Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

I began service within VHA in 1995 as a scholarship recipient with a 2-year obligation. The decision to continue within VHA was made by an appreciation for the dynamic local multidisciplinary team and the best population base a therapist could hope for. Staying within VHA has rewarded me with meaningful and productive relationships throughout our vast system.
I have been fortunate to hold several elected and appointed positions within VHA and APTA (listed below) that have prepared me to successfully perform as our section VP.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

Vice President, Federal Section of APTA 2009-present

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

Many of our greatest opportunities first present themselves as challenges. A current example is the large variability in scopes of practice within the Federal system. As communication improves throughout the system, we have the possibility of forming more uniformity in our scopes which may ultimately be exported throughout the field of Physical Therapy. This would benefit the Federal system, private sector, and field as a whole. 

Statement of your interest in the postion:

I have served one term as section Vice President and welcome the opportunity to serve for a second, final term. The VP’s responsibility as Section Program Chair for CSM is quite complex and requires experience to properly fulfill. I will be happy to mentor and assist the next VP in this important duty. Hopefully that will be after the next election cycle! Thank you.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

Cincinnati VAMC since 1995, currently as the Rehabilitation Coordinator assisting our Rehab Team with program planning. It has been an exciting time to work within the largest healthcare system and with our Veterans. We recently were selected to participate in the new VHA Residency Pilot with development of a Geriatric Residency Program in 2012 alongside 5 other sites. I contribute clinically in the areas of geriatrics and assistive technology and my greatest satisfaction comes through mentoring. I participate in Federal, Geriatric, Neurology, Education, and Oncology Sections to maintain advanced practice skills.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

Midwest Representative/ Federal Section
Treasurer/Federal Section--current

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

1. Collaboration across the system. While this has begun with the creation of federal healthcare systems such as the James A Lovell Federal Facility in Chicago and the uniform representation of the branches at the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio, our connections still reflect more of a silo than collaborative model. We have the potential, research capabilities, and technology to be the vanguard of transformational physical therapy practice. I would like to see us work with APTA and VA to assist with standardizing competencies, documentation models, scopes of practice, and credentialing/privileging for PTs as well as Leadership Development as PTs move into key roles within their various branches and within healthcare systems and facilities across the country.
2. Another opportunity that exists is somehow linking the incredible databases we have established within our respective areas to assist with evidence-based, outcomes-driven models of care. Our acquisition and use of technology sets a high standard but differences within IT systems currently limits our sharing capabilities.

Statement of your interest in the postion:

During the past 3 years, our Section has transferred its accounting structure to an online, electronic format using Quicken. Our reserves reflect APTA guidelines and we are positioned for underwriting more programming at CSM than ever before. We have redefined ourselves through enhanced web design, an expanded online newsletter, electronic voting, reincorporation under a new name, and new booth and storage materials. I would like to see us work toward a more aggressive investment portfolio as well as either an expanded financial team or explore APTA assistance in our financial set-up similar to the Private Practice Section and other Sections of similar size to ours. I would like to conclude my involvement as your Treasurer with the establishment of strong financial policies that position us as the Section to watch in the years to come.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

25 years active duty with a breadth of experience from clinician to clinic chief at Madigan Army Medical Center.  Early adopter of electronic medical records. Five years command experience, 4 in fixed facilities, one in health systems development in Afghanistan.  Have served around the world.  Served as recruiter, wrote doctrine, policy, served as Army Physical Therapy Consultant x 4 years during development of Brigade PT concepts, online training concepts, and evolution of role of Army physical therapy in the unit performing injury prevention and training in lieu of clinically based post injury care, making Army PT combat mulitpliers.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

None

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

Challenge:  scope of practice delineation with chiropractors, CSCS, athletic trainers
Opportunities: developing areas of practice in prevention, health, and fitness beyond professional or semi professional sports

Statement of your interest in the postion:

I would like to represent the Federal physical therapists within our professional organization, and  serve as a conduit from our national professional organization back to our federally serving physical therapists as the profession serves others.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

I have been an active duty Navy PT since 1999. I have worked in multiple settings, including major medical center/inpatient, community hospital, overseas hospital, aircraft carrier and now a Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

None

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

1- One opportunity/challenge I see is that we have the ability to set the standard for direct access care that our civilian counterparts are working hard to achieve.

2- One challenge I see is that because we are not dictated by a physician or insurer stating how many visits we have, we are not always as efficient in rendering care, and potentially hold onto patients longer than necessary.

