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
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