Great Direct Access Video

You may have seen this already, but this news story from a Pittsburg TV station is a great, comprehensive summary of direct access for physical therapy.  Obviously, the details may be different in your state, but this is a good model for us all to follow in promoting direct access in our own regions.  Enjoy!

TAI Employs “PT of the Year” in Three States!

In April, Steve Allen, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT, Director of TAI-Liberty Lake Physical Therapy in Spokane, was honored with the “PT of The Year” award at the Physical Therapy Association of Washington’s (PTWA) spring conference.  This award is granted annually to a therapist who demonstrates active participation in the Association,  participates above the average member, and is recognized for exceptional conduct.  In addition to his outstanding work as a therapist and mentor and clinic Director and a NAIOMT instructor, Steve has been an active member of the Association and the legislative side of the profession for years.  Among other things, he is currently serving as a PTWA Delegate to the APTA House of Delegates. 

Steve’s award is the latest in a year of high honors for individual physical therapists in our company.  In March at the Oregon Physical Therapy Association’s (OPTA) annual conference, Bill Temes, PT, MS, CCS, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT (staff therapist at our Oregon Medical Group main clinic in Eugene) received the 2009 Mercedes Weiss Award.  This is one of the most significant awards that OPTA grants (and doesn’t always give out!), presented to a therapist who goes above and beyond to serve the profession.  A renowned therapist, teacher, and mentor, Bill currently serves the Chief Administration Officer for NAIOMT and Assistant Director of the NAIOMT Fellowship Program. He is the Director of TAI’s Supervised Clinical Placement Program and a Key Mentor and faculty member of our Orthopaedic Residency Program.

In 2008, the Idaho Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) named Matt Booth, DPT, OCS, “PT of the Year”.  The award is annually granted to one PT in the state who exhibits outstanding clinical practice, and commitment to the profession and his/her community.  Not only has Matt advanced himself (through NAIOMT training, ASTYM certification, OCS certification, etc.) in order to provide the best possible care to his patients, but he has become one of TAI’s most active Directors in the community.  His clinic – TAI-Boise Parkcenter PT is the sponsor of many community events.  Matt often gives lectures and workshops on a variety of topics, he is a regular Clinical Instructor for students, active in IPTA, and, as an athlete, he has developed a strong reputation for treating a wide variety of active patients in both a rehab and preventative medicine capacity. 

We are proud of all of our therapists and the amazing work they do for our communities. These three outstanding men exemplify the spirit, dedication, intelligence and generosity characteristic of therapists in our company.  We are very proud of their above-and-beyond work.  Steve, Bill, and Matt -congrats and THANK YOU!!

Oyster Racing Series

The Oyster Urban Adventure Racing Series in Seattle and Portland this year is the perfect opportunity for athletes (at all levels), weekend warriors, and brave hearts of all kinds to strut their skills and have a lot of fun, while raising money for a good cause.  It’s a combination of physical challenges (including, but not limited to, running, biking, skating, climbing, and boating) and unique urban challenges that can involve shopping, public transportation, trivia, and eating.   TeamSage Productions produces the event and annually donates hundred of thousands of dollars to non-profit organizations, including the Arthritis Foundation, with proceeds from the Oyster Racing Series. 

The Oyster Racing Series started in Denver in 2003 and what makes it unique is that it’s always set in a city and is conducted in one day. The race course and components are a secret - participants come prepared for anything and move from checkpoint to checkpoint throughout the day to discover what crazy adventure comes next.  Past participants in our fair cities of Seattle and Portland have thrown fish, kayaked Lake Union, eaten bugs, climbed stadium stairs, traveled the Tram, shopped at Whole Foods, golfed, and run and biked dozens and dozens and dozens of miles, among other things.

Therapeutic Associates is the 2009 Oyster Relay Challenge Sponsor, meaning that we are going to pull together our own teams of 4-6 participants to navigate this wacky and wild day of racing and - if you think you’re up to the challenge - we invite you to coordinate your own motley crew to join in the fun!  Visit the Oyster Racing Series website for registration and other details or contact me directly if you have questions.  This is a great way to get outside, get some serious exercise, test your teamworking skills, and have a heck of a lot of fun in the city.