APTA Nebraska Podcast

Brad Dexter
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The APTA Nebraska Podcast dives into the stories, challenges, and innovations shaping physical therapy in our state. We’re here to advance, promote, and protect the practice of physical therapy, build our community, and optimize the health and quality of life for all Nebraskans. 

  1. 6D AGO

    E17 - Nebraska's PT and PTA Program Updates

    This episode features updates from three of Nebraska's PT and PTA program directors, detailing recent developments within their institutions. Discussion points include program structure (e.g., small cohorts, hybrid options), expansion of clinical and community partnerships, and active research serving real-world patient needs. We also delve into new course offerings, notable student and faculty awards, dual-campus access, and hands-on learning initiatives focused on developing clinical judgment. Links: Nebraska Methodist College PTA Program: Physical Therapist Assistant Associate's Degree ProgramClarkson College PTA Program: Physical Therapist Assistant Program UNMC PT Program: Physical Therapy Program Don't forget to subscribe, share, and join the discussion because together we're driving the future of physical therapy forward

    14 min

  2. DEC 4

    E16 - Chapter Updates with President Nick Weber

    A candid update on how APTA Nebraska is sharpening strategy, growing representation with an extra delegate seat, and preparing for a tough legislative session while building community through events and student engagement. We share clear ways to step in, from elections to testimony to simple member perks that help clinics thrive. • 2026–2028 strategic plan timeline and focus • Jingle Bell Run partnership and student rivalry energy • Added House of Delegates seat and special election • Mentorship for new delegates and membership growth • Campus visits and PTA program insights from Northeast Community College • Legislative outlook amid state budget deficit and access risks • How member and patient stories move policymakers • Member benefits with Dell Technologies and UPS • Holiday schedule pause and return in the new year Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join the discussion

    17 min

  3. NOV 20

    E15 - Member Spotlight: Nikki Sleddens Burnout and Balance in PT

    We unpack burnout in physical therapy with new Nebraska data and lived stories, moving from clear definitions and risk factors to practical fixes for clinicians and leaders. The conversation closes with concrete resources, ongoing research, and an invitation to act together. • Defining burnout across emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced accomplishment • Nebraska study design, funding, and why the state focus matters • Frequency of engagement vs burnout in PTs • Demographics linked to risk, including early career and debt • Workload, autonomy, and leadership support as primary drivers • Cultural red flags like leaderboards and misaligned incentives • Personal costs to health, empathy, and career decisions • Individual strategies for sleep, exercise, nutrition, and boundaries • Organizational actions: assess, listen, redesign metrics, protect flexibility • Advocacy through APTA for reimbursement and regulation change Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join the discussion. Because together, we’re driving the future of physical therapy forward. Episode Links: The Emotional PPE Project https://emotionalppe.org/ 988 Lifeline / National Suicide Prevention Website https://988lifeline.org/ A Multiple Methods Study to Describe the Manifestation of Burnout of NE Physical Therapists: https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/etd/791/ Manuscript citation: Sleddens N, Beam E, Meyer KP, Stamler LL, LaFramboise LM, Sayles H, Wengel SP 2025 Examining the frequency, severity and associated factors of burnout in Nebraska physical therapists. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice [In Press]  https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2025.2571795.

    48 min

  4. OCT 16

    E14 - Member Spotlight with Matt Janssen

    Matt Janssen, PT, DPT shares how wound care, pain science, and community ties shape meaningful outcomes. We explore belief change, access barriers, and why advocacy lets clinicians stay focused on patients. • Career path from orthopedics to wound care and pain science • How pain neuroscience reframes persistent pain and guides care • Building therapeutic alliance to change beliefs and behaviors • Real patient wins: from cane to deadlifts and burpees • Wound care realities: audits, denials, and prevention gaps • Compression coverage barriers for venous insufficiency • Combating misinformation and overreliance on imaging • Role of APTA membership in advocacy and stability • Invitation for members statewide to share their practice stories Hey, if you have a great story that you want to share, you want to share about your practice, please get a hold of me. I would love to interview you. I'd love to share what you have going on with the rest of our state too. Have an idea or topic for the podcast? Connect with Brad! bradley.dexter@unmc.edu

