Dr. Hartley received a master's and doctoral degree in physical therapy from the University of Miami. He is a Board certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist and a Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults. He is presently Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy. Previously, he was Director of Rehabilitation for a large post-acute care provider specializing in geriatric rehabilitation. He is the founding Program Director of the first APTA accredited geriatric physical therapy residency in the U.S. Greg has served as Director and Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (AGPT), and was the Chair of the AGPT Practice Committee from 2007-2017. Clinically, he has practiced in home health, outpatient, sub-acute rehab (SNF), long-term care, acute care, and rehabilitation hospital settings. Dr. Hartley's clinical and research interests are in geriatrics, exercise prescription for aging adults, functional assessment, fall prevention, interprofessional models of care, residency/fellowship education, health policy/administration, and rehabilitation outcomes in post-acute care.

 

What three agenda items would you like to accomplish in your term as President?

As President, I can think of many important objectives I'd like to accomplish. Among them, the following three rise to the top:

1. First, I would like to see the Academy (AGPT) take a strong stance on elevating practice in sub-acute and long-term care. I believe AGPT has already done a tremendous amount of work in this area, specifically with regional education courses like the Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA™). However, there is more we can do. I would like to see the companion course for physical therapist assistants (already in development) become an educational cornerstone for career development among PTA's working in sub-acute settings. In addition to the educational offerings AGPT can provide to elevate care among PT's and PTA's, I'd like to see AGPT work with APTA and other organizations to advocate for meaningful payment reform in sub-acute settings, which I believe will have an impact on the provision on care, work-force issues, and quality of care. Efforts at reforming payment methodologies need to focus on value, outcome and long-term costs; not single episodic encounters. I would also like to see AGPT collaborate with large sub-acute/long-term care therapy providers to discuss issues and future strategies related to employee productivity. Quality and outcome sometimes seem to take a backseat to productivity and payment. This is a complex issue and won't be solved by AGPT. However, I believe this professional association (AGPT) can represent all of its members' interests while working with business partners to promote value (ie, high quality, better patient outcomes, and reduced systemic costs) in this large sector of the healthcare industry.
2. While AGPT's historical roots are in the long-term care/sub-acute setting; the Academy has, for many years, had its mission and values focused on the aging adult across the continuum of care. However, this seems to be a "secret" only shared by and among current members of the Academy. My second objective would be to enhance and expand the perception and image of the AGPT to be inclusive of PTs/PTAs practicing in all current and future settings where aging adult healthcare is managed. Future models of care delivery will evolve towards prevention and management of chronic disease and disability, and not focus solely on episodic care after an accident, injury, or illness. As certainly everyone who is reading this must know, the aging adult is the fastest growing segment of the US population. This growth is not expected to slow down for another generation. In my opinion, PTs and PTAs are better positioned than other healthcare professionals to manage issues related to movement in this huge segment of the population and there is great opportunity for us, if we take advantage of novel approaches to patient management. Everything I read lately points to the benefits of exercise, movement, and physical activity in managing chronic disease and improving quality of life…from osteoarthritis to cognition. We, as a profession, must shift our treatment paradigm to one that manages 'movement' and prevents disability before patients end up in hospitals and other traditional healthcare settings. This means embracing direct access (already permissible under Medicare), not 'discharging' patients (assuming we will most likely never see them again) but 'concluding an episode of care' instead, and managing patients for much longer than we typically do in an effort to leverage the long-term benefits of physical activity. Why do we write a plan of care for an outpatient for "2-3 times a week for 10-12 weeks" or "2 times a week for 4 weeks"? Why don't we write plans that span 6, 10, or 12 months, seeing patients more frequently in the beginning (if necessary) then cutting back to once a month, eventually curtailing down to once every 6 or 12 months? Wouldn't this give us an opportunity to really monitor the long-term impact of our intervention and education on health? Wouldn't this enable us to have a real impact on wellness, prevention, and the avoidance of unnecessary hospitalizations or re-admissions? I think we have huge opportunity here. And we (the AGPT) need to get the word out that therapists who work with aging adults are extremely capable of managing these issues in the community, medical homes, outpatient clinics, and in patient's homes. We should work collaboratively with other professionals and with other PTs/PTAs who have expertise in orthopedics, neurology, oncology and other areas of clinical practice, to demonstrate the value therapists and therapist assistants practicing in geriatrics can provide in the lifelong prevention and management of chronic disease in all settings, including the workplace and the community.
3. Third, I would like to see the AGPT attract more students and early professionals to its membership. I believe the AGPT can work with PT and PTA education programs to garner increased membership among students and to demonstrate value in an effort to retain them as early professionals. The AGPT could develop an early professionals SIG (or similar group) to provide creative leadership opportunities to foster interest and innovation among new therapists/therapist assistants. The AGPT could do more related to stimulating interest among students and early professionals that could impact the work force and patient access to experts and highly skilled therapists who are genuinely interested in geriatric physical therapy. AGPT has done more recently to expand its presence on social media, and to enhance its website. These are steps in the right direction. There can be more expansion here, including creation of a YouTube channel, Podcasts, and partnering with other high profile groups and individuals on social media to create our own media (instead of sharing media created by others). I believe we have an opportunity to be a leader in this arena, particularly if we harness the skills and enthusiasm among our early professionals.     

How do you see yourself and the Academy interacting with the entire APTA?

