PT Outcast

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson and Carly Lochala discuss the evolving role of physical therapists in primary care, particularly through the lens of urgent care and walk-in clinics. They are joined by Sam Schmidt, a private practice owner and legislative advocate, who shares her experiences in establishing walk-in clinics and navigating the complexities of patient care. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, mentorship, and the need for physical therapists to be recognized as primary care providers. Sam discusses legislative achievements in Montana, Utah, and nationally. She also discusses the growth of the Primary Care Physical Therapy Summit, and innovative approaches to Medicaid and urgent care. The episode emphasizes the potential for physical therapists to play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing accessible and effective care.

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson, Carly Lochala, Elise Ruckert, and Libby Krauss engage in a deep discussion about the current state and future of physical therapy education. In this third part collaborative episode between Brainsmith and Trellis Ed, everything is on the table! Join the crew as they explore the evolution of hybrid education models, the challenges posed by accelerated curricula, and the implications of residency programs. The conversation highlights the emotional and financial burdens faced by students, the importance of faculty diversity, and the need for innovative pathways in PT education. The group emphasizes the urgency for change and the potential for AI to shape educational conversations moving forward. A particularly passionate discussion about the CAPTE 50% rule was had... For reference, see the Hogan paper discussed here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40679435/

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson, Carly Lochala, with guests Kendra Gagnon, and Mary Blackinton take a deep dive into the provocative position paper “Beyond Scarcity: Reimagining an Abundant Future for Physical Therapist Education.” Together, they unpack one of the most pressing issues facing the profession today: how deeply scarcity thinking shapes the way PT education is designed, delivered, and regulated—and how that scarcity mindset limits possibility, access, affordability, and growth.The panel explores the structural forces that sustain scarcity in higher education, including accreditation requirements, program costs, limited faculty capacity, and the traditional definitions of what constitutes “quality.” They highlight how well-intentioned accreditation and regulatory systems can inadvertently restrict innovation and increase barriers for students, especially those from diverse and underserved communities.The discussion moves beyond critique and into imagination, asking what it would take to design educational systems defined by abundance instead of limitation—where quality is reimagined, cost structures are reframed, and learning can scale without compromising standards or outcomes. The group examines emerging educational models, hybrid pathways, and collaborative solutions that could expand access while increasing affordability, capacity, and clinical readiness.Rather than treating quality and access as opposing forces, the conversation emphasizes the potential for collaborative, community-driven models where educators, institutions, and practice environments work together to rethink the ecosystem. The episode challenges listeners to reconsider entrenched assumptions about who can teach, where learning happens, how quality is evaluated, and how the profession can meaningfully address equity and sustainability.What can our future hold?

In this episode of PT Outcast, a collaboration between Brainsmith and Trellis Ed, the discussion revolves around the experiences of distance faculty and the concept of belonging within the academic community. The speakers share their personal journeys in hybrid teaching roles, emphasizing the importance of connection, trust, and mentorship in fostering a sense of belonging. They explore the challenges faced by distance faculty, including the emotional toll of isolation and the need for intentional efforts to build relationships. The conversation also touches on the significance of organizational culture and the role of leadership in creating inclusive environments for all faculty members.

The conversation discusses the discontinuation of the Grad Plus loan program as of July 1st, 2026, highlighting its significance for PT students who primarily rely on this loan for financing their education. The implications of this change are explored, particularly how it affects students' ability to borrow money for their studies.As of July 1st, 2026, the grad loan program will no longer exist.DPT students primarily use Grad Plus loans for financing.The discontinuation of this program will impact many students and educational institutions.

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson and Carly Lochala are joined by Elise Ruckert and Libby Krause of Trellis Ed to discuss the landscape of faculty development in education, sharing personal stories and experiences that highlight the challenges and opportunities in teaching. They explore the evolution of faculty development, the importance of mentorship, and the need for ongoing professional development. The conversation emphasizes the role of community in enhancing teaching practices and the ethical considerations surrounding adjunct faculty training. The episode concludes with reflections on morale and resilience in academia, advocating for a culture that values teaching and learning.Check out Libby and Elise at: https://www.instagram.com/trellis.ed/ and linkedin.com/company/trellis-edCheck out Brainsmith at: brainsmith.org and https://www.instagram.com/brainsmithed or Elise Ruckert, PT, DPT, EdD, NCS is Assoc Prof at USC, Director DPT Mentor Program, Chair Education Research Lab, involved in multiple Academy of Education initiatives including National Prof Dev Committee and Clinical Educator Excellence Task Force. Involved in Neurologic residency leadership and mentoring for nearly 20 years. Currently editor of 3rd edition of Teaching and Learning in Physical Therapy: from Classroom to Clinic text. Libby Krause, PT, DPT, NCS is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy at USC. Libby is a PT by training who has used her degree and other experience to find a place in the world of PT education and instructional design. Co-founder of Trellis Ed, educator development and instructional design.

