Colorado Chapter Outstanding PT for 2004

With the current emphasis on evidence-based practice, what does the literature have to say about the expert practice of physical therapy? In a recent study by Resnik and Jensen, expert therapists were identified by the excellent outcomes of their patients. These therapists were found to have certain qualities in common: They practiced patient-centered care in the context of a broad knowledge base, superior clinical reasoning skills, and strong virtues and values. This year's recipient of the Colorado APTA's Outstanding Physical Therapist Award demonstrates all these traits.

            The knowledge base of this therapist has as its foundation the UCHSC PT program. Graduating in 1985, this therapist started building on that foundation by working with a wide variety of patients in the hospital setting. This gave him the opportunity to gain skills in treating patients in the acute wards, the rehabilitation unit, the outpatient department and in an occupational medicine setting. To begin to focus his career, this therapist's practice was soon directed toward the outpatient population, with more emphasis on the orthopedic patient. After working for a few different private practices (and a (thankfully(?)) short stint in a corporate setting), this therapist eventually made good on his threat to "rent an office and hang up his shingle" by opening his own private practice. As a measure of his success, he was invited to speak on the topic of the solo-practitioner private practice at a previous CO APTA convention.

            As expert therapists demonstrate a passion for life-long learning, so has this therapist been a role model in regards to continuing education. With a focus on orthopedics and manual therapy, this therapist completed the NAIOMT Level 4 certification in 1999, and became an APTA certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in 2003. These accomplishments are merely the overt expression of how continuing education has built upon this therapist's innate (and sometimes annoying) questioning character to enhance his clinical reasoning skills.

            But a broad knowledge base does not just consist of ongoing clinical education. For example, this therapist's knowledge base also incorporates a love of traveling. He's expanded his cultural awareness and sensitivity through travels in Europe and Asia. He's been known to take art classes. And though not the most practical for this region, has studied German and Italian.

            Moving on to the "Expert Physical Therapist" qualities of virtue and values, this therapist has strongly demonstrated the virtue of professional commitment. Starting as a District Representative to the Board in 1993, this therapist has served his association in many capacities including: Delegate at large, District Chairman, secretary of the Private Practice Special Interest Group, and Chief Delegate. He's volunteered multiple times at the legislative breakfasts, presenting a most professional and competent image of physical therapy to our state legislators. He supported CO APTA's sunset legislative process, being present and ready to testify at the hearings and sessions. And he's been a regular volunteer at the association's largest PR effort, the 9 Health Fair. Demonstrating an ethic of caring, this therapist also provides regular and consistent pro bono work through his private practice.

            So how does all this relate to the "PT Expert" trait of practicing patient-centered care? Let's let his patients tell us. First of all, this therapist consistently receives a 5/5 rating on his patient satisfaction surveys. (Of course, not having seen the survey myself, maybe the only option is "5." But I digress.) Anyway, how about some quotations from his patients: One patient said, "I have mentioned my complete satisfaction to many persons already. I feel very grateful!" Another stated, "He takes the time to answer questions in a non-technical way. Great 'bedside manner.'" Here's what another patient had to say, "Thank you very much for working so diligently on me. I will come back if I ever feel bad. You helped me a lot" And yet another patient stated, "He has helped me through back surgery, knee surgery, thumb surgery and neck pain. Sounds awful doesn't it? As I approach my 70th birthday, I'd be in far worse shape than I am were it not for his counsel and guidance."

            Considering all this "evidence," it's obvious to see that this therapist fits the definition of expert." Yet all this doesn't begin to capture the "expert" human qualities of this complex guy. He leads an active life, for example hiking Colorado's fourteeners. Yet he's been known to promote the idea that aerobic capacity is not the only (and perhaps not the best) measure of physical fitness. He invests in his personal relationships. He's just started out on the adventure known as fatherhood. And because he's an intelligent conversationalist and good listener, I can't think of anyone better to go have a beer with after a long board meeting or continuing education session, even though his corny jokes and puns elicit groans. And is there anyone better suited to tell you that "We all have TMJ. We have two of them." or to explain the difference between orthotic and orthoses? 

            Yes, this year's Colorado Outstanding Physical Therapist is a well rounded individual. He's a role model and a great example of an expert Physical Therapist. If you want to verify this yourself, use Resnik and Jensen's article in the Dec 2003 PT Journal as a comparison. And as you read it, every time you come across the term "Expert Physical Therapist," just substitute the name, Greg McCall.

Shown from left, Mike Schlater, Ft. Collins, 2002 Outstanding PT, Audrey Waldron, Boulder, Chapter President and 2001 Outstanding PT, Greg McCall, Centennial,  2004 Outstanding PT, 
and Libby Pettit, Basalt, 2003 Outstanding PT.

 

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