As mentioned above, I think APTA and AGPT can partner on a number of issues related to the elevation of clinical care for aging adults and on payment initiatives. I would also like to see the APTA seek input from the AGPT more frequently for APTA-wide initiatives. For example, when APTA advocates for changes in Medicare/Medicaid policy or legislative efforts that impact aging adults, I'd like for AGPT to explicitly (and publically) contribute to the Association-wide position as a primary partner. Another example would be to continue collaborating with APTA on the Physical Therapy Outcomes Registry and PTNow, while enhancing representation of AGPT in all areas of practice that have to do with aging adults, not solely areas commonly thought of as pertaining to geriatrics (eg, falls, cognitive health). I'd like to see APTA and AGPT work collaboratively on issues where we have common interests, like persistent pain and the opioid epidemic. This epidemic impacts aging adults as much (if not more) than other groups. AGPT should be included an integral partner within APTA's overall strategy. Personally, I'd interact with APTA by attending APTA Board meetings, Component Leadership meetings, and assigning liaisons to work closely with their APTA counterparts. For example, AGPT Board members and Committee Chairs would be expected to routinely liaise with their APTA counterparts to explore ways in which the two organizations can and should collaborate. I also see opportunity in collaborating with other Sections and Academies, particularly with regard to the development of clinical practice guidelines, other evidence-based documents, conference programming, and educational offerings.  

What do you perceive as the most important interpersonal skills that are needed by the President of the Academy?

The most important interpersonal skills needed by the president are the ability to listen non-judgmentally and to synthesize issues, concerns, or opportunities succinctly. In addition to this, the president must be able to identify and foster collaborative relationships among AGPT members and among individuals, groups, and organizations external to AGPT in order to reach its goals and achieve its mission. I see the role of president similar to that of a conductor of an orchestra; listening to individual instrumentalists, hearing the brass, percussion and woodwind sections, and guiding them all to produce a symphony. A president, like a conductor, is 100% reliant on its members' contributions. Nurturing collaboration between members, and harnessing the contributions generated by members to reach Academy goals is paramount among the president's skills.      

What is the greatest challenge facing the profession in terms of geriatrics at this time?

I can't limit my answer to just one. There are two that really surface for me.

As I write this, the US Senate is debating legislation that could impact every American, and could have significant implications for aging adults, especially those who receive Medicaid benefits. At the same time, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is steadily implementing new payment methodologies for outpatient care under MACRA that will impact virtually all PT's by 2019. Meanwhile, APTA is actively working to end the so-called "Medicare Therapy Cap" with the potential to finally eliminate this archaic rule this year. So, my first answer, given the issues highlighted above, is "legislative policy". Policy changes that are happening now, or will happen in the near future, stand to impact physical therapist practice for decades. More importantly, these changes will impact our patients. But these policy changes absolutely impact the profession. For example, if 'rehabilitation' is eliminated as an 'essential health benefit' (EHB), as is one proposal under the Senate healthcare bill currently being considered (at the time of this writing), our profession could lose a lot. Therefore, advocacy at the Federal level is more important now than at any time in my 27 year career. AGPT should have a loud, unwavering voice when it comes to advocating for our patients. In the end, patient advocacy impacts our profession. The Academy needs to aggressively collaborate with APTA and many other organizations to ensure the preservation of access to quality care for aging Americans.

The other major challenge for our profession related to geriatrics is the dearth of students who enter the profession with a desire to work with aging adults. Ultimately, I believe this stems from cultural ageism. I think we can and should do more to combat ageism and stimulate interest among primary and secondary school students, PT/PTA students, and early professionals so that we can increase the number of graduates who are genuinely interested in caring for what amounts to the largest segment of patients PT's and PTA's treat on any given day in this country. Shortages in the workforce impact every facet of healthcare delivery for aging adults. Even in the absence of a workforce shortage, having the 'right therapist in the right job' impacts our patients and our profession. The AGPT has a lot to offer these current and future therapists. Sadly, many students and therapists/therapist assistants have not been exposed to the AGPT. They are missing out on the wonderful resources and opportunities AGPT can provide them to improve patient care. Patients, our profession, and the AGPT could benefit from a targeted effort to end ageism (especially within our own profession) and attract students to caring for aging adults across the full continuum of care. We have tons of opportunity here.

Board Certified Specialist Geriatric Physical Therapy
Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults

Education:
Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy, Ithaca College
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, University of Delaware
Doctor of Physical Therapy, AT Still University, Arizona School of Health Sciences

Position/Employer:
Regional Director- Pennsylvania Restraint Reduction Initiative, Kendal Outreach

What are the most pressing concerns facing the Academy at this point in time?

 The Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (AGPT) is a vibrant group of individuals who are passionate about working with older adults.   Joan Mills, AGPT founder, was quite specific in not naming us the "long term care" section, but the image still holds true for many non-members as we approach our 40th anniversary.  We have an image problem.  Far too often decisions about physical therapy are made by people who do not have an understanding of the aging process and how it impacts older adult's health and wellbeing and the delivery of our services in all settings.  Yet at the same time, we are the only section of APTA that is a voice for those who work in the skilled nursing setting.  We need a multipronged approach to being a stronger advocate with APTA and external organizations to represent and educate SNF providers and at the same time being the voice for older adults as we reach across the continuum of their healthcare needs.   APTA national is actively promoting the theme "better together" and as the 4th largest section in APTA (2nd with PTA members but 9th with student members) the members of AGPT should be "loud and proud" of working with older adults and actively influencing APTA policy and practice in this area.  Generationally, we need to start investing in students and new professionals now, so they can continue this work long into the future.