A special collaborative podcast with the Movement and Climate Change podcast and PT Outcast. Paige Enfinger and Katherine Hendry, DPT students at Emory University and podcast hosts, Zach Walson, PT, DPT, OCS, who serves as Head of Clinical at Second Door Health, and Josh Engles, a PhD student at MIT join the discussion. This thought-provoking conversation explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare, with a special focus on physical therapy. Perspectives from AI safety and interpretability, clinical practice, and academia share their perspectives on AI's game-changing potential while addressing ethical challenges and bias concerns. The discussion examines practitioners' responsibility to educate patients about AI tools and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks as AI rapidly evolves. Speakers also tackle the environmental costs of AI development, how these technologies might address—or worsen—healthcare disparities, and questions of liability when using AI in treatment decisions. Join us as we reflect on this potentially society altering technology!Link to: Movement and Climate Change Podcast

In this episode of PT Outcast, Dr. Jim Gordon reflects on his 50-year career in physical therapy, discussing the evolution of the profession, the importance of understanding its history, and the future of primary care within physical therapy. He emphasizes the need for a strong academic foundation in physical therapy education, highlighting the role of research and clinical practice in shaping future practitioners. Dr. Gordon also addresses the challenges faced by new educational programs and the shift towards a vocational training model. In this conversation, Jim Gordon and Eric Robertson discuss the current state and future of physical therapy education. They explore the challenges facing academic programs, the importance of maintaining high standards, and the need for innovation and critical thinking in training future physical therapists. Gordon emphasizes the necessity of excellence in the profession and reflects on the inspiring qualities of the next generation of therapists, while also considering the legacy of leadership in the field.

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson engages with, Emma Swärdh and Joost Van Wijchen, leaders in the Environmental Physiotherapy Association, as they discuss the intersection of physiotherapy and environmental health. They talk about the need for physiotherapists to engage in climate action and educate patients about the health impacts of environmental factors.The conversation covers the origins of the Environmental Physiotherapy Association, its growth, and the ethical responsibilities of physiotherapists in advocating for sustainable practices. The episode highlights the importance of integrating environmental considerations into physiotherapy education and practice, as well as the role of advocacy in promoting health justice and planetary health. This is a deep one!

In this episode of PT Outcast, host Eric Robertson interviews Ally Bartokowiak, PT, DPT, ATC, LAT, NCS, FAAOMPT, COMT, CEEAA, a clinical therapist with a diverse clinical background in physical therapy. They discuss Ally's journey through various specialties, including neurological, musculoskeletal, and manual therapy, and how her experiences have shaped her approach to patient care. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, the integration of different therapeutic approaches, and the evolving identity of physical therapists in a complex healthcare landscape. In this conversation, Ally and Eric discuss the importance of diverse clinical exposure in physical therapy, the evolving needs of patients, and the benefits of cross-specialization. They emphasize the necessity for future therapists to be adaptable and open-minded, particularly in light of increasing complexities in patient presentations, such as those seen in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The dialogue highlights the value of a broad educational foundation and the need for ongoing learning to meet the demands of a changing healthcare landscape.Catch up with Ally on her Instagram!

How do we know what we should know? In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson and Steve Milanese discuss the complexities of educational standards in physical therapy. They explore the origins of these standards, the differences between educational and practice standards, and the challenges faced in defining and implementing them. The conversation delves into the importance of accreditation, the cultural differences in understanding standards, and the implications for practitioners in various settings. They also touch on the evolving nature of standards and the need for clarity in their definitions to ensure quality education and practice in the field of physical therapy. This is Episode 007, High Standards!

In this episode of PT Outcast, host Eric Robertson engages with Aline Miranda Ferreira from Brazil, and Andre Gheorghiu from Romania, discussing their journeys to becoming member organizations of IFOMPT (International Federation of Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists). They explore the challenges faced in their respective countries, the importance of educational standards, and the role of mentorship in achieving their goals. Both Aline and Andre share insights on the impact of IFOMPT membership on clinical practice and the future directions for physiotherapy. Key Takeaways: IFOMPT is crucial for international collaboration in physiotherapy. The journey to becoming a member organization is challenging but rewarding. Educational standards are essential for improving practice. Mentorship plays a key role in developing qualified professionals. Both Brazil and Romania faced unique challenges in their processes. The support from IFOMPT was instrumental in their success. Membership provides credibility and authority in the field.

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson speaks with Dr. Jane Lucas, a physical therapist practicing in New Delhi, India. They discuss the significant differences in physical therapy practices between India and the United States, including the role of physical therapists, environmental health challenges, cultural influences on patient care, and the state of physical therapy education in India. Dr. Lucas shares her experiences navigating urban life, the challenges of mobility, and her aspirations to improve the quality of physical therapy in India through education and mentorship. Learn more about Dr. Lucas here.

In this conversation, Eric Robertson speaks with Dr. Moyo Tillery, the Director of Admissions and Assistant Professor at Tufts University, about the evolving landscape of physical therapy admissions. They discuss the shift towards holistic admissions, which considers the whole applicant beyond just academic performance, and the importance of contextualizing GPA and life experiences. Moyo emphasizes the need for diversity in the profession and the support systems in place for students from various backgrounds. They explore the challenges of diversifying the applicant pool in physical therapy programs and the implications of future trends, including the role of AI in admissions. The discussion highlights the significance of the admissions process and how it exposes so many various aspects of the broader profession.

In this conversation, Eric Robertson and Mike Pascoe discuss the evolving landscape of anatomy education, focusing on the concept of decolonization and its implications for teaching practices. They explore the need for inclusivity in anatomical representations, the importance of learning theory in curriculum development, and the innovative approaches being adopted in hybrid programs. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in reshaping anatomy education to better serve diverse student populations and meet contemporary healthcare needs. Learn more about Mike at mikepascoe.com!

How do educators learn how to educate? Well, they follow a blueprint, of course! Learn all about this critical new book publication from ACAPT and see how it might impact you! With Scott Ward, Barb Sanders, and Dawn Brown.

Introducing my new podcast! PT Outcast is a new initiative to hold meaningful discussions about the art and science of our world, and the profession of physical therapy. Come think outside the box with us!