APTA Nebraska Podcast

Brad Dexter

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. 2D AGO

    E19 - Member Spotlight: Michelle Lueking

    What if the best doorway to better care is the one that meets you where you already are—at home, at work, or in the hours between feedings and sleep? We sit down with PTA Michelle Lueking, a former music teacher whose path from choir room to clinic shaped a fresh take on pelvic health, chronic illness, and accessible physical therapy. Michelle shares how a mobile-plus-clinic model removes barriers for patients who can’t always travel, especially new parents and those living with complex conditions like hypermobile EDS, mast cell disorders, and dysautonomia. We unpack why pelvic health support is important, how breath and pressure systems connect to core function, and how early education can prevent long-term setbacks.  Michelle also addresses insurance realities, noting that chronic illness rarely follows a straight path. Treatment goals should reflect flares, daily participation, and periods of meaningful relief rather than simple step-by-step improvement.  Inside the clinic, collaboration turns into an advantage. Michelle explains why “assistant” does not mean “less”—it means contributing within a team that values autonomy, asks better questions, and blends each clinician’s niche. We also talk about the culture that lets working parents thrive, the community ties that make Omaha feel small in the best way, and how APTA Nebraska fuels advocacy, networking, and statewide continuity of care. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to tell us what resonated most—and what you want us to dig into next. Episode Links: APTA-NE All District Meeting: Continuing Education Day Feb 28th: 7:30 AM – 11:45 AM   Live attendance is available in Omaha, Ord, or Kearney  There is not a zoom option Register HereAPTA-NE Annual State MeetingRegister Here

    31 min

  2. JAN 22

    E18 - Chapter Updates with President Nick Weber

    Payment isn’t just a line item; it’s the backbone of access, workforce stability, and clinical viability. We break down how APTA’s 2030 strategy centers on reimbursement, why Nebraska is aligning closely with those priorities, and what that means for clinics from Omaha to the Panhandle. The throughline is simple and urgent: fair payment helps patients start sooner, keeps practices open, and makes it possible for new grads to stay in the profession they trained for. We also spotlight a surge of advocacy from students and young professionals around the federal “professional” designation that affects graduate loan access for PT, OT, nursing, and PA programs. Thirty thousand messages in a week moved the needle and drew legislative attention, showing how coordinated action can reshape policy conversations. On the state front, we unpack LB1012, a bill granting PTs the ability to file medical liens after events like auto accidents or falls. That change lets patients begin therapy immediately while giving clinics confidence they’ll be reimbursed once settlements close—a practical fix that reduces delays and downstream costs. Looking ahead, we preview February 3 Advocacy Day at the Capitol. We close with professional growth highlights: a spring conference in Omaha featuring an Oxford debate on competency-based education, plus member courses in digital health, wearables, AI, and primary care PT that connect directly to evolving practice. Subscribe and share to help more colleagues plug in!

    20 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    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

  4. 12/04/2025

    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

  5. 11/20/2025

    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

  6. 10/16/2025

    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

  7. 10/07/2025

    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

  8. 09/18/2025

    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
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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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 APTA Nebraska Podcast
  • Show Website
    APTA Nebraska Podcast