What experiences would you bring to the position of Vice President that make you a strong candidate for this position?

 As your Vice President, I would bring over 20 years of leadership experience within APTA to this role.  Having served this association within the academy as Secretary, Delegate and in numerous committee appointments, I have seen it mature and develop into a professional practice focused organization that looks at the physical therapy needs of the older adult from wellness through frailty. Additionally, I bring a wealth of knowledge of how APTA work at a national and chapter level having served on several national committees/task forces as well as having been chapter president and chief delegate for the Delaware Chapter.  The leadership skills I have developed having just completed a term on the APTA Leadership Development Committee will be key for our Academy during these chaotic and uncertain times.  One of my goals for using these skills is to enhance the leadership development of AGPT members so that we are all prepared to take more active roles and opportunities to transform PT practice and society.

What do you see as the most important function of the office of Vice President?

The Vice President of the AGPT has three distinct roles in our organization: 1) to be liaison and work with the special interest groups (SIGs), 2) to serve on the executive committee, and 3) to be able to step in as President if needed.  All three are important and I feel prepared for each, however the role as liaison to the SIGs is particularly exciting.  We now have six SIGS: Balance and Falls, Bone Health, Cognitive and Mental Health, Global Health for Aging Adults, Health Promotion and Wellness and Residency and Fellowships.  The expansion to add more SIGs represent an opportunity for more members to get involved in areas that mean the most to them and allow us to expand the resources available to members in each of these areas.  With this many groups working at once, the Vice President needs to be an active conduit of information from these groups to the AGPT Board and vice versa, as well as supporting their work within the mission of the Academy.

Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS)
Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)

Education  

• Master of Science in Clinical Investigation; University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 2014
• PhD in Physical Therapy, University of Central Arkansas, 2009 
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Central Arkansas, 2003
• Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, University of the Philippines, 1995 
• Fellow of the APTA Education Leadership Institute (ELI) Program, 2016
• Fellow of the Texas Physical Therapy Association, Tom Waugh Leadership Program, 2016
• Fellow of the Castella Faculty Geriatric Research Fellowship, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX, 2011-2014

Advanced Training

• Comprehensive Simulation Instructor Training, Center of Medical Simulation, 2015
• TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer Certification, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)- University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, 2013
• Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA), AGPT-APTA, 2011
• Credentialed Advanced Clinical Instructor Trainer, APTA, 2010
• Advanced Clinical Instructor, APTA, 2008 
• Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS), ABPTS, 2006 
• Credentialed Clinical Instructor Trainer, APTA, recertified 2009 
• Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS), ABPTS, 2004
• Credentialed Clinical Instructor, APTA, 2004
• Arkansas Geriatric Education Mentors and Scholars; 2003 - 2004 
• Neurodevelopmental Treatment (C/NDT) Certification, NDTA, 2001

Employer/Position

• University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Physical Therapy; Associate Professor
• Baylor Institute of Rehabilitation; Physical Therapist PRN

What are the most pressing concerns facing the Academy at this point in time?

The Academy is in a distinct position to promote physical therapists as the geriatric practitioner of choice by educating geriatric practitioners on the use of current evidence to advocate for patients, acknowledging practice issues, increasing efforts to promote clinical specialization (GCS), and continuing to have conversations about aging and our key role in an aging society. I see two critical concerns facing the Academy, both of which are related to my passion: the promotion of PTs as geriatric practitioners of choice; the concerns are lined correlated to the Academy's role: first, in education, and second, in advocacy. 

Over the past couple of years, we have brought more attention to issues important to older adults, including health care, resources, and the role of the physical therapist in healthy aging. As your Director of Education, I have tirelessly served to promote PTs as geriatric practitioners of choice - this entails the need for vigorous education at the entry- and at the post-professional levels. While AGPT has provided courses specifically to promote healthy aging and appropriate exercise prescription, for the AGPT to become a premier resource in education pertaining to physical therapist care of older adults, there is a need to intensify efforts to provide more quality educational initiatives that advance physical therapist practice for the aging adult.  This requires addressing education at three tiers: for academicians who teach entry-level, future geriatric PT practitioners, for clinicians (new and seasoned PTs and PTAs) who need to keep current with contemporary geriatric practice, and for associations and health care professionals who need information about the PTs role in healthy aging. The Academy has started on this path with the CEEAA (which now coming on its 10th year of post professional education), with clinical practice guidelines, recurrent efforts towards reimbursement issues, with essential competencies for inclusion of geriatric content into the PT and PTA curricula, and with increasing presence in outside entities involved in geriatric issues.

But there is so much more to be done. The Academy needs robust and efficient processes to develop advanced courses to continue the growth of PTs who have a passion for caring for older adults.  We need to look into multiple platforms to reach a wider audience with webinars, podcasts, and technology-based offerings in addition to traditional regional courses. Working closely with other academies, we can tap into the expertise of our colleagues and work collectively. I am currently exploring these avenues and l would like to see these initiatives into fruition as your VP. 

