Building the Next 100 Years of PT w/ Dr. Kyle Covington, President of the APTA

What does the future of physical therapy actually look like — and who's fighting to shape it?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD — President of the American Physical Therapy Association and one of the most influential voices in the profession today. A Duke-trained clinician, educator, and policy advocate, Kyle has spent his career going to bat for PTs in the clinic, the classroom, and on Capitol Hill. Now, as APTA president, he's locked in on one mission: positioning physical therapy for the next 100 years.We get into the big questions — the ones that matter if you're a practice owner, a clinician, or anyone who cares about where this profession is headed.We cover:Why Kyle believes we're at a true "inflection point" for PT — and what's at stake if we don't get it rightThe biggest threats facing outpatient PT right now: reimbursement, workforce, and how the profession positions itselfHow expanding autonomy and direct access could reshape the PT's role in the broader healthcare systemThe future of private practice and what the APTA is doing to support independent owners over corporate consolidationWhy PT has historically struggled to market itself — and what needs to change at scaleThe rise of hybrid and cash-based models: temporary trend or permanent shift?What needs to happen to solve the staffing crisis — and whether a tiered credentialing system could help get more professionals into the field fasterHow "a place where everyone belongs" isn't just a values statement — it's a growth strategy for clinicsIf you've ever wondered whether the profession's best days are ahead of it, this conversation will give you a lot to think about — and a lot to be optimistic about.