PT Path

UCSF Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
  • 5.0 (7)
  • PROFESIONES

Authentic stories from physical therapists navigating challenges, making pivotal decisions, and discovering their purpose. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or considering a career change, these conversations will inspire you to explore possibilities within our PT community. Join us as we explore the diverse paths of physical therapy – one story at a time.   

  1. 22 ABR

    Beth Popolizio: Forging a New Path in Neuro PT

    Beth Popolizio: Forging a New Path in Neuro PT Amber Fitzsimmons interviews Beth Popolizio, a 2014 program graduate, about her path into physical therapy and entrepreneurship. After starting her career in hospitality, Beth sought a more meaningful, expertise-driven profession and entered PT school. She went on to complete a PNF residency at Kaiser Vallejo, which she credits with strengthening her clinical reasoning and shaping her approach to care. Throughout her career, Beth explored multiple settings, including acute rehab, neuro, and home care, before launching NeuroRenew, a professional corporation focused on interdisciplinary communication, biopsychosocial support, and care consulting. The conversation highlights her interest in creating broader “macro” impact, her iterative private-pay business model, and the financial and emotional realities of building a new kind of neuro care practice. Beth speaks candidly about career detours, scaling a mission-driven business, and the value of flexibility, community, and creative problem-solving in professional growth. 01:38 Finding physical therapy 03:40 Neuro focus in school 04:32 PNF residency explained 06:53 Breaking the new grad barrier 09:43 Community and career detours 12:13 Dream job but restless 18:41 Therapeutic home care business 24:15 Diversification versus burnout 25:48 Launching neuro renew 27:38 Building a scalable model 28:23 Team-based neuro care 29:21 Interdisciplinary collaboration 30:42 Beyond the billing model 34:03 Funding and financial reality 38:03 Charging for value 42:03 Packaging services 46:19 Building a care community 50:11 Entrepreneurship takeaways 53:37 Advice for DPT students 55:48 Closing reflections

    56 min

  2. 20 MAR

    Emily Gee: A Dream Career with Performing Artists

    Welcome to Season 2 of PT Path!  In this episode, host Amber Fitzsimmons speaks with alum Emily Gee about her journey from cellist to physical therapist to Assistant Professor and Director of Musician Wellness at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Emily shares how her own rehab experience shaped her passion for helping performing artists, and how she now blends education, injury prevention, mental health, and wellness support for musicians in a truly unique academic role. Her story demonstrates how sometimes the most rewarding opportunities are the ones you never expected. 00:00 Welcome to PT Path 00:35 Meet Emily Gee 01:46 From cello to rehab 03:25 Choosing the cello 04:20 Recovery and playing again 05:24 Path to CU Boulder 11:18 Clinician to academia leap 14:30 Imposter syndrome  20:31 Director role explained 25:49 Stress and autonomy shift 28:52 Dreaming your next move 30:47 Support systems and risk 31:35 Transferable PT skills 34:35 Who are performing artists 36:27 Identity pressure and perfection 38:10 Mental health and curriculum 39:49 Wellness class  42:33 PTs in prevention roles 44:15 APTA service and advocacy 46:23 House of Delegates explained 48:28 Program growth and research 50:37 Marching band and injury prevention 53:15 Advice for DPT students 55:17 Closing reflections

    56 min

  3. 10/12/2025

    Benjamin Boyd: Pain Science and Career Pivots

    Benjamin Boyd has always been fascinated by how the human body works, the interplay of muscles, movement and skeletal structure. With a father who was a pediatric physiatrist, he was exposed to health care early on. After a foray into environmental studies, he eventually discovered physical therapy, where he became especially captivated by the nature of pain and its deep connection to the human experience. In a bold career pivot, Ben stepped away from his faculty role at Samuel Merritt University to write Bodily Relearning, a book designed to help clinicians better support patients living with persistent pain. The book was met with enthusiasm, and he is currently working on a second book written directly for patients. In the new year, he will return to academia as a professor at Samuel Merritt University, bringing his experiences in research, writing and clinical practice full circle. His career reflects a constant thread: a passion for helping others learn, grow, and rethink what is possible in rehabilitation and pain care. 00:00 Introduction to PT Path 00:30 Meet Benjamin Boyd: From Environmental Studies to Physical Therapy 01:55 Early Exposure to Physical Therapy 03:01 Gaining Experience Before PT School 04:48 Research Focus: Peripheral Nerve Sensitivity in Diabetes 06:53 The Journey into Academia and Research 10:11 Balancing Clinical Work and Academia 11:30 Writing 'Bodily Relearning': Challenges and Triumphs 13:40 The Impact of Pain Science and Education 45:04 Future Plans and Returning to Academia 50:33 Final Thoughts and Advice

