2024 SIG Election - Meet the Candidates

Steve Allison, DPT, CME
Profile: Dr. Allison is CEO and managing partner of a small private practice specializing in occupational health services located in Bossier City, Louisiana. Dr. Allison graduated from Louisiana State University Medical Center with a BS in Physical Therapy in 1991, and subsequently a MHS in Physical Therapy in 1998. He went on graduate from the University of St. Augustine with a DPT in 2007. Dr. Allison is a doctor of physical therapy, certified DOT (Department of Transportation) medical examiner for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and a certified occupational health practitioner under the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Dr. Allison has served as the Vice-President/Education Chair for the Occupational Health Special Interest Group since 2019, and he was appointed by the Governor of Louisiana to serve as a member on the Medical Advisory Council of the Louisiana Workforce Commission in 2023 . Dr. Allison served as the lead author of the FCE best practices guideline adopted by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in April 2018. He has also authored and/or contributed to other articles and monographs related to FCE, job analysis, medical fitness for duty, and a clinical practice guideline for work rehabilitation. He has been recognized in various federal courts and district courts in Louisiana and Colorado as an expert in FCEs, functional job analysis, functional test validation, and orthopedic physical therapy.

Statement: Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who possess specialized knowledge and skills to help individuals of all ages optimize movement and musculoskeletal health. The future of physical therapy practice lies within the ability of physical therapists to be recognized by statutory and regulatory requirements as entry-point healthcare practitioners. This has been done effectively and successfully in the U.S. Military Model for more than 40 years. In occupational health PT practice, this model is currently a reality with direct to employer contracting for wellness, employment physicals, functional job analysis, ergonomics, transitional work programs, and disability management consulting. We have made some recent strides State by State as more PT Licensing Boards are clearing the path for PTs to become certified DOT (Department of Transportation) medical examiners under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). However, we have much more work to do in effectively educating legislators and policy makers about the evidence-based benefits of public access to physical therapists as entry-point healthcare practitioners under State and Federal administered worker's compensation program, and to be recognized as acceptable medical sources for opinions about an individual's work disability under the U.S. Social Security Administration. I look forward to collaborating with other leaders within the physical therapy profession to move this needle more effectively and expeditiously in the right direction during my term as OHSIG President.

Cory Blickenstaff PT, MSPT, OCS
Profile: I am a Physical Therapist practicing in Southwest Washington State and Northwest Oregon. A graduate of the University of Indianapolis PT program in 2001, I have worked in occupational health for over 20 years, primarily in on-site roles. I am a board-certified specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy. I have owned and operated my own practice, Forward Motion Physical Therapy, since 2006. I was in the inaugural cohort to complete the Occupational Health Practitioner certificate series, and I currently serve as the Practice Committee chair for the OHSIG, which has allowed me the opportunity to work with the network of State Resource Liaisons across the country.

Statement: My name is Cory Blickenstaff and I am running for the position of Nominating Committee Member for the Occupational Health SIG. Over the past several years of working as a committee chair in the OHSIG I have seen firsthand what can be accomplished by a passionate team working towards the goal of advancing our role in occupational health. OHSIG is both well positioned for this task and has diligently worked toward this goal and I would appreciate the opportunity to continue contributing as part of the Nominating Committee. I have gained valuable relationships across the country with PTs in occupational health through my 20+ years working in the setting as well as in my current and past roles within the OHSIG. I believe that clear and timely communication is essential for members to make informed decisions and take action. My approach focuses on organized meetings and interactions that are effective, provide easy access to resources, and respect the time and resources of members and teams. I appreciate your consideration for the position of OHSIG Nominating Committee Member.

Eric Schultz, PT, DPT, CPE, OHP
Profile: I have been working as a physical therapist going on 14 years, with all 14 years having a focus in the industrial setting and keeping workers healthy and at work. I am co-owner and operator of Broadway Ergonomics, LLC, a private practice based out of Columbia, Missouri. In 2023 I obtained a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) certification through the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE) and consult with companies and clients nationally and internationally on ergonomic assessments, workshop trainings, and developing injury prevention programs. I completed the Occupational Health Practitioner Certificate of Achievement through the AOPT-OHSIG in 2023 and have served as an OHSIG State Resource Liaison since the position was initiated. In 2014 and 2015, I served as the President of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Mid-Missouri section. An responsibility of mine has been the development and launching of programs for our clients in over 25 states with a growing network of over 20 different therapy providers for our onsite programs.

