Hands On Hands Off: Manual Therapy & Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AAOMPT)

How to Teach Clinical Reasoning in OMPT

What happens when you mix decades of movement science, deep mentorship, and a passion for solving complex MSK problems? You get Lee Marinko — one of the most beloved educators and mentors in OMPT. Lee has been teaching in the Boston University DPT program for more than 20 years, serves as Chair of the AAOMPT Program Director SIG, and launched the BU OMPT Fellowship in 2014 with one goal: “We can do better than that.” In this conversation, Lee shares her philosophy on mentorship, the joy of Ah ha moments, how to keep clinical problem-solving fun, and what young professionals really need from their teachers and clinical leaders. In this episode, we explore: ???? Why movement science is the foundation for great OMPT ???? Lee’s favorite teaching moments — and what they reveal ???? How to guide learners through complex cases ???? Mentorship tips for faculty, fellows, and CI’s ???? The origin story of the BU Fellowship ???? Why curiosity beats certainty in clinical reasoning ???? The mindset that makes clinicians grow faster ???? How to “do better” for people with MSK pain If you teach, mentor, or simply want to think better as a clinician — do not miss this one.

Why Hip Dysplasia Goes Undiagnosed for 7 Years

Why do patients with hip dysplasia go years without a diagnosis? In this episode, physical therapist and researcher Dr. Libby Bergman [https://performancesciencerehab.com/about/libby-bergman/] explains why hip dysplasia in young adults is frequently overlooked—and what clinicians can do to catch it earlier. Her [https://performancesciencerehab.com/] research explores whether simple clinical tests physical therapists already use—range of motion, strength testing, and hypermobility measures—might help identify hidden hip instability. The findings could help clinicians recognize hip dysplasia sooner and potentially prevent years of unexplained pain and delayed treatment. In this conversation we discuss: • Why hip dysplasia is commonly missed • Early clinical signs physical therapists should watch for • Why athletes like dancers and swimmers may be at higher risk • New research linking range of motion and adductor strength to dysplasia • Why patients often wait 5–7 years for the correct diagnosis

When a PTA Crosses Scope of Practice: An Ethics Case Every PT Should Hear

What should a clinician do when they discover an ethical breach in the clinic? In this episode, members of the AAOMPT Ethics Committee walk through a realistic clinical scenario involving a physical therapy fellow who discovers a physical therapist assistant performing manipulation techniques outside their scope of practice. When the fellow raises the concern with the clinical director, the issue is dismissed—creating tension, professional risk, and uncertainty for a student observing the situation. This conversation explores the ethical principles that guide clinical decision-making and the leadership responsibilities that often come with fellowship training. The panel discusses how clinicians can navigate difficult ethical situations while protecting patients, maintaining professional integrity, and supporting colleagues. IN THIS EPISODE • Ethical responsibilities of physical therapy fellows • Scope of practice considerations for PTAs • Patient expectations vs professional standards • The role of accountability and integrity in clinical practice • Leadership development through fellowship training • How students and clinicians can report ethical concerns • Why ethical issues in healthcare are often underreported

Screening Social Determinants of Health in Outpatient PT

What does it look like when an early-career clinician steps up to solve real barriers patients face — not just their pain? Wisconsin-based PT and Fellow-in-Training Rachel Beilfuss joins us to talk about her mission to integrate social determinants of health (SDoH) into everyday outpatient PT practice. As a Northwestern OMPT fellow with a clinical site at Marquette University, she's building systems to help clinicians screen, identify, and address the life factors that shape recovery and access. Rachel is also this year’s FOMPT scholarship recipient, representing the next generation of OMPT clinicians who are redefining what comprehensive care looks like. In this episode, we dig into: ???? Why SDoH screening belongs in musculoskeletal care ???? How Rachel is building clinic workflows + resource guides ???? Her experience as a Fellow-in-Training at Northwestern/Marquette ???? The importance of advocating for patients’ basic needs ???? What early-career leadership looks like in AAOMPT ???? How lifestyle, access, and equity affect rehab outcomes ???? Why clinicians need support beyond biomechanics to serve patients fully This one is full of passion, practicality, and vision from one of the profession’s rising voices.

The Future of Musculoskeletal Care with Clare Ardern

What does the future of musculoskeletal care look like — and how can physical therapists lead it? Dr. Clare Ardern, Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia and leader of the DigiMSK research team, joins us to break down digital health innovations, access bottlenecks, advanced practice roles, and the tools clinicians need to navigate a rapidly changing MSK landscape. We explore how technology, triage systems, and research literacy can reshape global MSK care — and why PTs are uniquely positioned to lead. Clare also shares practical insights from her work designing and testing new health care technologies and services in partnership with patients, clinicians, and health systems. In this episode, we cover: ???? Why MSK health care is ripe for redesign ???? Digital health tools: what works, what doesn’t, and what’s coming ???? Virtual triage & advanced practice physiotherapy models ???? How PTs can improve access to MSK care globally ???? Leadership skills every clinician needs today ???? Tips for reading and interpreting research (without getting overwhelmed) ???? How to get your research published ???? The mission and work of DigiMSK A deep dive for clinicians, researchers, and leaders who want to be part of the solution in MSK care.