Legislative Q & A

Dr. Gunther is currently a physical therapist at Richmond Physical Therapy, an outpatient orthopedic private practice in Richmond, Virginia. He received his bachelor’s degree at Randolph-Macon College with a major in psychology and a minor in speech communications. After working in the mental health field for a few years, he decided to change course and go to PT school at VCU. In 2013, he graduated with his DPT and began working as a PT. 

In the interview that follows, Dr. Gunther discusses his new role as the Legislative Chair for the VPTA and his perception of the current physical therapy industry.

Why did you become a PT?
While employed as a patient care tech at a hospital, I had a great experience with an acute care PT.  I enjoyed the interaction between PTs and patients and the relationships that developed. I started working as a PT aide at Richmond Physical Therapy and expanded my knowledge and understanding of the profession. That experience piqued my interest and so I began applying for PT school. 

What are your roles and responsibilities as the legislative chair for the VPTA?
My responsibility is to develop grassroots campaigns and help further the goals of the VPTA. As a liaison between members and VPTA leadership, I make sure these goals are communicated to our members. 

What actions have the legislative committee taken in the past that benefited the profession as a whole?
The most recent recognized work is the advancement of Direct Access. Through legislation enacted in 2015, the law now allows physical therapists to treat patients for 30 days without a referral from a physician.

Every year there are important issues concerning the scope of practice for physical therapy that the legislative committee monitors and acts upon accordingly to ensure the profession continues to grow.

Are you a big advocate for patient education?
Through education, we empower our patients.  My goal is to educate patients and promote independence.  Education allows for awareness and gives patients the independence to control their body in the future.

Within your position with the VPTA, how do you plan to promote patient education?
I believe physical therapy is a leader in conservative treatment. In order for PTs to be most effective, we must fight for our rights as practitioners and continue to educate the public on the value of PT.

What would you say is the value that physical therapy provides?
People benefit from physical therapy in different ways.  Specifically, in the out-patient setting, physical therapy provides a conservative treatment approach for treating musculoskeletal conditions. Often people can avoid costlier treatment approaches by utilizing physical therapy. In cases when conservative treatments are not effective, PTs can provide education and assistance in facilitating further medical interventions.

Why did you get involved with the VPTA?
I choose to be involved because I think it is important to assist our professional organization. As PTs, it is important to take pride in our profession and support the goals of the organization. Without VPTA’s efforts, the profession could falter. The profession is unable to sustain its momentum and advocacy without the involvement of its members. We should strive to achieve the most from our jobs and must work together to advocate for our organization.

What do you hope to do as the legislative chair to move the profession forward?
I will continue to advocate for physical therapy as a primary treatment option for musculoskeletal care.  Physical therapy is a cost-effective, safe, evidence-based treatment for many conditions and needs to be more frequently considered by individuals with chronic or acute pain. This year, our primary goal was to educate legislators through the #choosept campaign. This movement promotes physical therapy as an alternative to opioid prescription. It is my hope that we continue to educate the public on the benefits of physical therapy and enact legislation that furthers our scope of practice.

Back to The Virginian