Why Physical Therapists Are Burnt Out (And What Actually Fixes It)

Physical therapy feels harder than ever for many clinicians—burnout, declining reimbursement, and career uncertainty are constant conversations.But what if the problem isn’t the profession… it’s perspective?In this episode, Derek Landis shares what happens when you step outside the U.S. system and practice in a place where access to care is limited and every PT skill matters.Key Takeaways:Why PT burnout is often tied to perceived value, not actual impactWhat changes when patients finally get access to careThe hidden skills PTs undervalue (like transfer training and education)How serving underserved populations can improve clinician satisfactionWhy clinic owners should create opportunities for purpose-driven workWhy This Matters for Clinic Owners:If your team feels disengaged, this episode highlights a lever most clinics ignore—creating meaning through impact. Supporting outreach, pro bono work, or mission-driven care can improve morale without changing compensation models.Guest Links:Website: https://landis-family-jamaica.epistle.org/Friends of the Redeemer: https://friendsoftheredeemer.orgSponsors:SaRA Health – Helping clinics generate revenue between visitsEMPOWER EMR – Built for faster, cleaner PT workflowsU.S. Physical Therapy – Supporting clinician growth and clinic partnerships