Capitol Hill Day and the Future of Our Profession as a DPT Student
August 25, 2023 | Tyler Cohen, SPT
As a 3rd year DPT student, attending APTA Capitol Hill Day was just the experience I needed as I prepared to launch my career. I visited the offices of the U.S. Congress with the Florida Delegation advocating for legislation that affects physical therapists around the country. This was tremendously rewarding and inspiring, as I got to witness how and where decisions are made that affect the future of our profession first-hand.
Something that stood out to me was that some of the legislative staffers we met with were millennials. I found myself explaining policy to a legislative aide around my age. Across the table from me were other young adults who could have been classmates of mine, which inspired hope. I was listened to, respected, and treated like a peer.
While part of me was hoping to snap a picture with a senator or house representative, I have incredible mentors with decades of life experience beyond me who have made remarkable contributions to the PT profession and society in general. When I sat down next to young staffers in the offices of Congress, I recognized that they were in analogous positions to me; embracing an opportunity to be mentored by seasoned leaders who will one day need to pass the torch to good, responsible hands.
One day our cohort will be making the big decisions, so we must jump at any opportunity to learn what works, what doesn’t, and what can work better from the legends who experienced it firsthand. Just like my parents’ and grandparents’ respective generations, there is much I would do the same, and much I would do differently. There is so much work to be done, and this work cannot be completed in silos. For better or for worse, the future is ours to shape, and we must collaborate.
It was an honor serving as the student council representative for the APTA’s Geriatrics Section and meeting talent from across the country in our nation’s capital. I encourage all PT and PTA students who are interested in leadership to attend next year’s Capitol Hill Day, as it was truly a formative experience. Not only did I learn, but I made many new professional connections and friends who will no doubt make great contributions to our profession. I look forward to attending many future events such as this as a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Tyler Cohen, SPT
Class of 2023
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Miami, FL
I am a graduating Doctor of Physical Therapy student from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Miami campus. My non-traditional professional background spans sports videography, outpatient front desk work, food service, and advertising. Throughout my academic career, I’ve built a strong set of leadership skills in various roles at each institution I’ve attended, most notably as Founding President of the USAHS Geriatrics SIG. I currently serve as Student Outreach Liaison for APTA Geriatrics, was Quizmaster for Season 3 of FPTA’s Battle of the Brains and attended the APTA Leadership Congress & Capitol Hill Day as the 2023 Student Representative for APTA Geriatrics. I intend to pursue residencies and additional certifications post-graduation and further my involvement at the state, national, and academy levels. I am humbled and honored to be entering this distinguished profession.