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-ed

Check 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.