Greetings fellow DPTA members! I want to start off by saying “thank you”. As a member, you may often wonder what is DPTA doing for PTs/PTAs in our state. My intention here is to help make visible some of the activities your leaders have been involved in recently. Below are some highlights:
Executive Committee Happenings
When I became president, one of my priorities was to address some of the vacancies on the Executive Committee. Since January, we have successfully filled four of these vacancies. Two, as noted below, still remain vacant.
The Executive Committee, as defined by our bylaws, includes the following elected leaders:
- President: Stacie Larkin
- Vice-President: Steve Rapposelli
- Treasurer: Phil Allen
- Secretary: David Wilderman
- Chief Delegate: Lynne Sturgill
- PTA Caucus Representative: VACANT
In addition, the Chairs (appointed positions) of the following committees are also included in the Executive Committee:
- Payment and Advocacy: George Edelman
- Legislative: Glenn Brown
- Events: Gene Paulus
- Membership: JT Laws
- Bylaws: VACANT
- Public Relations: Cameron Hui
Please email if you are interested in serving on any of these committees.
DPTA’s 1st Annual Leadership Retreat
The Delaware Physical Therapy Association (DPTA) held its first leadership retreat at the Virden Center on the University of Delaware campus in Lewes, DE on Saturday, May 11. The six-hour retreat was designed to gather input and perspective from various volunteer-leaders on how to move the DPTA forward. The morning session provided an organizational overview as well as an update on legislative and insurance happenings. In the afternoon, three topics were presented to the group:
- What short term (1 or 2 years) issues should the DPTA focus on in Delaware?
- How can DPTA enhance the membership experience?
- What educational/networking events should be developed or enhanced?
Through engaging, and dare I say fun, activities, we were able to identify opportunities for organizational advancement in membership and growth.
DPTA in the Community: #CHOOSEPT
On April 8, 2019, the DPTA had an information table at the Spring 2019 Evelyn Hayes Innovations in Healthcare Symposium at the University of Delaware’s STAR campus. The title of this year’s symposium was: SUBSTANCE ABUSE & ADDICTION: Looking at the Current Landscape & Envisioning the Future Through Different Lenses. Physical therapists should be part of a comprehensive strategy to combat the opioid crisis. DPTA hopes to do its part in this effort by organizing Narcan training for PTs, PTAs and students interested in carrying Narcan. We also plan to participate in more community events to increase consumers’ awareness of physical therapy as a better choice in chronic pain management.
Visit APTA’s website for access to valuable resources and tools
Learn more about APTA’s involvement and collaboration with other national organizations committed to battling the opioid crisis.
JT Laws (Membership Chair) speaking with a few attendees. David Wilderman (Secretary) manning the table.
Enhancing and Protecting Physical Therapy Practice in Delaware
DPTA remains vigilant in protecting your profession and job. As president, it is my job to stay informed of issues that can potentially impact PTs/PTAs and students in our state. I do this by attending APTA conferences, participating in online discussion groups with other chapter presidents, regularly communicating with DPTA’s Executive Committee and talking with DPTA members. During the past few months, I have also had the opportunity to meet with leaders from various groups including the Delaware Society of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association. Last week, I along with Glenn Brown (Legislative Chair) and Joe Skocypec (DPTA member) joined our lobbyist Scott Kidner in Dover and visited legislators, thanking them for their support in the recent passing of the PT Licensure Compact. These relationships and opportunities for discussion are critical to stay informed of issues that can directly impact physical therapy practice in our state. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to us.
Memberships Matters!
Your membership, presence at meetings, engagement on committees and financial support is critical for enhancing and protecting physical therapy practice in Delaware. Our leadership gives so much of their time and energy to DPTA, but we need everyone to be involved. I challenge everyone to bring a colleague to the next chapter meeting, continuing education course, conference, or any other chapter event. And, if you know someone who is on the fence about joining, I welcome the opportunity to meet with any potential member for a cup of coffee to discuss the value of membership for them and our profession.
Annual Summer Lecture Series – Ethics in PT PracticeI hope to see many of you at our annual Summer Lecture Series on Thursday August 8th. This year’s lecture will meet the 2 hour CEU ethics requirement for licensure and is FREE for members. Ethics in Physical Therapy Practice (2.0 CEUs) will be held at the Willard Hall Education Building on the University of Delaware campus beginning at 5:30 pm. There will be a 30 minute DPTA chapter meeting for members prior to the CEU offering and a 1 hour social afterwards. These are great opportunities to learn more about DPTA happenings, ask questions and connect with your DPTA leaders and fellow members!