In this episode of The Alex and Mo Podcast, we sit down with Scott Gardner, the visionary founder of the United Physical Therapy Association (UPTA), a groundbreaking grassroots organization dedicated to advocating for Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs).

Scott shares his inspiring journey of creating UPTA, driven by a deep passion to empower professionals in the physical therapy field. He sheds light on the pressing challenges PTs and PTAs face today, from reimbursement issues to navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Most importantly, Scott outlines UPTA’s mission to amplify the voices of these vital healthcare providers and ensure their contributions are recognized, respected, and valued.

Throughout this thought-provoking conversation, Scott delves into:

• The inspiration behind founding UPTA and its core mission.

• The critical need for advocacy and leadership in physical therapy.

• How PTs and PTAs can unite to drive meaningful change within their profession.

• His bold vision for UPTA’s role in shaping the future of the industry.

If you’re a PT, PTA, or healthcare professional seeking actionable insights, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of this emerging movement, this episode is for you.

While Scott’s journey has sparked both support and controversy, his fearless approach to tackling reimbursement disparities and his passion for advancing the profession are undeniably motivating. Tune in to explore how UPTA is reshaping the narrative for PTs and PTAs everywhere!

In this inspiring episode, Alex and Mo are joined by Marissa Cooper, OTRL, a dedicated home health occupational therapist who has taken her expertise in healing and care to a new frontier: maternal health and doula services for marginalized women.

Marissa shares her journey from supporting patients in their homes to empowering women throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. We’ll explore what inspired her to become a doula, the unique challenges faced by underserved communities in maternal care, and how her skills as an OT bring a fresh perspective to birth support.

Join us as we discuss Marissa’s mission to make compassionate, personalized care accessible at every stage of life.

In this episode, Alex and Mo sit down with Maria Aguila, an internationally trained physical therapist and private practice owner, to explore her inspiring journey from emigrating to the U.S. to building a successful career in physical therapy.

Maria shares the challenges she faced as an immigrant clinician and how those experiences fueled her passion for advocating for internationally trained PTs.

From navigating the complexities of the healthcare system to launching her own practice, Maria’s story is a testament to perseverance and leadership.

Tune in as she discusses her advocacy efforts at the state, regional, national, and global levels, and her mission to empower clinicians worldwide.