The second concern is related to the current health care environment for older adults. With pressing issues on reimbursement, access to medical resources and health care, there is a persistent and stronger need to speak on behalf of those we serve. We need to be more vocal advocates for the older adults – having a stronger voice, a stronger stance, and a stronger presence.  Let's have a strong voice in external entities and associations that shape public policy. Let's get a seat at the meeting table and contribute to the critical dialogues at the national level about issues that impact our profession and our older patients. With the Academy's active membership and leadership, we can together advance our practice and advocate for older adults.

What experiences would you bring to the position of Vice President that make you a strong candidate for this position?

I bring to the AGPT a breadth of knowledge and skills in geriatric physical therapy practice, and leadership skills critical to advancing geriatric physical therapy practice. In my diverse roles, I speak the language of the clinician, researcher, educator, and student alike. As a clinician, I am keenly aware of the issues faced in clinical practice with reimbursement, productivity, difficulties advocating for the best discharge placements for our patients, and a whole myriad of administrative issues. As an educator, I am very much aware of the financial and political issues in higher education, and the challenges with geriatric and interprofessional education. I engage closely with a dynamic group of professionals within and external to our profession who support the PT geriatric practitioner and older adults; these interactions provide me with rich insights I bring to the position. More importantly, the "why" I seek your support, is what makes me stronger candidate for the position: I have a passion for geriatric care, for optimizing the function and quality of life of older adults, and for promoting physical therapists as the geriatric practitioner of choice. This is my vision.

Throughout my career, I have been a proponent of lifelong learning and strongly support the initiatives to address the unique educational needs of the PT geriatric practitioner towards the path of being the geriatric practitioner of choice. It has been a privilege to diligently serve the Academy as a Director, during which I actively engaged and worked collaboratively with talented members to address continuing education ventures. Those with whom I've worked would describe me as collaborative, fair, and quality-driven. I bring a strong desire to contribute and nurture these efforts as we move into the future.

Central to the Vice President's role are critical communications externally with associations significant to aging and geriatric care, and internally with Special Interest Groups. I bring a fresh perspective with administrative experiences in establishing and strengthening relationships, conflict management, and supervision of projects that involve multiple stakeholders. These are honed by a history of service to the profession, serving in the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, Geriatric Specialty Council, Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program, Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, and service in my academic institutions. These experiences that provide a holistic insight to the profession, coupled with my commitment to excellence, work ethics, and enthusiasm to move the Academy forward, make me a compelling candidate for the position. 

I would be honored to have your support and have the opportunity to serve the profession and the Academy in VP capacity. 

What do you see as the most important function of the office of Vice President?

The VP is tasked to assist the President in moving the vision and initiatives of AGPT forward, in addition to roles in communicating with external agencies and with the Special Interest Groups. Trust that as your VP, not only will I dependably support the President; I too, will be the other voice in President's ear, ensuring that all sides are heard as we move initiatives forward. I believe that being that being the other voice, presenting alternate views, as well as providing a sounding board, is the most important function of the VP. 

It is critical that leaders have varying inputs both supportive and probing, and I will serve loyally while preserving a separate identity from the President. I will continue to engage membership in advocating for older adults, the PT geriatric practioner, and educators.  I humbly ask for your vote because I want to continue building and developing programs to further the objectives of the AGPT and the APTA to advance the practice of geriatric physical therapy with your support and active involvement. 

It would be an honor to bring these efforts into fruition, to build a strong infrastructure for future PT geriatric practitioners, and solidify our stamp as the experts in the care, management, and health promotion for older adults. 

What experiences would you bring to the position of Director that makes you a strong candidate?
Professionally, I have worked as a Physical Therapist for over 23 years and in almost every aspect of care.  From a staff clinician to founding and owning a rehab therapy contract company, I understand in detail the value of every individual's role in delivering quality service in a healthcare market. Besides my professional background, I have experience as an elected governmental official, a member in an appointed State Board in service of my Governor and as an Executive Director of a nonprofit organization.  I understand the importance and benefits of remaining true to an organization's mission while being creative enough to accomplish the goals for its members.   Simply put, as my experience shows, I can partner with others to make informed and positive choices to move forward.

What is the greatest challenge facing the Geriatric practitioner and how can the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy help?

I feel, without a doubt, the greatest challenge facing the Geriatric practitioner today is the risk of having their expertise marginalized in employment and practice environments such as skilled nursing, long-term care and home health.  I have heard numerous stories over the past 2 years of therapist with Doctorate, entry level degrees and clinical specialties in Geriatrics being placed under the management of Physical Therapy Assistants for sake of profits.  In my opinion, there is no circumstance where this should occur. I feel the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy must be proactive in developing a strategic plan and partnerships with stakeholders such as CMS and others in allowing therapist who are credentialed as clinical specialist to be valued,  monetarily as much as clinically,  in these areas so we retain our leadership roles with employers looking  at their bottom line.

