348: Dr. Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD: Advocacy in Physical Therapy

LIVE from Washington DC at the Federal Advocacy Forum through the American Physical Therapy Association, I am joined by Dr. Sharon Dunn to discuss advocacy in physical therapy. Dr. Sharon Dunn is the President of the American Physical Therapy Association. Since beginning service through the professional organization as a student, Sharon has also served as the State Government Affairs Chair; Louisiana chapter President, Vice President, and Delegate.
In this episode, we discuss:
-Physical therapy advocacy for both the patients and the profession
-Policy agenda wins for the APTA
-New public policy priorities for 2018
-How to bring advocacy to your community, state and country
-And so much more!
 
Dr. Dunn believes the focus of advocacy efforts should be about the patients as, “Stories are where the meaningful conversations occur.” Dr. Dunn has found, “To bring the patient’s story to the congressional leadership is what really makes a difference.”
 
Physical therapy advocates have made significant progress on Capitol Hill as Dr. Dunn reassures, “Hill staffers and congress people see the value of hearing from physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.”
 
Approach legislators with a win-win scenario as Dr. Dunn strategizes, “Never leave that meeting without offering to be a solution.” She reminds, “Share with the legislators what you do for your patients and not always go about the money or the payment but how can physical therapy be a solution to the healthcare crisis in this country.”
 
For more information on Dr. Dunn:
Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD, OCS received her BS in PT in 1987 from LSU Health Sciences Center in her hometown of Shreveport, LA. She has since completed a Master’s of Health in ’96 and a PhD in Cellular Biology and Anatomy in ’06. She has been a faculty member at LSU since 1990, currently as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Rehabilitation Sciences Department. Since beginning service through the professional organization as a student, Sharon has served as the State Government Affairs Chair; Louisiana chapter President, Vice President, and Delegate; and of course is the elected APTA President.
 
Resources discussed on this show:
Sharon Dunn Twitter
#ChoosePT
Prosper Act
PT PAC
 
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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!
 
Xo Karen