Statement of your interest in the postion:

I have been a member of the APTA since 1998, and recognize the importance of our organization. The APTA has developed into an amazing resource for accessing literature, as well as providing the most up to date research in rehabilitative/musculoskeletal care and continuing education. Prior to now, I have always felt somewhat disconnected from the state APTA chapters that I have been a member of, as I am not usually licensed in those states, and don’t practice under their practice acts. Now that there is a Federal Section that represents those of us practicing for the Federal government, I feel I have something to offer the organization.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

Lead PT at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital acute and OP care since 2007.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

MPTA Treasurer 2007-2010
MPTA Central District Chairperson 2005-2007
MPTA Central District Delegate to House of Delegates 2006-2008
MPTA Central District Treasurer 2003-2005
President Elect MPTA 2010- stepped down for surgery and chemotherapy.  All intervention for cancer complete at this time.

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

One of many opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal System is the evidence to support direct access for PTs.  The fact that PTs in the military have operated with direct access and autonomy provides support for the goals of 2020.

Another opportunity for PTs in the Federal system is to make paths toward more use of PTs in EDs, primary care, telehealth, and wellness areas.

A challenge for PTs in the Federal system is to provide or oversee PT intervention for veterans that do not have local access to care.  The challenge is to develop standardized and best practice peer review methods to monitor outcomes and efficacy of PT care outside of the system.

Another challenge in the system is to disseminate best practices throughout the Federal system.  There is a lot of re-inventing the wheel.

Statement of your interest in the postion:

It would be a privilege to represent the Federal Section at the House of Delegates.  I have enjoyed being active at the district and component level.  Disseminating the information from the HOD aides in maintaining involvement of our members and creating new members.  The passion that it ignites has lead to mentoring relationships with PTs that have bright futures in the profession and in leadership roles in the APTA.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

Evaluate and treat a diverse population to include Active Duty Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.
Provide direct access for primary evaluations, diagnoses and treatment for all types of musculoskeletal disorders ranging from non-traumatic pain to acute traumatic injuries.
Independently plan and implement treatment.
Perform ongoing re-evaluation and assessment of patient's progress, response to treatment and modified treatment plans.
Order and review appropriate diagnostic tests, i.e. MRI, plain films, labs.
Determine occupational limitations for service members recovering from injuries, surgeries and traumas.
Provide referrals to the appropriate specialty clinic, i.e. orthopedics, neurosurgery and physical medicine.  
Provide training through in-services, conferences and a one-on-one forum to military and civilian technicians in the area of lumbar stabilization, joint mobilization and biofeedback.
Prescribe authorized medications, requested braces and splints.
Direct and supervise one physical therapist and physical therapy technician.
Distinguish between normal and abnormal findings to recognize early potentially serious physical, mental and emotional problems. 
Proficient in AHLTA and CHCS II (electronic medical record programs) to include review/disposition consults and create/modify schedules.
Manage day to day administrative duties for physical therapy clinic.
Perform site visits for physical clinics on the economy.
Attend WTU meetings to assist in comprehensive care of soldiers.
Provide inpatient treatment for service members evacuated from Iraq and Afghanistan.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

n/a

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

Working within the federal system we have a lot of autonomy as providers.  We are credentialed for physical extender duties that allow us to provide care that our civilian counterparts cannot.  The challenge is receiving the proper training to provide these services.

Being outside the continental United States presents a challenge to attend hands-on continuing education courses.  There are limited opportunities within Europe for English-speaking courses.  It’s very expensive to return to the states for courses.

Statement of your interest in the position:

I have never held an office within the APTA.  Within the Army, I am able to interact with other physical therapists, however, I don’t have visibility with physical therapists in other branches nor within the civilian population.  I would like to be able to network with a larger population.  I am currently pursuing my tDPT through Regis University in Denver.  When the degree first came out, I saw no relevance to it.  I know many therapists have that same idea, however, I now realize it’s importance within our field and would like to be an advocate for physical therapy as a doctoring profession. 

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

I have served as a staff physical therapist since Feb 2007. My first assignment was at MacDill AFB where I also served as interim Flight Commander. My current position at JBER has allowed me to expand my experience and am currently in line to transfer into a Flight Commander/Element Chief position in summer 2012.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

None

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

For Military therapist the challenges always are getting more “hands on” treatment with our patients vs. simply evaluating them and providing a plan of care. As far as opportunities are concerned, being in the federal system provides us with a certain amount of autonomy that many of our civilian counterparts, in many cases are not party to. With our extended privileges to order imaging, specific meds and to refer to specialty clinics allows us to lead the way in current “best practices” in order to provide our patients with the most up to date treatments that may available.