Current Position:
Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Associate Professor
School of Rehabilitation Sciences
MCPHS University, Worcester, MA

Education:
Doctor of Philosophy, Physical Therapy, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, 2011
Master of Science, Physical Therapy, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, 1993
Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 1990
Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
Certified in LSVT Big, 2017

What experiences would you bring to the position of Director that make you a strong candidate?
I welcome the opportunity to run for the position of Director.  While I am not (yet) certified as a Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy, I have worked with the elderly population since graduating PT school 20+ years ago. I was introduced to physical therapy when my grandmother had her hip replaced in the late 1980's. I watched as the therapist worked with her and restored her function and mobility, and facilitated her return to being my "Nana".  That was my "Aha" moment which led to my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and then my admission to the University of Miami for PT school. Both degrees have proven invaluable for working with patients of all ages, especially the elderly.  As the general population of the United States ages, it is imperative that physical therapists be prepared with the best, and most current evidence in order to provide (as per the strategic plan) the "best physical therapy practice for optimal aging".  I look forward to the day when rehab facilities routinely provide not only traditional physical therapy, but innovative, evidence-based complementary therapies that reduce use of medications for behaviors in dementia, or exercises for strengthening programs that are fun and relevant for the participants!  I am looking forward to taking the Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults courses in the Spring of 2018- as should all PT's who work with the aging population.  As an academician, I recognize the importance of quality geriatric education in the entry-level programs as well as post-professional continuing education courses to minimize variations in practice and promote healthy aging.  I believe the APTA Vision of "optimizing movement and improving the human experience" is also involves transforming the aging experience and optimizing movement for our geriatric community and involves Academy support for the therapists who treat the aging population.  While I believe quality research is important to progress our profession, timely dissemination of the research outcomes is imperative so that practitioners can use that information with patients and improve their function sooner (especially with reimbursement challenges!) As a researcher and academician, I love knowledge and believe that all PT's should be life-long learners, always updating their own mental database of assessment and intervention techniques, always practicing new methods, and always educating patients, families and other healthcare providers about geriatric health, fitness and more.

What is the greatest challenge facing the geriatric practitioner and how can the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy help?

Geriatric practitioners face two major challenges. The first is the challenge of being well-prepared to identify, address and keep up with the varied and ever-changing needs of our aging patients. This requires access to current evidence-based resources, knowledgeable interdisciplinary teams and other essential resources. The AGPT has a tremendous amount of information to guide geriatric clinicians through changes in healthcare, reimbursement and documentation as they work to address the health care needs of the aging population. We must increase the awareness of these resources for non-AGPT members. The second major challenge is to increase the awareness of geriatric physical therapy to the general public and other healthcare providers and make it clear that for the aging population, the geriatric physical therapist is THE "autonomous practitioner of choice for exercise, physical activity, prevention and optimization of function in all settings" (2020 Geriatric Position Statement).  To support both of these challenges, the Academy must continue to provide high quality education for practitioners and patients, disseminate quality research focused on the geriatric population, and promote the breadth and depth of geriatric physical therapy to the general public and to the greater healthcare community.

Credentials:

• Initially Board Certified in Geriatric Physical Therapy (GCS) from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties: 6/2007
• Recertified in Geriatric Physical Therapy: 6/2017
• Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA) from the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy of American Physical Therapy Association: 2012
• APTA Member since 2000
• AGPT Member since 2003
• Secretary of AGPT Residency and Fellowship SIG: 2015 to present

Education:

• Doctorate in Physical Therapy – Arcadia University, Glenside, Pennsylvania, May 2003
• B.S. in Business Administration (concentration in Operations Management) – University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, May 2000

Employer/Position:

• Brooks Institute of Higher Learning Geriatric Residency Coordinator; Jacksonville, FL. 2010 to present
• Brooks Institute of Higher Learning Residency & Fellowship Programs Faculty Member and Mentor; Jacksonville, Florida. 2010 to present
• Adjunct Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, University of North Florida; Jacksonville, Florida. 2015 to present

Director

• What experiences would you bring to the position of Director that makes you a strong candidate?

I have had the privilege of directing the Brooks Geriatric Residency Program in Jacksonville, Florida since 2010. I was given the challenge in 2010 to create a geriatric residency program from the beginning. The program was initially accredited in 2012 and reaccredited in 2017. I have grown tremendously through this process which has included staying current with best practice for older adults, understanding the challenges and barriers that exist regarding health care policy and access to care for older adults, and refining my ability to communicate with my colleagues and the community as an educator and an advocate.
 
I have spent most of my career as a clinician. I continue to maintain a clinical practice because face time with older adults is my absolute motivator. However, I have had several recent non-patient care experiences that have helped to shape my leadership capabilities. First, I have served in district leadership within the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) as the Secretary of the Northern District since 2014.  I am also the founding Chair of the Fall Prevention Taskforce of the FPTA which will become a more permanent effort with the creation of the Geriatrics Special Interest Group within the FPTA in the fall of 2017. The taskforce received an APTA Community Awareness grant in 2015 to promote the value of physical therapists as part of the important team in an emergency department setting. This effort continues today in addition to the mission of the taskforce which is to sustain fall prevention efforts across Florida on a continuous basis and to empower FPTA members and not-yet-members to carry out this mission.  I also served on the Florida Injury Prevention Advisory Council from 2013 to 2016. This experience allowed me to connect, collaborate and coordinate with other key stakeholders advocating for services for older adults across the state of Florida. I believe that my advocacy for older adults can continue on a national level as an AGPT Board member.

• What is the greatest challenge facing the geriatric practitioner and how can the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy help?

If the physical therapy profession is not able to provide the rehabilitation and prevention services that are needed for the growing older adult population, other professions will. I believe that an important opportunity exists for physical therapists during this time of unprecedented growth that I would equate to the opportunity that existed during the polio epidemic. We need to position ourselves as a profession to show the value we bring to the well-being of older adults and to those who will become older adults.  Failing to show our value to older adults and the healthcare community at large not only places geriatric clinical specialists at risk, but poses a risk to the entire physical therapy profession. We have made excellent strides educating others about "choosing PT 1st". However, the AGPT has an opportunity during this time to not only ensure that physical therapists are prepared to provide the front-line rehabilitation services that older adults need, but to also ensure that our non-physical therapist colleagues are aware of the expertise we bring to the interdisciplinary team in place for an older adult. If we are not able to do that for the older adult population where have we really grown in the 7 decades since the polio epidemic?

