From the Classroom to the Statehouse: DPT Student Voices in Action

Two students. One lobby day. A meaningful impact that reached the state legislature. In this episode, discover how DPT students Ally Clark and Brian Pham turned preparation into opportunity — earning an invitation to testify after APTA Virginia’s Lobby Day. Joined by VCU faculty members Alicia Flach, PT, DPT, EdD, and Katie Shaab, PT, DPT, PhD, along with APTA Virginia President Emily Hawkins, PT, DPT, PhD, this episode unpacks how students are trained for advocacy, what makes a lobby day successful, and why your voice matters. Tune in to learn practical strategies for organizing and participating in a state lobby day, guidance for getting started in advocacy, and why engaging at every stage of your career is critical. Ready to get involved in advocacy? Check out the following APTA resources to get started. Download the APTA Advocacy App. Start a discussion in the APTA Community. Join the APTA Advocacy Network and read all the latest advocacy news. Participate in the APTA Student Advocacy Challenge.