Healthy Wealthy & Smart 355: Doreen Frank, PT: Learning from a Master Advocator
LIVE from the Federal Advocacy Forum, Jenna Kantor, DPT guest hosts and interviews Doreen Frank on advocacy in physical therapy. Doreen chaired the New York Physical Therapy Association’s Legislative Committee from 1992 to 2003 and is a past recipient of the American Physical Therapy Association’s State Legislative Leadership Award and the New York Chapter’s Outstanding Service to Chapter award. She was also the recipient of the Doreen Frank Legislative Leadership Award, an award given to those who serve the NY Chapter of the APTA. She remains a consultant to the Legislative Committee.
In this episode, we discuss:
-The driving factors for advocating for the profession
-Doreen’s extensive involvement in advocacy throughout her career
-Doreen’s experience overcoming discouragement and learning from her mistakes
-Doreen’s advice to inspire physical therapists to join the advocacy effort
-And so much more!
Doreen remains inspired by the connections she has built with both the therapists and patients in her state and has found that, “That feeling of being consistent and getting to know all of your people, that made a difference.”
Bringing physical therapy concerns to legislators is well received as Doreen encourages, “We really have so much respect both on the state legislative level and on the federal level.” Doreen reminds that, “People want to hear from physical therapists, they truly consider our opinion.”
Doreen believes that change only happens when more and more people join the advocacy effort and she stresses, “Democracy is not a spectator sport. You have to participate, you have to be the ones to advocate change.”
For more information on Doreen:
Doreen Frank is a 1981 graduate of SUNY Upstate Medical Center where she earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Prior to establishing Columbia Physical Therapy, P.C. in 1987 with her husband Bob, she worked in Brooklyn, San Francisco and Seattle. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association with membership in the Sections on Private Practice, Orthopedics, Women’s Health Care and Sports PT.
Doreen chaired the New York Physical Therapy Association’s Legislative Committee from 1992 to 2003 and is a past recipient of the American Physical Therapy Association’s State Legislative Leadership Award and the New York Chapter’s Outstanding Service to Chapter award. She was also the recipient of the Doreen Frank Legislative Leadership Award, an award given to those who serve the NY Chapter of the APTA. She remains a consultant to the Legislative Committee. In 1986, she became certified by the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association for treatment of Adult Hemiplegia. In 1991, she earned certification in Isenhagen Work System Functional Capacity Evaluations, Work Conditioning, Functional Job Analysis and Pre-Work Screening.
In 2009, Doreen was certified by Atlas Ergonomics, LLC and was qualified to join the Atlas network as a full-service provider. After rigorous training and testing in the specific needs of employees in call centers, commercial transportation and public transit, as well as in general office settings, she now joins the nation’s largest provider of ergonomics services to employers. Known for its results-based ergonomics programs, Atlas works with its nationwide network of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and ergonomists to reduce work-related injuries among employees, with an emphasis on measurable, bottom-line results.
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:
Email: doreen@columbiapt.com
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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!
Xo Karen