Chatting with APTA President Scott Ward at Texas Woman’s University
It was the first time I ever felt like a guest on a talk show. I was invited to a roundtable with Dr. Scott Ward, president of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), as part of Texas Woman’s University’s celebration of its new facilities at the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences. We discussed membership engagement, vision statements, paradigm shifts in health care, and futuristic perspectives. What fun! Scott is extremely charming, affable and well informed.
It was great to hear that the vision around which physical therapists have been organizing their activities has a strong internal focus. The APTA vision statement emphasizes doctoral preparation, direct access, and the ability to increase professional autonomy over individual practice. In contrast, the AOTA vision statement focuses on seven key phrases: powerful, widely recognized, science-driven, evidence-based, globally connected, and diverse workforce in the service of the public’s occupational needs. These are quite different vision statements tailored to the unique needs of each profession. We both expressed the view that each association’s vision statement effectively serves the profession it represents.
Scott and I also agree on other points: getting involved in one’s professional association is crucial, because each member makes a difference; and health care reform, although uncertain, offers each profession new opportunities. It was very stimulating to be at the table and have the dialogue.
Thanks to my colleagues Reggie Campbell, Catherine Candler and Noralyn Pickens for bringing Scott and me together. It was a momentous occasion—and the new building is fantastic!