Statement: My goal of serving on the nominating committee is to bring experience, knowledge, and familiarity with the OHSIG, to help ensure future nominations and candidates are in the best interest of the group. Having completed the AOPT-OHSIG Occupational Health Practitioner Certificate of Achievement and with my current work function and networking I feel I am in a strong position to help ensure future direction and strength for the SIG.

Emily Sandow, DPT, OCS
Profile: Dr. Emily Sandow, DPT, OCS is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in Physical Therapy. She graduated from NYU with a Bachelors degree in Mathematics and Economics, and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons with a Masters of Science and Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She is in her 22nd year working at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital - Harkness Center for Dance Injuries and served in the roles of supervisor, program manager, clinical specialist. She is on the medical team for many major dance companies and Broadway shows such as Hamilton and Martha Graham Dance Company. She is an Adjunct Professor at Hunter College teaching Anatomy, and at NYU teaching Orthopedic Foot and Ankle lectures in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Curriculum and Orthopedic Residency program. She conducts biomechanical research on topics such as plyometrics and return to sport, and has implemented performance improvement programs in professional dance companies, pre-professional dance academies, and youth soccer teams. She has published articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, has been an invited speaker to national and international medical conferences, and has been a consultant on health topics in journals such as CNN, Family Circle, Pointe, Dance Teacher, and Dance Magazine.

Statement: I have been a member of AOPT for 22 years. And I have dedicated my career to understanding, treating, teaching, and studying biomechanical aspects of the foot and ankle. I work at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, a teaching hospital with a diverse cultural and socioeconomic population in the specialization of dance medicine, where a large distribution of injuries in this population are to the foot and ankle. I teach the foot and ankle to entry level PTs, Orthopedic Residents, Performing Arts Fellows. I am an adjunct professor at two universities teaching orthopedic foot and ankle classes, advanced foot and ankle symposiums, and Anatomy classes. My goal as a candidate running for the Foot and Ankle leadership committee is to support the mission of the AOPT FASIG. I would like to continue to support excellence in physical therapy by elevating the standard of foot and ankle competence in education and in clinical treatment, and by raising awareness about the importance of physical therapy as a first line resource for the general public seeking care for foot and ankle prevention and injuries.

Ryan Pontiff, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Profile: Ryan Pontiff, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT is a former clinic director and current Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education for the Hybrid DPT program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He obtained his DPT from Texas Woman’s University as well as his PhD which focused on Stress and Burnout in Physical Therapist Clinical Instructors. His teaching focuses on orthopedic conditions and assessment along with therapeutic modalities while integrating pain science into the curriculum. His primary research interests include the assessment of physical therapy interventions for the improvement of chronic pain. His current research projects include systematic reviews focused on interventions for chronic pain and conducting a clinical trial utilizing dry needling for those with chronic low back pain. He has been a member of the APTA for over 10 years, serving as a co-programing chair for the Residency and Fellowship SIG for a portion of that time. He maintains membership in several national organizations focusing on orthopedics and pain conditions along with having had the opportunity to attend the World Congress on pain by the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Statement: As a dedicated physical therapist with over 10 years of experience working with orthopedic and pain conditions, I am excited to apply for the nominating committee member position for the APTA Academy of Orthopaedic’s Pain SIG. My clinical background along with exposure to pain literature and management has given me an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our field. My personal vision aligns with the mission and vision of the SIG. My career goal is to assess and implement innovative interventions which help promote pain relief and improve function while helping advance a person's quality of life for those with pain. I am passionate about advancing evidence-based pain management practices and fostering collaboration among professionals to improve patient care and grow the Pain SIG. If selected, I would leverage my network and expertise to identify and nominate diverse, forward-thinking candidates who can drive innovation and pain science within our SIG. My goal would be to help build a leadership team that represents the diverse membership and wide breadth of interests while being committed to advancing the mission of promoting pain education, practice, research, and advocacy.

