Katie sits down with new grad PTA and leader Russ Burns for a vibrant discussion about advocacy, innovation, AI, and what it means to be a modern PTA in 2025. As they prepare to attend the Future of Rehab Therapy Summit at APTA HQ, they reflect on career transformation, the importance of in-person connection, and why PTAs need to see themselves as both contributors and leaders.

Guest: Russ Burns, PTA, military police platoon sergeant, Ohio Physical Therapy Association early professional leader | Instagram

Topics Covered:

• First year as a PTA: what Russ has learned
• AI in clinical workflows and education
• Multidisciplinary advocacy at the APTA Summit
• Non-linear career paths for PTAs
• Leadership and professional growth for early professionals
• Speed round: bold takes and buzzwords

Links & Resources:

• Future of Rehab Therapy Summit (APTA)
• Ohio Physical Therapy Association (OPTA)
• Katie Sutton on LinkedIn
• PTA Plus Podcast YouTube

In this insightful episode, host Katie Sutton sits down with Drew Contreras of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to unpack the five biggest reasons PTAs (and other rehab professionals) must pay attention to the Future of Rehab Therapy Summit, happening July 9–10 in Washington, DC.

This is not just another conference—it’s a pivot point for the entire rehab profession.

If you're a PTA, PT, OT, SLP, or healthcare innovator, this summit is where you'll find the conversations that are shaping the future of rehab. From tech innovation to interprofessional collaboration, it’s all covered here.

Original Airdate:Aug. 3, 2023

Welcome to the PTA+ Podcast! In this episode, host Katie Sutton has a captivating conversation with Amy Smith Hamel, PTA, a remarkable leader in the physical therapy field. Amy, the Regional Director of Operations at Restore Therapy in Alabama, shares her journey into leadership, the power of seizing opportunities, and the profound impact of mentorship and service. Join us as we explore Amy's advice on developing yourself in the field of physical therapy and beyond, including leading through adversity and weathering storms in leadership. Amy is not only a leader but also an avid mountain biker, wife, mom, and more!

Episode Highlights:

• Introductions and backgrounds with Amy Smith Hamel
• Discovering Amy's PTA+ _____
• Developing your leadership style
• "Plus Point" segment featuring Amy