Top 5 take-aways from 2016 APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM): A Rookie’s Perspective.

1.  Harness the power of social media. Our discipline is all over Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc… Join groups of like-minded people and opposites. Read about questions, answers, successes and struggles others have that are likely similar to your own.  Social Media can create connections and concepts that alter and promote our profession.  The leaders of our profession are using social media to engage our profession and connect with others.

2.  Networking. Everyone has a dream or vision for their PT profession. Seek out PTs who have similar visions and connect with them. Find others who can help you fulfill your desires for your career. If some of the people you want to reach out to are “well-known”, reach out anyway. I am so excited by the responses that I have received from people who are doing incredible things in their PT practice.

3.  Transforming society. I learned that each of us has a strong passion for our profession. Many of us are using our education to move our profession forward. From cash based private practices to reviewing medications, from preventative healthcare to utilizing PTs in the emergency department, we are on the leading edge of healthcare in transforming our society. We wouldn’t be accomplishing this effort without our PTPAC! I had the opportunity to support the PTPAC by donating for the first time this year! It is important to advocate and be active in the political realm.

4.  Health, Wellness, Prevention and Fitness.  I preach prevention every day to patients and clients.  It was encouraging to meet and network with other PTs who practice this way. The most encouraging connection I made on this front was learning about the MOVEment called Free the Yoke. Meeting the man behind the movement, along with others who promote health, wellness and fitness was truly inspiring.

5.  Women in Leadership: lean in ladies, we need more women advocating for women. The most empowering session I attended at CSM was about promoting women in leadership roles. Amazing women shared their stories of climbing the ladder and offered suggestions on how to follow in their footsteps. These women then turned the mic over to the audience. Women from DPT students to successful private practice owners, shared their struggles and successes. Their words were powerful and sincerely motivating.

Thanks for reading! First-time blogger here. I couldn’t end without saying, follow me on Twitter @jberglund20, find me on LinkedIn, or shoot me an email jessica.berglund@liveyourlifept.com.

Keep moving, 

Dr. Jessica Berglund
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Live Your Life™
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

Dr. Jessica Berglund is a passionate and enthusiastic person and practitioner who truly believes that exercise is medicine! She spent her educational career at St. Catherine University, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science in 2011 and with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2013. She has experience treating a wide variety of patients and strives to use health, wellness and prevention to help each patient achieve their life goals. Her knowledge, passion and enthusiasm will inspire you to pursue your goals and change your life! Learn more about our services here: http://www.liveyourlifept.com/physical-therapy-wellness-services