Do you feel like you’re as great a clinician as you could be? Do you know how to apply the evidence in an individualized way? Are you missing anything in your therapy toolbox, if so, do you know what it is? In today’s show we were so excited to interview Dr. Oscar Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS after he won the PT Clinical Excellence in Neurology Award from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy component of the American Physical Therapy Association. Oscar is dedicated to the advancement of physical therapy through many advocacy efforts. He spends countless hours treating patients, mentoring students, residents and other clinicians, and focuses on community wellness. He has transformed many lives in his 20+ years in the field and is definitely someone who will take the profession (and healthcare) further as he continues to devote time, effort and energy to these passions. Any clinician or student will benefit from this in depth discussion of what makes a person a really great clinician so they can overcome barriers, empower patients to overcome their real and perceived barriers, and ultimately find perhaps a lost sense of agency. The insights shared will enlighten clinicians at any stage in their career. Some of the discussion points touched upon in this interview include how to determine what to use in your practice from the evidence when you’re stuck between following best practice guidelines and the restrictions faced like resources, patient functional level, other patient/family priorities, and clinical appropriateness for the interventions being suggested. Additionally, we discuss an essential communication tool that can shift power dynamics ultimately leading to better outcomes, understanding of expectations, and satisfaction for patient and clinician alike. Helpful adages like “our discharge plan starts at the evaluation” and “think out loud” will strengthen patient/clinician relationships. Becoming an expert in neurologic therapy goes beyond your clinical skills and the bullet points in the research. Listen to hear how you can elevate your practice right now.

If you’re inspired by anything you heard, you can reach out to Oscar in the following ways:

ogallardo76@gmail.com

@dr_o.g._theneuropt