On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, Jenna Kantor, DPT guest hosts and interviews Lindsey McAlonan on advocacy. Lindsey McAlonan is the SPT Delegate in the Student Assembly and she wants to inspire students to find their passion within this profession. Most importantly, she has found the value of being an advocate for patients and the PT profession. She wants to challenge all students to take a step outside their comfort zone to educate people on physical therapy, continue to stay active in the APTA, and bring a positive change to the profession in order to enhance their experience.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Why Lindsey loves her position in the Student Assembly

-The difference between advocacy and policy

-Grassroots advocacy outlets to get involved in

-How to utilize the APTA Action App

-And so much more!

Advocating for physical therapists and patients is as easy as telling people about the benefits of physical therapy. Simply, “Being able to tell people about what we do is advocacy.”

As the SPT Delegate, Lindsey welcomes student concerns as she states, “I want to be that voice for the students at the House of Delegates.”

For the most impactful advocacy, Lindsey recommends, “Bring a personal story.”

For more information on Lindsey:

Draw a circle that relates to your comfort zone, and then think about the outside of that circle, this is where the magic happens. I heard this quote from a physical therapist a couple years ago, and these words of wisdom have resonated with me ever since. I used that quote as a key to unlock my future on which PT school I should attend. I was faced with a decision to attend a school close to home in Kansas or find the courage and strength to move to Connecticut where I didn’t know or have anyone to support me. I knew these opportunities would lead me down different paths.

This decision has impacted me and helped me to become the best version of myself as a PT student. I currently serve as Secretary at Sacred Heart University, the VP of the CT Student Special Interest Group, and am a member of the Membership Project Committee. I was consistently pushed outside my comfort zone to pursue leadership opportunities and attend conferences, National Advocacy Dinners, and the Federal Advocacy Forum.

I am running for SPT Delegate to inspire students to find their passion within this profession. Most importantly, I have found the value of being an advocate for patients and the PT profession. I want to challenge all students to take a step outside their comfort zone to educate people on physical therapy, continue to stay active in the APTA, and bring a positive change to the profession in order to enhance their experience.

For more information on Jenna:

Jenna Kantor (co-founder) is a bubbly and energetic girl who was born and raised in Petaluma, California. Growing up, she trained and performed ballet throughout the United States. After earning a BA in Dance and Drama at the University of California, Irvine, she worked professionally in musical theatre for 15+ years with tours, regional theatres, & overseas (www.jennakantor.com) until she found herself ready to move onto a new chapter in her life – a career in Physical Therapy. Jenna is currently in her 3rd year at Columbia University’s Physical Therapy Program. She is also a co-founder of the podcast, “Physiotherapy Performance Perspectives,” has an evidence-based monthly youtube series titled “Injury Prevention for Dancers,” is a NY SSIG Co-Founder, NYPTA Student Conclave 2017 Development Team, works with the NYPTA Greater New York Legislative Task Force and is the NYPTA Public Policy Committee Student Liaison. Jenna aspires to be a physical therapist for amateur and professional performers to help ensure long, healthy careers. To learn more, please check out her website: www.jennafkantor.wixsite.com/jkpt

Resources discussed on this show:

Lindsey McAlonan Twitter

APTA Action App

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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!

Xo Karen

Political ecology of disease