Undoubtedly, physical therapists need to have didactic knowledge and skill to be able to provide physical therapy services at a high quality level for older adults. But to really have an impact on this growing population, physical therapists have to be at the health care policy table for health policy discussion and decision making at the state, national and even international levels.  The Academy can lead this effort by identifying where physical therapists should be present to help shape health care policy for older adults.  It is time that we as a profession have an equal voice at the health care policy table. I hope to continue to work towards this goal with the AGPT as a member of the Board. Thank you!

Interim Program Director, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL
Received my PT degree from St Louis University, Post Professional Doctorate degree from Creighton University and finishing the Research Doctoral degree in PT from NOVA SE University.

What skills and experiences qualify you to serve on the Nominating Committee?
I have been a member of APTA since 1976 when I joined as a student. I joined the Section of Geriatrics early in my career and became more active as my children grew up. Since 1988, I have held positions at the state level, the national level and in various sections. I became more active in the Section on Geriatrics in 1994 and have been an active member since that time. My career has taken many turns along the way from clinician in acute care, home health, outpatient and academia. Due to my husband's job, we have moved and lived in 13 places around the United States. This has given me the opportunity to meet therapists from various geographic areas and experiences. With each move, I learned more about my profession, myself and how to be a good mentor. The various roles I have had with APTA, the state chapters and the sections have also added to this experience. Currently, as a faculty member of the AGPT CEEAA, I am always interacting with new clinicians of all ages and experience. These interactions have made me aware of how to get more people involved within our organization and profession. I believe my ability to talk to people of all backgrounds and motivate them with the energy to move the profession forward will enable me to find quality candidates for office as well as mentor new emerging candidate to continue to move the Academy forward.

How would you identify and mentor new leaders within the Academy? There is never a time when we can say we no longer need mentors. There is no age requirement to be a mentor or be mentored by others. While many focus on the new graduates and residents to engage them within the profession (and I do agree this is important), we must not overlook those that have been working in the field and need encouragement to bring their experience to the professional organization. Helping those who have recently taken the GCS, or planning to in the future, is a hallmark to move the profession forward. We need to reach out to these clinicians on a personal level and ask them to be involved in committees, projects, and various offices of the Academy. Personal invitations to be involved work so much better than general announcements. We need to work at our state level with our state advocates to invite therapists to come to state meetings and have events to meet others who work with the aging adults. Bringing new members to the Academy will bring new ideas. Working with members who are coming but not taking that next step will be a challenge but a personal growth for all. We need to get out of our own social circle and meet others. That new person coming to conference for the first time, that member who comes regularly but sits alone, those who volunteer but are never followed for future activities all have something to contribute.  Only be personally meeting members and finding out their interest/strengths can we become stronger as an association.

Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis
Masters of Health Administration, University of Missouri, KC
BS Physical Therapy, University of Pennsylvania
Geriatric Certified Specialist, Recertified
APTAnj member since relocation 2008-current, New Jersey Chapter

Employer/Position:
Rehabilitative Therapy Services, owner
Therapy Choice, Geriatric Specialist in the home health setting

• What skills and experience qualify you to serve on the Nominating Committee?

I have had the privilege of serving the Academy through the years, serving on the Nominating Committee until 2010. My role included identifying members to be nominated with varying backgrounds, ages, and experience with the Academy. We actively searched for those who would enhance our efforts to provide optimal board composition to fulfill our AGPT mission of promoting best practice and to advocate for older adults.

I have had the opportunity to be on the Finance Committee, question reviewer for Specialist Accreditation for Certification Exams, APTAnj member of Geriatric Special Interest Group at inception in 2010, and facilitating Geriatric Specialty Exam study groups. The participation in and exposure to the AGPT membership continues as CEEAA faculty, coordinating the AGPT website redesign, the Academy Web Media Group facilitator, AGPT Board member, Task Force for Partnership, student resume review, and current Board of Director for Research and Publications.  I continue to involve and match members to investigate openings and tasks to challenge and promote their leadership development within the Academy. I know the AGPT has exciting forward-thinking students and members ready for a new challenge within the Academy.

I have worked as a Geriatric Certified Specialist in various settings for over 20 years throughout my practice serving the older adult. I have had networking opportunities through my involvement with AGPT, participation at CSM, NEXT and CEEAA, and connections with members and potential members. Working with 17 Committees and 6 Special Interest Groups to review and revise their content accurately for a year gave me the opportunity to become more familiar with each Committee chair, the positions ideal skill set and how that relates to  the strategic plan for their group. As a Director for AGPT, I met with JGPT and GeriNotes editorial board, and our Research Chair at CSM as they planned and developed their plans and strategy for the following year. My colleagues in New Jersey are interactive, and leadership capabilities are numerous.
The Academy has exciting days ahead, and as member of the Nominating Committee I will continue to interact with our membership on social media, in person, at CSM and NEXT, and at the CEEAA courses.  Seeking qualified leadership has been a passion of mine since I first became involved with the Academy. I will strive to intersect with members to cultivate expertise, involve them in moving practice forward, encourage advocacy, promote a desire to collaborate, and to have a passion and willingness to be stretched as our next leaders. We all are on a continual learning and growing journey in life, and I hope to serve the AGPT and you, the members, in this exciting way.

