Mentorship and Community: Strengthening Connections in PT Education

Mentorship and Community: Strengthening Connections in PT Education

In this episode of Moving Ahead, hosts Dr. Julian Magee and Dr. Patty Navarro McGee speak with Jen Dubbert and Dr. Sylvia Son about the role of mentorship and student groups in the Washington University Program in Physical Therapy. The conversation highlights how these connections create supportive environments that encourage authenticity, strengthen relationships, and promote professional growth. Hear how faculty and student leaders are helping shape the future of physical therapy education through community and meaningful dialogue.

Redefining Aging: Dr. Beth Templin’s Bold Vision for Geriatric Physical Therapy

In this inspiring episode of Moving Ahead, hosts Dr. Julian Magee and Dr. Patty Navarro McGee sit down with Dr. Beth Templin, a geriatric physical therapist, entrepreneur, and advocate for healthy aging. Beth shares her journey from home health PT to founding HouseFit, a thriving clinic that blends outpatient therapy with high-intensity fitness for older adults. Together, they explore ageism in healthcare, the power of wellness-based care, and how PTs can challenge stereotypes to empower aging adults. Whether you're a student, clinician, or just curious about innovative care models, this episode will leave you energized and hopeful about the future of aging.

Pain, Trust, and Stigma: Ned Presnall on Integrating Mental Health Into Everyday Care

How can health professionals address both the physical and emotional dimensions of pain without bias or stigma? In this episode, clinical social worker and researcher Ned Presnall joins us to explore the critical overlap between mental health and physical health. Drawing from his experience in counseling, addiction treatment, and policy leadership, Ned highlights why taking patients’ pain seriously, whether physical, psychological, or both, is essential to building trust and improving outcomes. We discuss the role of empathy and active listening in clinical practice, the harm of dismissing or labeling patients as “difficult” or “noncompliant,” and the barriers that billing and productivity pressures create for true patient-centered care. Ned also reflects on the tension between humanistic and biological models of mental health, and why both perspectives are necessary for meaningful treatment. This conversation challenges practitioners, educators, and students to rethink their approach: trust isn’t a “soft skill”-it’s the foundation for care that heals.

From Student to Leader: Dr. Dale Thuet’s Journey in Physical Therapy

In this episode of Moving Ahead, the Washington University Program in Physical Therapy podcast, co-hosts Dr. Julian Magee and Dr. Patty Navarro McGee welcome Dr. Dale Thuet, alum and faculty member serving as Director of the Orthopedic Residency Program. Dr. Thuet shares his unconventional path to physical therapy, his vision for the residency, and the challenges and opportunities of launching a new program. Listeners will also hear candid reflections on mentorship, community engagement, and what makes WashU’s residency unique.

006- Assessment: Keeping the End in Mind

Welcome to another insightful episode of Moving Ahead, The Physical Therapy Podcast by Washington University Program in Physical Therapy. Join us as host Dr. Steven Ambler, Director of Professional Curriculum and Associate Professor, engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Carey Holleran, Assistant Director of Student Assessment and Program Evaluation for the Program in Physical Therapy at Washington University. In this episode, Dr. Ambler and Dr. Holleran dive into the intricacies of the student assessment redesign process within the renewed Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum. Gain valuable insights into the collaborative efforts, methodologies, and considerations involved in reshaping assessments to meet the evolving needs of aspiring physical therapists. Whether you're a student curious about the changes in assessment approaches or a professional in the field, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the thought processes driving curriculum enhancements. Tune in to Moving Ahead for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the dynamic landscape of physical therapy education and assessment.