Statement of your interest in the postion:

Having served over 18 years in the listed Navy ranks, followed by 4 years in the officer corps in the US Army Reserve, and finally my current tenure of over 4 years as an Air Force Physical Therapist give me a unique perspective into the federal system. Holding this position would allow me to expand the Air Force’s Role in how we treat our patients and how our distinctive practice can greatly impact our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. Thus allowing them to be mission ready.  I hope you will allow me to bring my experience not only as a therapist but also as a “war fighter” into this great team.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

- 14 years experience as a PT.
- Commander for basic military training acute care field clinic, ICU, neurological rehabilitation, spinal cord injury clinic, various outpatient/inpatient orthopedics clinics.
- Spoken locally and nationally at various conferences and symposiums.
- Adjunct instructor for the Army/Baylor Doctoral Program, Ft Sam Houston, TX in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy.
- PhD student at Nova SE Univ. (in dissertation phase)
- Chief Physical Medicine Bagram Air Field Afghanistan ’09-‘10.
- 2010 Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy John Medeiros Distinguished Authorship Award.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

N/A

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

Practicing as an active duty Air Force PT has presented many challenges and opportunities.  The DoD credentials PT’s to evaluate and treat patients in direct access capacity, order imaging and laboratory studies, have referral privileges and write prescriptions for certain medications.  This responsibility allows full utilization of training received through my graduate PT program. AD PT’s are recognized as the musculoskeletal gatekeepers and often in deployed locations are the only providers with expertise to assess patients with injuries to the musculoskeletal system.  This freedom to practice independently challenges me to remain current on differential diagnostic skills. Practice privileges often vary from base to base.  AD PT’s are transient. Frequently when assigned to a new base, education of on and off base providers regarding AF PT practice credentials requires considerable time. This challenge serves as an opportunity to educate these providers on what therapist have to offer.

Statement of your interest in the postion:

The military PT practice model in my opinion is how all PT’s should practice. I am interested in assisting the APTA in pushing this model forward.  I have a publication pending that compared PT’s to family practice physicians.  The data supports the safety and efficacy of therapists serving as primary care musculoskeletal providers, which is in line with APTA’s vision 2020.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

I have been stationed in England at RAF Lakenheath since the summer of 2010, where I have served exclusively in an outpatient orthopedic setting. Previously, I was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base from 2007 to 2010. I had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings to include inpatient care, outpatient orthopedics, and direct access care. I also had the opportunity to deploy in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM for six months in 2009.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

None

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

1) Maintaining the skillset required to deploy and accurately treat service members in austere environments
2) Leveraging our ability to treat service members and return to duty as a critical requirement for the Armed Services in a force shaping environment

Statement of your interest in the postion:

My primary interest in this position is to act as a conduit of information to/from Physical Therapists in the US Air Force to/from the Federal Physical Therapy Section. I would also like to ensure that in an environment of force shaping within the military, the voice of US Air Force Physical Therapists is well represented within the Federal Physical Therapy Section and American Physical Therapy Association.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

Graduated with MPT in '95 and joined the Navy that same year. Have been stationed overseas, onboard ship, and at large MTFs, Branch clinics and community sized hospitals. Have worked with Active Duty of all branches and their beneficiaries across the spectrum of physical therapy.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

None

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

Standardization across services and facilities on items such as coding and productivity requirements.

Adequate support for remote therapists, including those stationed overseas and deployed.

Statement of your interest in the postion:

1.  I respectfully request to be considered for the position of Federal Service Representative for the Navy/Marine Corps Team.

2.  I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of settings while supporting the Armed Forces during peacetime and while at war. I have been stationed at both large and small facilities within the US and abroad in Japan serving as a pediatric therapist. I have served in a forward deployed setting immediately following 9/11 while deployed on USS ENTERPRISE and in support of disaster relief onboard USNS COMFORT following the earthquake in Haiti. While stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center/National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, I have seen first-hand the struggles of therapists rehabilitating a broad spectrum of patients injured in the war.

3.  I have experienced many of the challenges felt by my fellow therapists/PTAs in the Federal Section and am uniquely positioned to understand and find solutions to the problems and issues we face.  