•  How would you identify and mentor new leaders within the Academy?

The word Mentor, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, comes from the Greek character in Homer's Odyssey, being a trusted friend of Odysseus, whom he entrusted with education his son. It is a personal picture of a mentor as an experienced, wise, and trusted advisor. Mentoring involves observing passion and drive, encouraging practice development, capitalizing on the mentees successes, and promoting confidence for reaching new challenges. There are numerous roles in AGPT that would appreciate members to step up in an area of interest. This is the beginning of recognizing your own leadership skills as you take the next step to your own leadership development.

Three ways to mentor come to mind immediately as we reach out to fellow members. First, the AGPT offers a congratulatory breakfast the morning after the GCS installation ceremony. This is an opportunity for relationships to solidify and mentors to be identified as these candidates return to their practice setting. Secondly, to expand cultivating relationships, AGPT can initiate a leadership development team, facilitating a path forward for those interested in training, expanding their service, expertise, and knowledge of the leadership challenges facing AGPT. This could facilitate committee involvement, and assist members to see a way they may engage in service to the Academy. Thirdly, the State Advocates are a wonderful resource and reference for interested members to connect with Committees, and SIGs and Academy leaders by involvement at various levels.

My strongest talents are the ability to engage and encourage others to collaborate, create an enthusiastic environment, follow the contribution a member makes to the Academy, and recognize the leadership skills they possess in this process.  Some of the leaders put forward during my past tenure on the Nominating Committee have remained active and furthered their expertise, leadership, and knowledge to pass on to those who came after them. I believe identifying new leaders is much more than filing a slot on the ballot, it is honing a craft to see potential leaders that carry a passion and drive to pursue their knowledge, proficiency, and a desire to continue to develop and expand their leadership and knowledge base throughout their years of practice.

Through my time in the Academy and the various roles in which I have served, Committees and Special Interest Groups have been a unique area of leadership development. Our SIGs have been very active and each have been affiliated with an outside organization that takes the group an additional step in to move the Academy forward as the practitioner of choice for the older adult. The study groups that have been initiated for the Geriatrics Special Exam, and the dedication of those participants in the CEEAA courses are exciting ways to see people grow in their personal practice and leadership as they return to their clinics to share resources.  These participants are those we will look to for leadership roles in the future.

I can lead you on your journey. Come talk to me, whatever the election results, and you can be on your way to your personal leadership challenge.

Jennifer Sidelinker, PT, DPT, GCS, is the Senior Director of Physical Therapy for Genesis Rehab Services, a national rehab company addressing the needs of older adults in multiple care settings and across the continuum of care. Jennifer has worked in clinical leadership roles with Genesis for many years and directs multiple clinical projects integrating wellness practices in rehabilitation. She achieved Board Certification as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist in 2005, and was recertified in 2015. She was honored by the American Physical Therapy Association's Section on Geriatrics in 2005 with the award for Clinical Excellence in Geriatric Practice. Jennifer has been a leader in development and dissemination of Balance In Action¬, the Genesis organizationÍs care delivery model for fall risk management. Balance in Action was recognized as an innovative program at the 2013 APTA Innovation Summit.

Professor and chair of department of PT, University of Alabama at Birmingham. I teach Health Promotion and Wellness content. Goals for this office, if elected: Identify and recruit qualified candidates for office and effectively execute nominations process.

Building upon a successful clinical career, my passion for geriatrics led me to earn my specialist certification in geriatrics as well as pursue a post-professional doctorate in Adult Development and Aging Psychology. This commitment challenged me to better myself as a clinician, researcher, and educator. I currently share this passion and commitment with DPT students as faculty at the University of Central Florida as well as with other clinicians while teaching continuing education courses. In recognition of these efforts, I was awarded the Distinguished Educator Award this past year from the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Additionally, I am a member of various associations where I volunteer my time as able. For example, I belong to the APTA and am a member of the Cognitive and Mental Health Special Interest Group. I was part of a pre-conference workshop at 2017 Combined Sections Meeting. Additionally, I volunteer at a weekly Geriatric Assessment Clinic associated with Florida Hospital in Orlando.

As the Vice-Chair of the RF SIG of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, I would like to continue to extend this reach within the mission of the SIG, which is to promote excellence and the advancement of the specialty of geriatric physical therapy via the growth and development of accredited residency and fellowship postprofessional education programs.  There is a dire need for the realization of this mission and the SIG's vision due to the aging of the population.  I have dedicated time to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties through membership on the Specialization Academy of Content Experts (meeting at 2016 and 2017 Combined Sections Meeting and Regional meeting in Orlando, FL) and Geriatric Specialty Exam Standard Setting Committee (meeting at NBME in Philadelphia, PA.  I find it interesting and rewarding to assist in the forward progress of our dynamic field, especially in the area of geriatrics as it is a significantly underrepresented. Additionally, these opportunities provide me a chance to learn from other experts in the field regarding the process of specialty certification and test development. These service opportunities allow me to learn as well as develop integral partnerships with other clinicians, educators, and researchers to build a network with those having similar interests and goals. Service to the profession is at the base of expanding our knowledge and improving service delivery to our patients; therefore, I am interested in continuing my involvement through this position as Vice-Chair of the RF SIG.

