How PT Students Can Shape Health Policy and Underserved Care

Physical Therapy Is Political — And Students Need to Own It

Recorded live at APTA CSM in Anaheim, this episode dives into a conversation most PTs avoid: health policy, research, and why physical therapy cannot separate itself from politics.

We talk with a PT researcher focused on health policy and a second-year student who grew up in Washington’s agricultural community and wants to change access to care for farm workers.

If you're a PT, clinic owner, or student, this episode matters because policy decisions shape reimbursement, access, and the communities we serve. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.

This is about earning attention, building trust, and asking better questions — especially for underserved communities.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Live From CSM
02:15 – Curiosity Drives Research
04:30 – Farmworker Access Gaps
06:20 – Why PT Is Political
08:05 – Five-Year Vision

Guest Focus Areas

Health policy in physical therapy
Research access and intimidation barriers
DEI leadership in PT student groups
Agricultural and underserved communities
Starting clinics in underserved regions