4. Thank you for your consideration.

V/R,
Deborah Carr, PT DPT OCS
CDR MSC USN

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

Although as a recently commissioned Naval Officer I have limited experience in the federal system, I feel this should not preclude me from applying for and serving in this position. Actually, as a newly commissioned officer, I feel I can provide a service by helping to bring a fresh perspective to the office of Naval representative.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

Student Ambassador - APTA (Previous)
Public Relations committee member- OPTA (Previous)

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

1: For those PTs serving in the military, it is still important for them to stay attune to
Federal legislation affecting PT practice through good communication with the APTA. If possible, it is prudent to help affect change to further our profession with the understanding that military service will one day end and it is very likely these legislations will directly affect their future civilian practice.
2: Federal service PTs have a wonderful opportunity to further research in the field of physical therapy as they have access to unique and large population groups. Utilizing this opportunity for research will increase the breadth of evidence based practice in physical therapy, thereby helping to further legitimize therapy as an autonomous, educated profession through evidence based practice.

Statement of your interest in the position:

I believe it is every physical therapist’s responsibility to support associations that lobby for the rights of our profession and provide a venue for continued education and communication among therapists, such as the APTA. The Federal section of the APTA provides and helps focus these services for those therapists that work for the federal government. Additionally, these organizations would be hard pressed to provide the wonderful service that they do without committed volunteers. Therefore, I feel obligated and would be honored as an educated and commissioned physical therapist to volunteer my time as the Federal sections Navy representative to facilitate continued education and help provide quality communication to those therapists serving in and contracted by the United States Navy.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

I have 15 years of experience in the Federal system as a physical therapist. They include diverse roles in: United States Air Force (Active Duty and Guard/Reserve), VA (Rochester, NY), and now the U.S. Navy (Active Duty). My current tour of duty is with the Marines at Camp Lejeune, NC which has given me a broad, comprehensive view of physical therapy in a federal domain.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

None.

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

The legitimatization of physical therapists as neuromusculoskeletal “gatekeepers” in a primary care setting.
Transition of physical therapy care from DoD to VA.

Statement of your interest in the postion:

I maintain a career-long passion to service for those who have currently (or have in the past) donned the uniform of a United States Service member. The position is one of profound interest to me as it is now time to share 15 years of various Federal Service positions with the APTA in order to advance physical therapy services in this very special time in our Nation.  With my experience comes many leadership positions in the past culminating in being named current Navy Physical Therapist of the Year. I wish to share this experience and leadership as the Navy/Marine Federal Service Representative.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

I have worked as a Physical Therapist for the VA Palo Alto Health Care system for 15 years. I now serve as the Team Leader for the Livermore Division. I am a NATA certified Athletic Trainer and an APTA Geriatric Clinical Specialist.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

I have been an APTA member and a Federal Section member, but I have not held any offices yet.

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

Changing political climate and possible budget concerns.
Great opportunity to shine as a service, with our young Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Statement of your interest in the postion:

I am a retired LtCol from the US Marine Corps, and I love helping Veterans and serving them as a Physical Therapist.  Honestly I do not know much about this position, but I am motivated and willing to learn.  Thank you for your consideration.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

Graduate of the Army PT Program. 10 years AD in US Army. 20 Years AD USPHS
10 years as Contractor for HIS facilities in Alaska.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

Tennessee Chapter: Delegate, 1972
Alaska Chapter: Vice President 1982-1983, President 1984-1993, Delegate 2008-2012
APTA Board of Directors 1994-1997
APTA Nominating Committee 1998-2001
(Chair 2000-2001)

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

The lack of voice and presence to make our needs known to Congress which is our funding source.

As a result of the funding cuts, therapists are finding it difficult to pursue educational programs. This also reduces the availability of networking among therapists within our “seamless” patient care system.

Statement of your interest in the postion:

I have served on both the component and national level and am seeking election to the position of Service Representative for the USPHS/CG. Having been involved in the federal health care system for four decades, I have many first hand experiences as a provider and as a consumer which provide insight into the needs of federal therapists.
Having been in national and component leadership for thirty years, I know the tools we have available to us in providing better patient care and a better working environment for our PTs and PTAs.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

I am currently the Rehabilitation Clinical Education Coordinator and Center Coordinator for Clinical Education for the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. I participate in contemporary physical therapy across multiple areas of practice including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, and Blind Rehab & Low Vision.

I demonstrate advanced knowledge to provide clinical guidance to staff physical therapists and interns within our department. I develop and coordinate multiple clinical education programs both in and out of our region including the University of Pittsburgh, University of Iowa, and Duke University. I maintain productive relationships and outreach with affiliated universities and internal service lines, guest lecturing on topics such as Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center program, Safe Patient Handling & Lifting, and Management Track (leadership and management topics for rehabilitation interns).