Mindy Renfro, PT, PHD, DPT is a Research Assistant Professor in the School of Public & Community Health and a research scientist for Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities at the University of Montana. She works on initiatives related to healthy aging, fall prevention, aging-in-place, telehealth and assistive technology. Her current research interests are in dissemination of evidence-based fall prevention programs and validating current EBFPs for special populations including adults with IDD and Alzheimer's disease.  She teaches in geriatrics/gerontology online in an interdisciplinary format to encourage professional collaboration. Dr. Renfro works closely with the National Council on Aging and works collaboratively on an international level for fall prevention.

Service to the APTA, AGPT and its special interest groups (SIG) has been an important aspect of my career and has supported my lifelong learning and service. As Vice Chair and Chair of the Balance & Falls SIG, I enjoyed mentoring PTs and PTAs interested in expanding into fall prevention. As a member of the BF SIG, I very much enjoy watching prior mentees taking the group forward into new and exciting programs.

From 2005-2015 I was very proud to be a geriatric certified specialist. Having moved out of the clinic and into academia and research, I was unable to keep this credential. However, as an educator, clinician and researcher, I have developed thoughts about how best to prepare our future certified geriatric specialists. Of course, the best way to make those things happen is to join the group doing the work! I would be honored to be selected for further service to the AGPT.

I am a graduate of the University of Delaware Physical Therapy program class of 2006.æ I have worked at the University of Delaware Physical Therapy Clinic since 2008 treating primarily patients with neurologic conditions, patients with vestibular involvement, and older adults.æ Prior to working at UD I worked locally in Delaware as a PT in Assisted Living Facilities.æ I became a Geriatric Clinical Specialist in 2009, took the Vestibular Competency based course in 2010, and became a Neurologic Clinical Specialist in 2011.ææ I helped to create The Johns Hopkins and University of Delaware Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program and have served as its co-director for over 5 years.æ For the past year I have also been the Director of the Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program at the University of Delaware and prior to this I served as a Residency Mentor in this program since 2010.æ I am an Assistant Professor of Practice at UD and serve as a clinical instructor for the UD DPT program having worked with approximately 150 students as a CI.æ I was the recipient of the 2017 Clinical Educator Award by the Geriatrics section of the APTA.ææ

I am honored to be slated for the AGPT Residency and Fellowship SIG Secretary position, a position which I have held since 2016. I am passionate about advocating for services for older adults. Part of that advocacy includes educating entry-level students and experienced clinicians about the value of post professional education especially in the field of geriatrics. I feel that it is part of my mission during my career to work to ñconvinceî my colleagues of the value of working with, for, and on behalf of older adults. Thank you for this opportunity to serve the AGPT Residency and Fellowship SIG.

Dr. Emma L. Phillips is a physical therapist residing in New York City. She has a passion for helping older adults reach their rehab, health and wellness goals. She obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2010 from the Mayo School of Health Sciences, was the inaugural resident for The University of MinnesotaÍs Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency from 2010-2011 and obtained her Geriatric Clinical Specialty Certification in 2012. She has a passion for Residency/Fellowship education and specialization, which began during her DPT program and continues to this day. As a member of the nominating committee, she looks forward to reaching out and finding candidates who have a passion for post-profession education programs to serve within the RFSIG.

Dr. Harnish graduated from the FOX Geriatric Residency in Physical Therapy in 2015. He has remained involved with the program through clinical mentorship and didactic teaching. His goals for the Residency/Fellowship SIG include increasing awareness to DPT students to the benefits of a residency/GCS as well as the expansion of more programs in order to increase access to candidates across the country

I would like to run for Vice Chair of the Global Health for Aging Adults SIG so I can continue to promote and facilitate the exchange of healthcare knowledge and resources throughout the world.

I completed my entry level education in Physical Therapy in India following which I worked in acute care and out patient in India for a year. In an effort to improve my skill set and further my education I pursued Masters of Science in Physical Therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston where I developed keen interest in working with geriatric population. I have been working in sub-acute, home health and long term care settings and my interest lies in fall prevention by improvising quality of physical health in aging adults in skilled nursing facilities. I have been a member of the APTA and AGPT since 2014 and I am taking the CEEAA in 2018.æ

My name is Joseph Siu, a tenured associate professor in physical therapy education at the University of Nebraska. I oversee a global health program in China to educate future Chinese PT to make a difference in Chinese healthcare system and rehabilitation service, and I also conduct research in older populations with PT researcher in several countries, such as U S , China, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand. Thus, I have a solid understanding the diversity of global health for aging population due to differences in life styles and healthcare delivery. I also served a number of university committee, such as program core admission, faculty search, faculty senate, to identify the right person to do the right thing. Therefore, I would like to run for the Global Health for Aging Adults S IG officer in the Nominating Committee.

I would like to become a hub between USA/WCPT and other Asian countries to promote social participation in geriatric population. Coincidentally, Japan will have the more rapid growth of over 60 years old population next few decades. We could collaborate with this kind of countries to prepare for new era of rehabilitation medicine for the public. Also, I am in a good position for global rehabilitation since University of Washington has so many resources such as many specialists of various areas in global health and global rehabilitation experienced clinicians. I would utilize them to facilitate our activities.