Melissa Strzelinski, PT, MPT, PhD
Profile: Melissa Strzelinski, PT, PhD has been a practicing physical therapist specializing in orthopedics, sports medicine and dance medicine since 2009 and completed her PhD in Orthopedic and Sport Science in 2018. She has served as the PASIG Vice President/Education Chair since 2022. Working as a clinician, researcher and educator has given Dr. Strzelinski robust experience in the performing arts world. She has worked with numerous professional dance and theater companies, mentored novice clinicians, investigated hip issues in dancers, and instructed DPT students. She has presented internationally and nationally through her associations with the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, Performing Arts Medical Association, the Chicago Sports Medicine Symposium and the American Physical Therapy Association. She is a peer reviewer to the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science and Medical Problems of the Performing Artists. Dr. Strzelinski currently serves as a part time Staff Physical Therapist to the Colorado Ballet and runs a concierge-style PT practice in Denver, CO and is an adjunct faculty member in the Tufts University-Phoenix DPT program.

Statement: I wish to continue contributing to the PASIG as VP/Education Chair for a second term, as I have consistently engaged in the role to contribute to the promotion and development of our unique scope of practice in the profession of physical therapy with a particular focus on education. I have continued to facilitate the submission, acceptance and presentation of high-quality CSM programming, and embarked on new initiatives that I would like to see through to completion in the coming years. Additionally, I have worked with my fellow leaders to broaden the engagement of all members, from students to senior-level practitioners and am committed to producing educational experiences to enrich the experience and sense of pride belonging to PASIG provides.

Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS
Profile: Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS, is the owner of Back in Step Physical Therapy, where she specializes in working with dancers. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Arms is a Clinical Senior Instructor at the University of Colorado's Doctor of Physical Therapy program and a guest lecturer at the University of Northern Colorado’s Master of Arts in Dance Education program. She is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association's Orthopedics Section – Performing Arts Special Interest Group, Doctors for Dancers, International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, The Bridge Dance Project, National Dance Education Organization, and the Performing Arts Medical Association. Dr. Arms is also the creator and host of the podcast "Dance Med Spotlight," which focuses on dance medicine and science. She regularly presents at conferences, provides on-site coverage for dance competitions, and contributes to the broader performing arts community through her clinical expertise, educational leadership, and deep involvement in dance medicine.

Statement: As a dedicated member of PASIG for several years, I am excited about the opportunity to serve in a leadership capacity to continue advancing our profession and strengthening our specialized field. My vision for the SIG’s future involves fostering leadership within our niche, promoting collaboration, and expanding opportunities for education and mentorship that will benefit clinicians and performers alike. I believe our work must emphasize inclusivity, welcoming diverse perspectives, and representation in leadership roles, which will not only reflect our broader society but also create stronger, more innovative solutions to the challenges faced in performing arts physical therapy. By using my clinical expertise, leadership experience, and extensive network, I aim to help cultivate an environment that supports professional growth, empowers new leaders, and aligns with APTA's strategic goals for sustainability and diversity.

David Mueller, PT, DPT, OCS
Profile: I am a performing arts physical therapist, board-certified in orthopaedics, treating performing artists in the outpatient and conservatory settings. I am a faculty member and mentor for the Johns Hopkins Performing Arts Fellowship and a mentor for the Johns Hopkins and George Washington University Orthopaedic Residency. My performing arts background is primarily in figure skating, of which I provide didactic curriculum for our Performing Arts Fellowship. My other interests are in the treatment of instrumentalist musicians and vocalists. In addition to being a PASIG member, I am also a member of the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA). Over the past year, I had the opportunity to present at PAMA’s conference, and help write “Updates in Performing Arts Medicine: A Clinical Overview for Instrumental Musicians and Dancers,” in the journal Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports.

Statement: I cannot share how I can affect PASIG in regard to the current work that is being done, as my knowledge of this is limited. I am hoping to learn about the work of PASIG while I am a nominating committee member, and use my knowledge and skills in ways that will be meaningful. As a nominating committee member, I would like to be mindful of who is being represented in our nominees. Over the past eight years, I have spent a lot of time learning about my own culture (i.e. whiteness) and the negative impacts it had (and continues to have) on marginalized groups. This led to me recently being invited to join my department’s DEI committee. I believe that I have a lot to offer in this area, as far as being one part in helping to make sure that all voices and genres of performing arts are being represented in the nominees and members who are leading this special interest group.

Jessica Rancour, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT
Profile: Greetings, my name is Jessica Rancour. I am a proud APTA member of 20 years, and I am an Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Clinical Education in the University of Southern California’s DPT Program. At USC I founded and lead our Division’s Performing Arts Journal Club, and here I also teamed up with a couple colleagues and together we run a yearlong Performing Arts Extracurricular Group for our students. The first decade of my career was spent as a Physical Therapist at Cleveland Clinic, where I was promoted to the position of Clinical Specialist and ultimately was able to live out my dream of working with performing artists. Most notably, during my tenure at Cleveland Clinic, I was one of the co-creators of an off-ice injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement program that was designed for figure skaters and adaptable to other performing artists.

