PT and BCPA

Hi everyone, after I introduced myself, Ann Marie sent me the following message. My reply is below. 

Welcome Cheryl! We're so glad you're here. We would love if you would start a conversation that utilizes your specific knowledge and expertise, perhaps helping others understand how your DPT background is impactful in geriatric neuro cases or trauma recovery or post-ICU? Or opening a conversation with others about unique challenges in the healthcare community of the greater northwest?

~99% of my clinical care has been on the in-patient side: hospital, acute rehab, SNF, and LTACH. On the out-patient side, I worked in a post-concussion program and did a stint in the acute rehab's out-patient follow up clinic. I continue to work clinically, now in acute & critical care — just enough to keep my toe in the water. I continue clinical work because I love being a PT, I love the teamwork of acute care, and it also benefits my advocacy work in so many ways. Being a PT makes me a better advocate and being an advocate makes me a better PT. 

Working as a PT in in-patient settings gives you a very well rounded look at the interplay between disease and injuries, medical management, mobility & function, patient & family knowledge/stress/coping/dynamics, and discharge planning. We see what brings people into the hospital, what happens in the hospital, and which discharges failed when the patient comes right back. Working across the continuum from ICU to the acute floor to acute or subacute rehab improves prognostication of how a patient will progress and what is needed to maximize their recovery and safety. We see support systems succeed wildly and fail miserably. All of this improves our contributions as critical members of the discharge planning team. 

I'm happy to answer questions related to PT or advocacy in general. I've been in practice as an advocate for six years.