VPTA Student Conclave 2019
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By Casey Pherson, SPT, and Sarah Strong, SPT
Over 100 students from seven Virginia PT and PTA programs gathered in Richmond on November 9th at South University to participate in the 2019 VPTA Student Conclave. The event was planned by the VPTA Student Special Interest Group Executive Committee in collaboration with VPTA leadership.
The day began with an address from VPTA President Josh Bailey and Past President of the APTA Student Assembly Board of Directors Cameron Massumi. Each discussed the significance of the VPTA and APTA, how they came to be involved, and the impact students are able to make in the profession. Recent legal advancements were discussed as well as upcoming proposed legislature to be discussed at state and national levels.
Keynote speaker Maggie Whittum gave students a personal account of her brain stem stroke survival and recovery. Whittum graciously participated in a question and answer session immediately following her speech, during which she provided more insight as to how her physical therapists helped her and what budding physical therapists might do in their careers to aid stroke survivors during their care.
Morning sessions included several topics: What Is Advocacy, Your Student Loan Investment, PT Applications and Clinical Pearls, and The Rehab Team. In What Is Advocacy, Tom Bohanon, PT, DPT, and Elizabeth Higgs, SPT, provided students with a great deal of insight into the value of advocacy and how students can have a role currently and in the future as clinicians. Your Student Loan Investment, presented by Joseph Reinke, founder and CEO of FitBux, provided students with strategies and guidance regarding the management of finances with the consideration of student loans. Paul Lastova, PT, DSc, discussed clinical cases focused on concussion rehabilitation, complete with a valuable review on elements of vestibular assessment. Tawny Chamberlain, PT, DPT, presented on the value of collaboration of the rehab team in providing the best patient care including the “7 keys to success” to working as an effective member of the rehab team.
A fresh mix of educational sessions was presented in the afternoon. Athletes and representatives from Sportable, a Richmond-based inclusive athletics program, and Northern Virginia Mutiny, a wheelchair rugby team based in Northern Virginia, spoke with students about adaptive sports and the roles physical therapists may have in getting them involved. A residency panel consisting of six current and former residency students gathered to share insight about the residency process. During this open forum, students gathered to ask the panel a variety of questions pertaining to participating in a residency program. Kala Flagg, MPT, ATC, CSCS, discussed life after graduation: finding your passion and merging your interests so that you can love what you do.
Students engaged with clinicians and vendors throughout the day, as VPTA Student Conclave and Fall Summit took place just down the hall from each other. Students and clinicians networked over lunch, chatted with vendors, and met later at the PT Pint Night!
