Residency and Fellowship Education—Where are we headed in Virginia and beyond!

Presenter:
Ryan Lockwood, PT, MSPT 
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Description: This session will explore current data and trends related to post-graduate residency and fellowship education programs in Virginia and throughout the country. The session will provide information about what programs are available, overall purpose of residency and fellowship education, common residency curricula including descriptions of residency practice/ quality standards guidelines, and the benefits and potential barriers to residency and fellowship education.

• Awareness of current residency and fellowship practice areas, and what residency and fellowship programs are currently available in Virginia (and beyond).
• Awareness of accreditation process, ongoing accreditation requirements, and common curricular activities.
• Acknowledge benefits and potential barriers to residency and fellowship education.

From Workload to Workflow: Practical AI Tools and Solutions for PTs

Presenter:
Anisha Craft, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy

Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, including healthcare, offering tools to improve efficiency and outcomes. This session is designed to introduce physical therapists to practical applications of AI in therapy. Attendees will learn how to integrate user-friendly generative AI platforms like Copilot, ChatGPT, Canva, Gemini, and Google Colab into daily workflows to optimize tasks such as documentation, treatment planning, creating home exercise programs (HEPs), and professional development.

• Define AI and describe its relevance in a changing healthcare environment.
• Identify practical AI solutions to streamline tasks in a therapy setting.
• Select and demonstrate appropriate AI tools for documentation, treatment planning, and content creation.
• Recognize the limitations and ethical considerations of AI, including patient privacy and data security.

A GPS to Academia: Your Teaching Adventure Awaits

Presenters:
Emily J. Hawkins, PT, DPT, Ph.D
Brittany Samulski, PT, DPT, PhD

Description: Many physical therapists are interested in transitioning into academia but may not know where to start. This session provides an overview of the post-professional journey from clinician to clinical instructor, adjunct faculty, and eventually full-time faculty. Participants will explore the various pathways into academia, including the value of different terminal degrees such as a PhD or EdD, and the significance of board certification in advancing an academic career. The session will also cover the core responsibilities of faculty in physical therapy education, including teaching, scholarship, and service. The session will conclude with breakout groups for attendees to network, share their professional journeys, and discuss actionable steps to transition from clinical practice to academia.

• Describe the various pathways from clinical practice to academic faculty roles.
• Compare the benefits of different post-professional degrees (PhD, EdD) and board certification in advancing an academic career.
• Identify the key responsibilities of faculty in physical therapy education, including teaching, scholarship, and service.

Moneyball for Private Practices: Startup Tactics to Grow, Profit & Exit

Presenter:
Paul Singh

Description: This presentation offers real-world examples of tactics and strategies that are directly applicable to the business management of physical therapy practices. These ideas are sourced from the presenter's direct investments into 3,200+ technology startups over the last two decades. This “real-world MBA” is THE playbook for building businesses in 2025.

The attendees can expect an interactive session, complete with proven ideas that can be implemented immediately within their own businesses. These include Growth Tactics drawn from real-world examples, Profitability Strategies that optimize cash flow, a solid understanding of Exit Planning via sale, merger or other transactions and modern Business Management Techniques.

While primarily designed for practice owners and executives, this presentation will provide actionable ideas and examples to clinicians, administrative and other staff. The result? A faster-growing, more profitable and, ultimately, better positioned business to exit.

• Growth Tactics: Practical methods to accelerate the growth of their physical therapy practices, drawn from real-world examples and lessons learned from investing in over 3,200 technology startups.
• Profitability Strategies: Actionable insights on optimizing revenue to enhance profitability.
• Exit Planning: Guidance on positioning their business for a successful exit, whether through a sale, merger, or other transitions.