Attending CSM 2015 was a valuable learning experience and a successful networking opportunity. I was able to attend numerous presentations, specifically orthopedic based, being that it is the setting of my desired practice. I gained much knowledge regarding current ACL rehabilitation techniques and what outcomes measures are effective in determining when an individual should return to sport. In addition, I attended a lecture focusing on gait kinematics, particularly the first, second and third rocker. Peter McMenamin, myself and fellow classmates presented a platform presentation on the online visibility of physical therapists in the Chicago metropolitan area. It was rewarding to have the opportunity to present our student research project amongst established physical therapists. I aspire to conduct research once I am a licensed and practicing physical therapist, and one day present that research at CSM. Perhaps the most unexpected yet rewarding opportunity presented itself on my plane ride back to Charlotte, NC.  I sat next to a gentleman, Rett Talbot, who is a physical therapist in Florida but occasionally works in Charlotte. He works with the USA hockey team as well as Paralympics and amputees. He invited me to shadow him while working on the ice skating rink during the weekend of February 21-22. I accepted the invitation and am excited about this experience.

Attending the combined sections meeting following my second clinical rotation was a perfect time to gain this experience. CSM assisted with my professional growth, broadened my clinical knowledge base, and provided me with the opportunity of networking with various professionals in the field of physical therapy.

The educational classes were extremely beneficial at CSM.  I attended a variety of courses including women’s pelvic floor, imaging, various orthopedics, and learned about the role of PTs in the emergency department.  I found all of these classes purposeful and supplemental to the education I’m currently receiving. Rosalind Franklin has a large focus on interprofessionalism so I was especially enthusiastic to learn how PTs are becoming part of the emergency department team. The rest of my time was spent talking about career options and speaking with vendors about new technology at the exhibit hall, as well as learning from the poster presentations.  Being in my second year of physical therapy school, it was very helpful to speak with experienced professionals about career options. 

CSM not only provided me with an educational experience, it more importantly fueled my motivation to continue improving and to stay involved just like all of the dedicated professionals surrounding me.  

I want to thank the IPTA for the opportunity to be sponsored for the 2015 combined sections meeting in Indianapolis. I had an awesome experience! I had the opportunity to learn from the leaders in our profession on the most current up to date evidence. Some of my favorite presenters included Kevin Wilk, and George Davies. They presented research on shoulder patients who would benefit from an accelerated rehab protocol and patients who may require a more cautious approach. Some of the highlights from the conference included networking with potential employers, meeting with sports residency programs to learn about opportunities to practice with a sports population.  I also had the opportunity to attend a sports section meet and greet and learn about what career paths more experienced clinicians took in order to work with a sports population. There was a meet and greet specifically for residency programs, where I met with multiple programs including Duke, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Memorial Hermann out of Houston Texas, and the University of Pittsburgh. In between lectures, I made sure to stop by the research section and see classmates from Bradley University presenting their research. Overall, it was an awesome experience and I can not thank the IPTA and all involved in supporting me to attend the meeting.

Attending the Combined Section Meeting was invigorating. It was amazing to see so many physical therapy professional and students in one place, connected by our passion for our careers. It continues to amaze me how diverse the field of physical therapy truly is. One of the highlights was attending a session where I was able to hear therapists talk about their research – research that I am citing in a case report I am writing! CSM made research come alive. I also attended the Private Practice Section reception. The members of the group were so welcoming. I was able to meet people who have careers I aspire to. The guidance and advice they offered was invaluable, and it was fun to connect with people from across the country who are at very different points in their careers than I am. I left with a deepening interest in opening my own clinic, and I even won a section membership! Attending CSM was a major highlight of my last year of PT school, and I already have the 2016 dates on my calendar. Thank you for the opportunity to attend!

My name is Carey Dahlquist and I am a third year physical therapy student at Bradley University. This was my second year attending the APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting.  I felt that this year was a completely different experience than last as I was accepted to present my research in a poster for the education section. My research was based on developing a survey after clinical education to pin point areas of practice where Bradley students felt more exposure may be beneficial in our curriculum. It was very exciting to look at all the other research presented as well as share my project with other students and therapists from around the country.

Another reason I felt this year was different was because now I am only months away from joining the work force in Illinois. Because I have already accepted a position with Professional Therapy Services in Peoria, IL, I was able to gear my experience toward attending lectures that would benefit my upcoming job experience. I focused on attending lectures in the Acute Section and others that were more directly related to the setting I will be practicing in come May. CSM is a great opportunity to expand your skills in therapy and I will continue to attend in the future; both for continuing education and to enhance my skills in practice!

CSM 2015 in Indianapolis, IN was yet another successful event provided by the APTA. From the exhibitors to speakers to poster presentations, a surplus of information was provided for clinicians and students from around the country. There simply was not enough time in three days to attend all the classes that sparked my interest! The option of having all handouts available for download eases this burden because you can often times still obtain most of the information from the presenters, even if you were in attendance in another class during that particular session.

I was fortunate enough to present my research via poster presentation this year, which was an experience I will not forget. This allowed me to meet students and colleagues from all over the nation, all of whom demonstrated the same passion I have for physical therapy. Having thousands of physical therapy colleagues and students under one roof is an incredible experience. So many people sharing my passion for physical therapy causes me to leave feeling rejuvenated with more excitement than ever to return and treat my patients with the most current evidence and care. I definitely hope to attend CSM again next year!

CSM 2015 in Indianapolis was a fantastic experience! I attended several orthopedic and neurological presentations and learned about the new research for treatments that are being used for athletes and stroke patients. During my poster presentation, I met several clinicians from around the country who work with pediatrics and were interested in the findings of our research. I love how CSM provides an opportunity for clinicians from all different areas and specialties to come together and learn from each other. I think this is huge for us as a profession to keep a holistic view of our patients by learning from our peers and colleagues. Additionally, the exhibit hall offered a variety of networking opportunities with PT companies, equipment distributors, and future educational options. Whether a current student or a long-time practicing clinician, CSM is a wonderful opportunity for physical therapists to come together and collaborate in order to continue growing in our profession to benefit our patients. I am so glad I was able to attend CSM this year, and I look forward to returning to the conference again in the future. Thank you so much to the IPTA for the sponsorship provided for this trip!