I am nearing final completion of the APTA Leadership Administration Management & Professionalism (LAMP) certificate. I am currently enrolled in Carnegie Mellon University’s Master of Public Management program. This management curriculum includes leadership, mission and vision, policy and procedure, healthcare ethics, strategic planning, creativity and innovation, best practice, customer service, communication, motivation, and productivity.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

Current PPTA Nominating Committee chair
Current APTA member, Federal and HPA sections
2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Pittsburgh chairperson for Games Kickoff
Facility team member for Patient Education steering committee at VA Pittsburgh
Facility team member for Cultural Transformation steering committee at VA Pittsburgh
Facility team member for Safe Patient Handling & Movement steering committee at VA Pittsburgh

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

1. Performance-based and Veteran-centered outcome measures
2. The Tele-health physical therapy to improve access to specialty care, decrease patient and caregiver burden, continuity of care, and compliance

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

As a physical therapist (PT) and Functional Status and Outcomes Database (FSOD) coordinator in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) I provide consultation in rehabilitation and health maintenance programs that promote health, wellness, and fitness to a veteran population.
I have acted in an official capacity as our FSOD coordinator for 3 years and currently oversee our facility's FIM credentialing status. My duties include the management and administration of data into the national FSOD at the Austin Automation Center (AAC). As the FSOD coordinator, I am responsible for overseeing the entry of data collected into the FSOD database; this includes patient case information, demographics, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, cost information, and satisfaction information.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

I currently serve as chair of the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association (KPTA) Northern District.

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

I believe an important issue facing the VA today is the continued need to improve care for our veterans with polytrauma. Recent military combat has resulted in a new pattern of injuries and disability, which require a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation process and coordination of care.
An opportunity I would like to be a part of within the VHA is the development of PT residency programs. Residency programs are a way to advance the skills and post professional education of practicing PTs, which will improve care to a veteran population. Recently, our facility was awarded approval to start a residency program and I look forward to being an integral part of this process.

Statement of your interest in the postion:

I am requesting your consideration to serve as a federal service representative for the VHA. Providing comprehensive, high-quality care is crucial to serving these returning veterans and upholding the mission, vision, and values of the VHA. As a physical therapist, I am intimately involved in the physical rehabilitation of these veterans and wish to support the organization in any way I can.

Brief summary of experience in Federal system as a physical therapist:

I have been at the Minneapolis VA since I graduated from the University of Minnesota DPT program in 2007. I am the only full-time PT on the outpatient Polytrauma/TBI team and was promoted in 2010 to the level of Clinical Specialist in this area of practice. I am a point-of-contact for programming and treatment for patients with mild TBI throughout our VISN and polytrauma system of care. I have been involved in program development and continuous improvement projects within the polytrauma/TBI program, PT department and PM&R. I represent PT throughout our facility on committees and work-groups in addition to national VA conferences and on a recruitment trip. I was selected to attend the Col. Douglas A. Kersey course in 2010 and presented information about that experience on the national VA PT conference call.

List any local or regional APTA offices currently or previously held:

I have been a member of the MN APTA CE committee since 2007 and have been co-chair of the committee since 2009. I have been involved in several changes within our chapter including the selection of a new Executive Director and web platform. I am active in our community outreach efforts and sit on the Coordinating Council that created our strategic plan and directs where we are going as a chapter. 

What are 2 key challenges or opportunities facing physical therapists within the Federal system?

I think that there are several challenges that could become opportunities for PTs within the Federal system. While I am most familiar with the workings of the VA system (which is certainly varied throughout the country) I think the concepts can span areas of practice throughout the Federal system.

PTs involved at the level of primary care. Integrating PTs into primary care clinics has the potential to provide timely education and information to patients, families and practitioners about a multitude of issues including injury prevention, wellness and prevention of disability due to chronic conditions. Having PTs as part of a multidisciplinary team or partnership with the medical provider would provide an opportunity to address pain complaints and functional limitations before chronicity occurs and patients become reliant on narcotics for self-management.

Evidence based practice/standards of care. As the population of those served in the Federal system changes, so too, must our approach. Having an accessible evidence-based database of outcome measures, standardized tests, practice guidelines and documentation guidelines has the potential to elevate and standardize the level of practice without mechanization of care. At the very least, a consistent message or guideline pertaining to elements of practice would make it easier for Federal health care systems or individual departments to implement standards.

Statement of your interest in the position:

I am interested in this position as a way to get more involved on a national level from both an APTA and Federal system perspective. I believe that this is key to my professional development as there is much to be learned from interaction outside of my present scope. I enjoy networking with other VA-based PTs at conferences and really learned a lot working with PTs from the different military branches at the Col. Douglas A. Kersey course. I am eager to work with my colleagues toward the promotion of our profession and quality services to all of those served across the continuum of the Federal system.