lost when therapists are on vacation in order to accommodate patients and the care that they need. She is always happy and brings a great energy to the o ce.

Brag Recipient: Roy Colter, PT Newington

Bragger: “LP”, PT Danbury

Roy gives 110%. He is always ready to learn, PROactive in his career, and constantly seeking the most recent research to bring to the clinic. As a fellow SHU grad, he has always been prepared, one step ahead, caring, and knowledgeable about the human anatomy and biomechanics. I can say for certainty that PTSMC is lucky to have a therapist like Roy!

Brag Recipient: Renee Corsillo, PSA Danbury

Bragger: Anonymous

Renee is the glue that keeps the clinic together. Whether she is taking care of patients face-to-face, making those di cult phone calls, explaining insurance guidelines, or tidying up around the clinic, she provides above and beyond care To say that Renee is a vital asset to our team is an understatement; she is one-in-a-million that we are glad to call ours at Danbury.

Brag Recipient:Jake Siedel, PCC Middletown

Bragger: Jacky Severance, PSA Middletown

Jake improves the experience of quite literally everyone in this o ce from the patients to the employees. His work ethic and quality of his work is amazing We are all so grateful for him!

Brag Recipient: Wallingford Staff

Bragger: Practice Liaisons

Janet, Sara, and I (Heather) were out to lunch after a meeting in Wallingford. As we stood up from the table, a lady stopped us to ask if we worked with PTSMC in Wallingford because she had seen us peak into the gym while we visited. She proceeded to rave and rave about how amazing ALL of the Wallingford sta is, and that she even got her friend to go! She could not have stated our PT for Life goals any better as they were delivered by our Wallingford team perfectly including clinicians, PT Aides, and PSC’s.

Brag Recipient: Zack Currie, Assistant Director Guilford

Bragger: Anonymous

In a clinic as busy as Guilford, Zack has really stepped up to the plate as Assistant Director. He treats patients and all sta with respect and compassion and views everyone rst and foremost as a person before anything else. He has sacri ced much of his admin time to ensure that his patients are able to get in, both coming in early and staying late, often working much more than his allotted 10-hour shift. The time that he is in clinic is devoted entirely to doing his job well and the amazing feedback from his patients really shows his dedication and knowledge. It is truly an honor watching him grow into this position and I cannot wait to see the amazing things he will continue to do!