Mr. Perry
I do believe this problem has many more than one heart.
First, it is no surprise that 57% of therapists are not members of the APTA.
I would guess that a good number of therapists are part-time or perdiem
workers and as such do not regularly receive compensation for their
membership
which can close in on the $500 mark in some instances. The argument can be
made
that this money is an investment in ones future, I do agree, however the
reality of
supporting a body which has only recently effectively conveyed to members
what exactly it spends their money and time on is barely attractive.
Truth is, some therapists see that their wages are stagnate, their peers are
losing jobs and yet new PT programs continue to appear, they wonder 'what is
our governing body doing about it?' The APTA gets the blame. Can the APTA
effect such things? Not directly I'll admit, however as our legislative body
I am sure a way could be found.
Second, I often wonder about the state of a profession that does not require
CE
credits to maintain licensure. This is not an industry in its infancy,
striving to
boost its ranks by not excluding those who won't play by the rules. This is a
profession that must be respected by other medical professionals and most of
all must justify its purpose with outcomes. Medicine advances, mostly driven
by
technology and financial interest. Therapists must be held accountable for
furthering themselves as well, or not be allowed to practice as it is with all
other major health care providers.
If you want APTA members, show them they are valued enough to steer them
into position alongside their medical peers. Show them they rank above
incoming freshman and stifling legislature, help them understand its
importance
by appealing to their sense of self-respect.
As for Jerry Connolly, APTA senior vice president for health policy, who was
quoted in Modern Healthcare. I did not exclude his name so that I might be
blamed for an anecdotal slam, it was out of respect or perhaps my erroneous
perception of such.
I do wish to engage in healthy debate,
thank you for sharing that same interest.
Rick May, PT
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