    52 min

  4. 18/11/2025

    Brent Anderson: Polestar Pilates

    We all know the celebrities who helped popularize Pilates into the global phenomenon it is today. But this latest guest, UCSF alum Brent Anderson, PT, PhD, also played a pivotal role in shaping that rise. His company, Polestar Pilates, founded in 1992, now has a global presence with education centers and certified instructors in more than 50 countries. Brent entered the scene when most people had barely heard of Pilates, let alone imagined what it could become. In this episode, you’ll hear about his journey from those early days of the Pilates movement to his work today, developing the practice, advancing standards and championing movement across the globe. Learn more about Dr. Anderson at his website: https://drbrentanderson.com/ 00:00 Introduction to PT Path 00:34 Meet Dr. Brent Anderson 00:53 Discovering Physical Therapy 01:54 The Journey to Pilates 03:21 Starting a Practice in Sacramento 06:34 Founding Polestar Pilates 08:10 The Legal Battle Over Pilates 12:15 The Importance of Psychosocial Skills 22:09 Understanding Polestar's Mission 22:39 Reflecting on Early Challenges and Changes 23:15 Formation of the Pilates Method Alliance 25:21 Accreditation and Standards in Pilates 26:03 The Need for Professional Organizations 27:55 Challenges in Pilates Education and Training 30:40 Interprofessional Learning and Collaboration 35:28 The Importance of Presence and Spirituality 39:40 Scientific Applications in Pilates 41:22 Practical Applications of Movement Principles 45:04 Conclusion and Resources

    46 min

  5. 09/10/2025

    Madeline Ratoza: The Academia Path

    For Madeline Ratoza, PT, DPT, PhD, a career in academia was always a long-term goal fueled by a passion for learning and a deep-seated curiosity about how systems shape care. In this episode of PT Path, host Amber Fitzsimmons talks with Dr. Ratoza about her journey from the clinic to the classroom and how her research at the intersection of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and social determinants of health is helping us understand where and how care is delivered, and what that means for training the future PT workforce. Dr. Ratoza also hosts a podcast, writes a Substack, and shares free financial literacy resources for students and clinicians on her website at madelineratoza.com 00:00 Introduction to PT Path 00:31 Meet Dr. Madeline Ratoza 01:32 Madeline's Journey to Physical Therapy 05:52 Transition to Academia and Research 06:34 Balancing Career and Personal Life 07:23 PhD Journey and Research Focus 13:51 Financial Literacy Advocacy 21:23 Geographic Information Systems in Research 28:58 The Importance of Data in PT Education 30:14 Challenges and Goals in PT Education Research 32:15 Balancing Academia and Personal Life 33:24 Pathways into Academia 35:34 The Role of Terminal Degrees in Academia 43:58 Starting a Podcast and Research Lab 49:25 Advice for Aspiring Academics 55:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    56 min

  6. 17/09/2025

    Tiffany Schubert: Innovating for Aging Adults and the Professor Path

    Tiffany Schubert hadn’t planned on becoming a physical therapist and she didn’t expect to specialize in geriatrics. Yet her career has spanned remarkable paths: from PT at Kaiser, to research scientist leading CDC projects with national impact, to product manager bringing evidence-based exercise programs to older adults through tech. Most recently, she’s embraced a new role as Visiting Professor at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. Through each pivot, Tiffany has shown how adaptability and curiosity can shape a meaningful career. She’s managed to balance professional growth while making time for family. Her story is a powerful example of carving your own path, even when it doesn’t follow a traditional script.   00:00 Introduction to PT Path 00:33 Meet Dr. Tiffany Schubert 01:16 Journey into Physical Therapy 03:19 First Job Experience at Kaiser Permanente 04:41 Mentorship and Career Development 06:35 Transition to Research 11:12 Pursuing a PhD in Geriatrics 21:16 Implementing the Otago Exercise Program 25:58 Advice for Aspiring Public Health Professionals 28:41 Balancing Career and Family 30:47 Transition to Academia and Research 32:04 Exploring Tech Innovations in Physical Therapy 36:56 From Academia to Product Management 38:34 Revamping Education and Embracing Podcasts 41:46 Returning to Academia 42:28 Reflecting on a Diverse Career Path 45:39 Advice for Physical Therapists at a Crossroads 49:37 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