Statement: I was inspired to join the PASIG’s Nominating Committee after seeing that a major vision is to deliver a more diverse slate of candidates that better represent PASIG membership. I believe that I would be successful in pushing this vision forward by bringing the lens I have gained through my own DEIB educational journey. I have continued to educate myself in this space for several years and I am already doing the work to promote DEI at USC, through membership in our Diversity, Anti-racism, Inclusion, Community Engagement council and our Research in Equity, Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion lab. I would also bring forth the leadership and management skills that I developed through my role in Clinical Education. Finally, I hope to make a positive impact in this role by working to fulfill this vision, while also striving to cultivate more of a sense of belonging within the PASIG.

Sasha A. Foster, MSPT, CCRT
Profile: I grew up in Craig, Colorado where I learned small town values like hard work, humor, forgiveness, and resilience (can you get a 48’ Willies Jeep out of a foot of mud with nothing but a stick?). After traveling the world, I wisely chose to become a physical therapist. I completed by my degree at Arcadia University before returning to Colorado to start my career. After working for 8 years in human healthcare, I became a licensed Animal Physical Therapist (APT). As an avid entrepreneur, I received the first method patent in the field of canine rehabilitation, wrote two award winning books, and authored many others. I have owned and operated canine rehabilitation outpatient clinics and currently own and operate Canine Rehab Shop® Resources for Rehab Professionals and GoGoCharlie™ PT Home Programs for Pets. For the last ten years, I have been the Rehabilitation Coordinator at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, collaborating with veterinarian specialists in Sports Medicine, Orthopedics, Neurology, Oncology, and Internal Medicine to return patients to their highest level of function. I am an advocate of the veterinary + physical therapy team model, promoting respectful collaboration and shared work-flow systems resulting in team level self-care habits that support the highest level of patient care. I am passionate about teaching evidence-based rehabilitation and have done so with Canine Rehabilitation Institute and in my position at CSU. More information and links to publications follow this link: www.artofcaninept.com.

Statement: When I started in the field of animal rehabilitation, we were teaching “what is animal rehabilitation?” About ten years ago we started teaching, “how to do animal rehabilitation.” Now it may be time to teach “what is the difference between animal rehabilitation and animal physical therapy?” From the inception of the APTA in 1924, it took about 25 years for physical therapy to become a community-level care option. If we use history as our guide, in the field of animal rehabilitation we are about half-way to reaching this level of access for pet owners. To do this, we must clearly define the practice of animal physical therapy, expand membership to build momentum, and develop legislative infrastructures that can be shared nationally with clarity of purpose – to move the practice of animal physical therapy forward, “building a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society.” To do this will require some very nuanced political maneuvering ensuring our relationship with the veterinary profession remains positive and strong. As an international leader in the field of canine rehabilitation and the rehabilitation coordinator at the #2 veterinary teaching hospital in the nation, I have these skills. I can bring people to the table, create space for everyone to have a voice, find common ground even with the dissenters, and move the needle forward inch by inch. I look forward to serving with and for you.

Denise Mayhew, MS PT, CCRT
Profile: I have been a Physical Therapist for over 20 years and have had my CCRT (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist) for the past year. My experience includes orthopedics, aquatic and home health. I was a clinic manager for an out-patient orthopedic clinic for 3 years. I recently have received the “Great Catch Award” for ensuring patient safety and well being and the “Bee Award” for exceptional patient care. I have volunteered at the local county animal shelter for the past 2 years and was named volunteer of the month.

Statement: I would like to bring more awareness to the growing field of animal rehabilitation and recruit more members to participate in this SIG. I feel it is important to collaborate with other practitioners and be involved in SIG functions in order to promote and advance the practice of animal physical therapy so it can continue to grow in the future.