    23 min

  5. OCT 7

    E13 - Chapter Updates with President Nick Weber

    Brad and Nick catch up to share updates and insights from Nick’s recent road trip across Nebraska.  We talk about what Nick heard on the road, how personal testimony can drive policy change, and why strong member turnout matters for reimbursement and workforce advocacy. Plus, we dig into new clinical practice guidelines, a Blue Cross payment timing update, and upcoming events designed to strengthen community and professional voice. In this episode: • Statewide advocacy themes from recent town halls • What we can learn from midwives’ testimony strategy • September highlights and the October family event • Omaha’s upcoming neurological PT conference • Leadership retreat details and timing • Expanding library of clinical practice guidelines • Blue Cross payment cycle changes—and how to prep for cash flow impacts • Strategic plan survey priorities and member feedback • Burnout, purpose, and finding joy in care Links:  Soap Note

    18 min

  6. SEP 18

    E12 - Research Opportunities: Inside the Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy

    The Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy promotes research and advancement of the physical therapy profession throughout the state through strategic funding and support programs. Rashelle Hoffman, Foundation President and Creighton University assistant professor, explains how the Foundation's mission directly impacts Nebraska's PT community. • Foundation structured around four committees: fundraising, finance, awards, and research • Scientific Dissemination Award provides $1,500 for presenting research at conferences (rolling applications) • George Blanton Research Grant offers up to $10,000 for two-year research projects (deadline: October 1st) • Current Blanton grant project explores implementing lifestyle medicine assessments in outpatient PT • PT students Tanner Ruda and Janae Pope share their experiences presenting research at CSM with Foundation support • Fundraising initiatives include an auction at April 10-11 state meeting at UNMC's Truhlson Events Center • Wayne Purdue Fellowship recognizes cumulative donations starting at $500 level • New research funding opportunities being developed for the coming year Visit the APTA Nebraska website for application materials and contact information. The Foundation welcomes new fundraising ideas and encourages applications for the October 1st Blanton Grant deadline. Episode Links: https://aptanebraska.org/NE_Foundation_For_PT

    26 min

  7. SEP 4

    E11 - Beyond the Classroom: The Journey of a Mary McMillan Scholar

    Mikayla Grocki, Mary McMillan Scholarship Award winner, shares her journey from student athlete to award-winning physical therapist alongside her faculty mentor Dr. Rashelle Hoffman from Creighton University. Their conversation reveals how balancing academics with research and service opportunities can create exceptional physical therapy professionals while preventing burnout. • The Mary McMillan Scholarship Award honors the APTA's first president by recognizing six students nationally who demonstrate scholastic excellence, leadership, and significant contributions to the profession • Mikayla's background as a collegiate soccer player informed her understanding of movement, eventually leading to her passion for working with older adults • Research and service activities became outlets that fueled Mikayla's education rather than creating additional stress • Mikayla participated in all aspects of research projects from screening participants to manuscript preparation and conference presentations • Finding the right balance between academics and extracurricular activities is crucial for preventing burnout while still developing professionally • Leadership opportunities can be found in small settings and don't require organizing large events • APTA membership provides valuable networking, professional resources, and up-to-date information on regulatory changes • Presenting research at CSM allowed Mikayla to connect with professionals across specialties and geographic regions

    21 min

  8. AUG 21

    E10 - APTA House of Delegates Update: Conversation with Bobby Griese and Ian Thompson

    APTA Nebraska delegates share insights from the House of Delegates, revealing how key votes on professional policies and bylaws shape the future of physical therapy practice across the state and nation. The podcast explores the inner workings of APTA governance and highlights critical changes that impact all physical therapists and assistants.  If you're interested in getting involved with APTA governance, reach out to our current delegates. APTA House of Delegates Links: Primary Care: APTA Federal PC SIG Canva Presentation​​​ Primary PT Podcast Competency Based Education: New APTA Report Details Performance Outcomes for PT Entrance Into Practice  Competency-Based Education in Physical Therapy

    36 min
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About

The APTA Nebraska Podcast dives into the stories, challenges, and innovations shaping physical therapy in our state. We’re here to advance, promote, and protect the practice of physical therapy, build our community, and optimize the health and quality of life for all Nebraskans. 

Information

  • Creator
    Brad Dexter
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 APTA Nebraska Podcast
  • Show Website
    APTA Nebraska Podcast