    52 min

  7. 02/09/2025

    Raad Shebib: The Multi-Hyphenate Health Tech Leader

    In this episode, we sit down with Raad Shebib, PT, DPT, whose career path has taken him from patient care to the cutting edge of health technology. Today, as a product leader at Prompt Health, Raad is on a mission to transform electronic health records and reimagine how technology can serve clinicians and patients alike. A self-described multi-hyphenate, Raad has drawn from his diverse experiences to become highly adaptable—an asset he considers one of the most important drivers of his career. He also discusses how curiosity and a willingness to learn have shaped his trajectory from clinical care to health tech. Whether you’re navigating your own career crossroads or curious about the future of healthcare innovation, Raad’s story offers fascinating insights. 00:00 Introduction to PT Path 00:40 Meet Raad Shebib: A Journey Begins 01:20 Life in New York City 02:03 Discovering Physical Therapy 04:59 From Graduation to Inpatient and Outpatient Care 07:30 Exploring Innovation in Physical Therapy 15:43 Transitioning to Tech 30:40 The Role of a Product Manager 37:21 Corporate Flexibility vs. Clinical Exhaustion 38:08 Leveraging Transferable Skills in Product Management 38:30 Defining Problems and Solutions in Product Management 39:59 Supporting Teams and Achieving Success 40:47 Challenges and Opportunities in Bedside Care 42:15 The Role of Product Management in Clinical Settings 46:49 The Importance of Technology in PT Education 48:30 Prompt Health: Revolutionizing Rehab Therapy 54:23 Navigating Career Mistakes and Growth Mindset 01:02:50 The Power of Feedback and Adaptability 01:08:33 Future Disruptions and Innovations in Healthcare 01:12:52 Final Thoughts and Advice for PTs and Students

    1 h 23 min

  8. 07/08/2025

    Claudia Canales: Tech, Access, and Breaking Barriers

    In this episode, host Amber Fitzsimmons interviews Claudia Canales, a 2019 graduate of the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, who transitioned from traditional clinical care to a leadership role in digital health. The first in her family to attend college, Claudia shares how formative experiences as a patient and a deep commitment to underserved communities shaped her path. After starting her career in clinical care, she joined Hinge Health, an innovative virtual musculoskeletal care platform, and worked her way up to become the Regional Vice President of Regional Sales. Claudia reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the complexities of the tech industry, and embracing the mindset of being a “learn-it-all,” not a know-it-all. She also explores the role of digital care in expanding access and driving meaningful change. Stay tuned for a great conversation at the end about women in leadership.   00:00 Introduction to PT Path 00:40 Meet Claudia Canales 01:37 Claudia's Journey to Physical Therapy 03:26 Challenges and Inspirations 05:39 Career Path and Early Experiences 07:25 Transition to Hinge Health 09:43 Role and Impact at Hinge Health 17:32 Navigating Imposter Syndrome 28:37 Women in Tech and Leadership 32:10 Adapting Communication Skills from PT to Sales 33:20 Applying Stages of Readiness in Professional Roles 34:58 Excitement for the Future of Digital Care 37:02 Navigating Unplanned Career Paths 38:33 Advice for Aspiring Digital Health Professionals 40:03 The Importance of Networking and Continuous Learning 46:13 Reflecting on Career Expectations and Growth 50:31 Future Career Aspirations and Challenges 57:07 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

    1 h
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Authentic stories from physical therapists navigating challenges, making pivotal decisions, and discovering their purpose. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or considering a career change, these conversations will inspire you to explore possibilities within our PT community. Join us as we explore the diverse paths of physical therapy – one story at a time.   

Información

  • Creador
    UCSF Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
  • Años de actividad
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodios
    14
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PT Path
  • Mostrar sitio web
    PT Path

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