Bruno U.K. Steiner, PT, DPT, LMT, RMSK
Profile: I am the current President of the Imaging SIG for the APTA’s Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, and I’ve been a member of the APTA for 30 years! I’ve been honored to represent our interests in PT-directed imaging referral and PT-administered ultrasound. I am also the current Physical Therapy and MSKUS Program Manager at the Washington Center for Bleeding Disorders, where I am deeply involved in the care of the many musculoskeletal issues endemic to the bleeding disorders community of Washington State. I use ultrasound imaging daily to detect hemarthroses and hematomas, as well as for joint health monitoring and musculoskeletal differential diagnosis and screening. In my role as imaging SIG president, I can report extraordinary progress in legislative and board ruling initiatives in the past three years. We have added Alaska, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Iowa to the win column, and we are not letting up. Pertinently, we have provided consultation and support for these efforts, and I continue to be active, engaged, and optimistic in several more states that I am keeping under the radar and will divulge in subsequent membership meetings. In my tenure, we have escalated our membership meeting frequency to promote our vision and to invite speakers to report fresh new data germane to PT imaging referral and advocacy to actualize our beloved primary care profession and, with that, accentuate our professional relevance in a nation beset with worsening physician and nursing shortfalls. We have enjoyed significant viewership and interest on our website and our AOPT YouTube channel. With the help and participation of our brilliant membership and licensees, we have devised reproducible and politically expedient strategies to advance imaging privileges and ultrasound imaging. The narrative underpinning our advocacy effectively leverages context, institutional precedent and support, evidence, and the public’s health interests. To this end, we have developed three crucial documents for nationwide advocacy: The PT-directed Imaging Resource Guide, The PT-Administered Ultrasound Imaging Resource Guide, and a document responding to our stakeholding partners/rivals/combatants’ lack of familiarity with our doctoral-level profession and its many deeply specialized fields of concentration. In the realm of ultrasound imaging, we continue to expand the numbers of both PTs with the physician’s RMSK credential and the respectable cert. MSKUS distinction. We continue to deepen our alliance with the gold-standard credentialing body, Inteleos, and their APCA and POCUS Academy registries. We also continue to nurture our extremely important partnership with the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine, which recognizes physical therapists as licensed medical providers of ultrasound imaging. The AIUM relies on the imaging SIG to select PTs to provide CME awarding webinar content. Our latest wave of webinars included a three-part pediatrics joint ultrasonography, including the elbow, knee, and ankle, and a two-part series for PT-administered cardio-vascular and cardiopulmonary ultrasound applications. I have maintained an open-door policy for members, non-members, and leadership. I actively foster and mentor talent to assume leadership and advocacy roles to expand the numbers of our future ambassadors and standard bearers. By necessity, we must include all interested and entice those who may wish to explore deeper involvement in advocacy.

Statement: The future is breathtakingly exciting, and we must continue the momentum we’ve enjoyed in the past three years. We will continue to foster our alliances with Inteleos and the AIUM and provide educational content and promotional opportunities for Physical Therapy. We must communicate with our licensees from within and without the organization to coordinate and consult with the Imaging SIG to prevent avoidable advocacy pitfalls as we develop our advocacy/negotiating muscle. I would implore everyone to ask your leadership and affiliated or unaffiliated licensees to contact me. My doors are always open, and I love to chat about all things imaging!

Elaine Lonnemann, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS
Profile/Statement: As a candidate for the APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy's Imaging Special Interest Group (SIG) Nominating Committee, I am dedicated to advancing the role of imaging in physical therapy to enhance patient outcomes and support autonomous practice. With over 30 years of experience in orthopaedic manual physical therapy (OMPT), I have had the privilege of serving as both Secretary and President of the AAOMPT, where I championed initiatives to uphold high standards in education and practice. Currently, I also serve on the APTA Task Force for Prescriptive Authority, contributing to strategic discussions that impact the future scope of our profession.

The integration of diagnostic and procedural imaging into physical therapy education is necessary as we move toward increased direct access and evidence-based patient care. I strongly support the mission of the AOPT and the Imaging SIG to provide standardized, high-quality imaging resources such as the Imaging Education Manual. This resource is a critical tool for educators in curriculum development and an invaluable asset in advocating for the appropriate use of imaging within our scope of practice.

In my teaching roles at Bellarmine University and the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, I have seen how comprehensive imaging education prepares DPTs to make informed referral decisions, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving care efficiency. Looking ahead, I envision the SIG continuing to lead in the development of imaging competencies for both new and seasoned clinicians, as well as expanding access to resources that support imaging advocacy at the state and national levels.

