Alex Hill, an outpatient physical therapist based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a gem of a human being. She shares her decade-long journey in physical therapy, specializing in pelvic health, oncology, lymphedema, and gender-affirming care. Alex, perhaps better known as The OncoPelvic PT, discusses the importance of trauma-informed care, patient empowerment, and validation in clinical practice. Additionally, Alex reflects on her experiences with residency, mentorship, and the evolving understanding and acceptance of pelvic health and oncology in society and the medical field.

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00:00 Meet Alex Hill: Physical Therapist Introduction

00:46 Specializations and Passion for Public Health

01:35 Podcast Journey and Oncology Focus

03:55 Pelvic Health and Oncology Intersection

06:41 Educational Path and Residency Experience

15:58 Mentorship and Resources for New Professionals

24:27 The Power of Healing Touch

26:08 Patient Control in Medical Settings

26:46 Trauma-Informed Care in Oncology

28:49 Normalizing Pelvic Health Conversations

40:34 Gender Affirming Care in Rehab

45:06 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents over 100,000 clinicians and students. Each state chapter, specialty section and academy, and special interest group are run by its members, all of whom serve on a volunteer basis.

Brian Gilbert, PT, MSPT, Cert. MDT, Cert. DN, and board certified orthopedic clinical specialist, is the current president of APTA Michigan. He talks about, among other things, the importance of giving back to the profession, in ways big or small, as a way of protecting our license and advocating for the best care for our patients.

PTs and PTAs are used to treating a myriad of different diagnoses among a myriad of different people. We are present for some of the most vulnerable points in our patients' lives as they navigate their rehabilitation journeys. What is it like when the PT becomes the patient?

Dr. Eric Galvez is a former physical therapist, author of multiple books, and brain cancer survivor who talks about what his experience was like when he was diagnosed with a meningioma not long after starting his career. He also tells us about how he has used this experience as a positive force in the world.

Eric on YouTube, Facebook, and X.

PTs and PTAs in Michigan! You can earn PDR credit just for listening to Waves episodes. Fill out this form and save it for your records!

We're back with another episode highlighting the philanthropic work of DPT students! We were honored to speak to the very first winner of the Solstice Scholarship from Western Michigan University, Chloe Catallo.

Chloe discusses her journey with the Solstice Scholarship and how she organized a rock-climbing event to support victims of substance abuse through the Community Healing Center and Climb Kalamazoo. She shares her passion for community outreach and health equity, highlighting the importance of advocating for underserved populations.

Never underestimate the power of a motivated student!

Planet Rock

Terra Firma Bouldering Co.

APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation

APTA Code of Ethics and Guide for Professional Conduct

The debt-to-income ratio is a hot topic in physical therapy. The costs of education continue to rise but salaries haven't kept pace.

Drs. Connor and Hannah Pierce are husband and wife, physical therapists, parents, and founders of After the DPT, a company that helps physical therapists manage their student loan debt. We sat down to talk with them about how folks can pay off their debt without having to live off of ramen and water. Not to toot our own horn, but this is really good information!

Michigan PTs and PTAs! Earn PDRs toward license renewal by listening to Waves episodes! Just fill out this ⁠⁠form⁠⁠ and keep it for your records.

Music by ⁠⁠Mark Joesting⁠⁠ and Andy Wicks.

Editing help from Brigit Hammond.

Physical therapy is not a diverse profession. One person trying to change that is Kierra Washington, a third-year student at Grand Valley State University. She talked with us about what is has been like being a racial minority in graduate school, what her career goals are, and how she wants to make things better for those that come after her.

"Wow, You Look Like Me! - The Need to Increase Diversity in the Field of Physical Therapy" by Kierra Washington, SPT

Dr. Rebeca Segraves, PT, DPT, WCS

Dr. Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, MBA, PhD

Michigan PTs and PTAs! Earn PDRs toward license renewal by listening to Waves episodes! Just fill out this ⁠form⁠ and keep it for your records.

Music by ⁠Mark Joesting⁠ and Andy Wicks.

If you are a physical therapist, you probably entered the profession with some desire to help your fellow human. If you're a small business owner, you also need to worry about making enough money to pay your staff, keep the lights on, etc. Are the two goals incompatible?

NO! Says Dr. Ryan Shelton, owner of PhilanthroPT, a "for purpose" company in Kentucky that ensures that it gives back to its community and ensures that everyone has access to care, while still pulling in a profit. Sit at his feet, ye listeners, and soak it in.

Michigan PTs and PTAs! Earn PDRs toward license renewal by listening to Waves episodes! Just fill out this form and keep it for your records.

Music by Mark Joesting and Andy Wicks.

Dr. Adam Matichak is a rare bird. Not in the "exotic diagnosis" sense, but in the "really cool guy who does rad things" sense. He is a board-certified oncologic clinical specialist who knows more about cancer rehabilitation than is appropriate, and still has time to be a swell guy. He hopes that you, dear listener, know a little more about oncologic physical therapy after this episode than you did before.

"How an insurer abandoned a cancer patient in his most critical hour."

Are you a PT or PTA in Michigan? You can get PDR credit towards license renewal by listening to Waves episodes! Fill out this form and save it for your records. It's that easy!

Editing help from Brigit Hammond.

Music by Mark Joesting and Andy Wicks.