Physical Therapy Students Organize National Advocacy Dinner

Oregon’s first National Advocacy Dinner was held on March 7th at Pacific University and was sponsored by Pacific University, the Oregon Physical Therapy Association (OPTA) and the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Student Assembly. National Advocacy Dinners were started five years ago by APTA’s Student Assembly to help students engage in advocacy for the physical therapy profession. Current physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students, and current working professionals in Oregon were invited to the dinner and four invited leaders involved in advocacy at the state and national levels shared their experience and expertise with attendees. 

Speakers

The Importance and Impact of Advocacy
Kip Schick, PT, DPT, MBA, APTA Liaison and APTA Board of Directors

Physical Therapists in Community Leadership
Derek Fenwick, PT, MBA, APTA Nominating Committee

Effective Advocacy
Chris Murphy, PT, OPTA Government Affairs Committee Chair

Advocacy in Physical Therapy: What Is It and How Can I Get Involved?
Michael Pagliarulo, Pt, EdD, MA, OPTA Chief Delegate

Student Perspectives

Here are some perspectives from physical therapy students who helped organize the event. 

“I thought the communication [about planning] was inclusive and efficient. Overall, I thought [organizing Oregon’s NAD] was a super smooth process.”
—Gavin McBride ‘21, George Fox University 

“I thoroughly enjoyed all the speakers, they each had something different and captivating to say. I look forward to more events and finding out more about how I can put myself out there.”
— Sydney Zamora ‘21, Pacific University 

“My favorite part about the evening was during the Q&A when students were asking questions that really pertained to their own personal situations. I was so excited to see students having a vision of themselves as advocates.”
—Sara Lindauer ‘20, Pacific University 

“I appreciated these prestigious physical therapy professionals coming to speak at our school event for the national advocacy dinner! This was a fantastic event and it fostered great conversation both during and after the event.”
—Ryann Lewis ‘20, Pacific University.