I believe that the SIG's role extends beyond resource development; it has the potential to drive policy changes and support physical therapists in achieving prescriptive imaging rights, thus strengthening our professional autonomy. If elected, I hope to help identify leaders who are passionate about advancing imaging in our profession and who will support innovations like diagnostic ultrasound for point-of-care assessment. Thank you for considering me. I look forward to contributing to the SIG’s mission, fostering the next generation of leaders, and supporting the future direction of imaging in orthopaedic physical therapy practice.

Ryan Martin, PT, DPT, RMSK
Profile: As a Co-Founder of an MSK ultrasound education platform and an RMSK-certified Physical Therapist, I have been dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal ultrasound education and clinical integration. I have implemented MSK ultrasound into six multidisciplinary clinics and have taught courses on MSK ultrasound nationally and imaging to Arizona physical therapists. For the courses held by AZ Directors Group, the proceeds benefit a scholarship fund for physical therapy students. I am also in the process of writing a book, in collaboration with a major publishing group, designed as a resource for physical therapy students to understand imaging and the integral role it plays in clinical practice. In my role on the Arizona Physical Therapy Directors Group, now an SIG under the Arizona Physical Therapy Association, I am committed to supporting the education and professional development of physical therapists. My work spans clinical practice, education, and advocacy, with a focus on elevating the role of imaging in patient care.

Statement: I believe the AOPT Imaging SIG is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in expanding the role of imaging in physical therapy. With the recent legislative changes in Arizona, I am excited to see the potential for physical therapists to positively impact patient outcomes by integrating musculoskeletal imaging into their clinical practice. As an advocate for expanding imaging rights, I am committed to helping physical therapists navigate and implement these changes to enhance clinical decision-making and patient care. As a member of the SIG, I would advocate for increased access to imaging education and the continued promotion of imaging rights across the country. My goal is to support the SIG in advancing these efforts, ensuring that physical therapists are well-equipped to serve their patients at the highest level.

Molly Malloy, PT, DPT, OCS
Profile: I have been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Arcadia University since December 2019. My primary role within the department is as the program director for the Orthopaedic Residency Program and Sports Residency Program. I have been very involved in residency education since 2006. I successfully developed residencies in Sports Medicine in Colorado at the Vail Valley Medical Center (Howard Head Sports Medicine clinic 2006), in Orthopaedics at the University of Chicago Medical Center (2008) and in Pediatrics at the University of Chicago Medical Center (2008). I have also been very involved with the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy including: practice committee member from 2016-2022, ORFSIG nominating committee member 2021-2022 and ORFSIG president from 2022-2025. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with other APTA sections specifically the Education and Sports sections for curriculum workgroups and ways to share ideas and resources.

Statement: I am honored to have served in the role as president of the ORFSIG for the past 3 years. If I had to summarize myself in a word I would call myself a collaborator. My vision for the ORFSIG has been to highlight the value and need for residency and fellowship education for the future of our profession. Highlights of collaborations within the ORFSIG include creating a universal graduate survey, creating a test question bank, expanding educational opportunities for faculty and program directors and currently we are working on a universal orthopaedic residency curriculum. My vision for the next and final term will be to assist program directors for ways collaborate with their university partners and company administrators to increase applicant volume and to demonstrate the overall benefits of post-graduate education. Finally, I would also like to expand the ORFSIG collaborations with other residency and fellowship programs across other APTA sections to improve curricular sharing, mentoring resources and expand the reach of post graduate education.

Leda McDaniel, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Profile: Dr. Leda McDaniel is a practicing Physical Therapist in Atlanta, GA and is also an adjunct professor at Emory University in the Division of Physical Therapy. Leda earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2019 from Ohio University and went on to graduate from Emory University’s Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program and obtain her Board-Certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). Leda then completed Northwestern University’s Fellowship in Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy Practice, Research, and Education and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT). Leda has been involved in APTA Georgia since 2019 and has served as a member on the social media committee, research work group, and sports and ortho Focused Interest Network (FIN) and currently leads the sports and ortho FIN monthly journal clubs.

Statement: Leda believes that post professional physical therapy education is an important step in training and promoting excellence in our profession. Through her experience training at the residency and fellowship level as a student and mentee and also through her teaching involvement in mentoring physical therapy and occupational therapy residents and fellows, Leda has developed a passion and deeper understanding for what advanced training can offer for development of expert clinicians and how it might benefit our profession as a whole and also our patients. Leda wishes to run for nominating committee member in order to further support the mission and vision of the ORF-SIG at a national level and promote these ideals within the profession.