Graham Sessions 2019

By Fred Gilbert, PT, DPT

Since 2015, one company has improved the health and wellness of over 44 thousand individuals within their walls.

Neuromusculoskeletal Care

Physical therapists can, and should, help those in pain manage their symptoms to decrease addictive drug use.

By Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT

I believe that physical therapists are the most qualified, most appropriately educated health care providers to treat patients with neuromusculoskeletal pain, injuries, and issues.

Together We Are Stronger

How physical therapy in Canada parallels the opportunities and threats experienced by therapists and clinic owners in the United States.

By Darryl Yardley, PT

Canada comprises one of the world’s largest landmasses while having one of its smallest population densities. As a result, Canadians and their health care providers must find creative and innovative solutions to complex health problems across a broad set of contexts. For almost 100 years, physical therapists have been an integral part of the Canadian health care system as expert guides in the promotion, restoration, and rehabilitation of physical function and mobility. Many professionals, experts, and futurists agree that the changing world is driven largely by a growing and diversifying population with shifting demands, and an explosion of new technologies. As physical therapists, we need to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves how we are going to continue to fit within the health care environment of tomorrow. Physical therapy in Canada parallels the opportunities and threats experienced by therapists and clinic owners in the United States. Three common traits can describe the current state of the nation north of the border.

The Power of Compassion

The following is an excerpt from a presentation given at the 2017 Graham session.

By Efosa L. Guobadia, PT, DPT

The question of “what I believe” led me on a mental exercise in which I reflected on the past, studied the present, and then glanced ahead at the future. Toeing the line of all three time phases elucidated my deep-down beliefs, how they developed, and how they might evolve.

A mentor of mine in physical therapy school once encouraged me to take to the mountains and valleys after graduation and to maximize life through service and exploration. After getting a job in Chicago in 2010, I began doing service work domestically and internationally in different environments. During those experiences of using my hands, heart, and words to support others on their healing journey, I garnered a better understanding of different people in different environments. In 2015 I took things further. I traveled to 22 countries in eight consecutive months, wanting to capture a mosaic of physical therapy, local service, and different cultures from all over the world. My activities included setting up clinics while mentoring clinicians, consulting with health care and municipality leaders on how to best meet their local needs, and teaching at hospitals. In all of these efforts I did my best to leave something behind and to foster sustainable change. As you would expect, I saw much, I felt much, I learned much.

Recognize Your Biases

Let go of preconceived notions about the qualities that define great leaders.

By Bridgit A. Finley, PT, DPT

The Graham Sessions is an annual meeting to spark meaningful discussions about the various issues facing the physical therapy profession. The basic format is a series of informal presentations on a variety of hot topics, with an open discussion. Between the presentations are a series of “What I Believe” speeches. The intent of the meeting is open and honest communication. A rule of the Graham Sessions is “What is said there stays there.” I appreciate the anonymity and am willing to break the rule to share my Graham Sessions speech with Impact magazine.