cancer rehab

"You're young & healthy."

This was a quote that I heard time & time again with my young patients. If they're so young & healthy, then why do they have cancer?

As frustrating as that may be for us to hear, imagine hearing that as a patient.

For Shauna O'Brien of the Too Young For This Shit Podcast, this is her reality. 

Shauna was diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 & underwent surgery, chemotherapy, & radiation therapy in a whirlwind year.  At the end of that year, in her words, "you get thrown to the wolves."

In our interview, we talk about the fact that it’s important to hear the patient’s side of things - their point of view & the different aspects of life that cancer affects: physically, emotionally, mentally, relationships, socially, etc., and the positive effects of physical therapy.

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The ABPTS (American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties) oncology exam is an amazing opportunity to deepen your knowledge of oncologic physical therapy, but it's not for everybody. In fact, there's some very important reasons why you shouldn't take the exam.

Today, we're exploring why you should or should not take the ABPTS Exam, plus the steps you need to apply for the exam.

It is not my intention to discourage you from taking the exam, but rather to help you decide if this is the right next step for you and your practice. Even though I am pro-exam, I believe you need to ensure that you are approaching the process with the right mindset. The process is not for everyone. 

If you are considering applying for the examination, register for my webinar on April 20th, Start Your ABPTS Oncology Application on the Right Foot BY CLICKING HERE.

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It's kind of crazy to look back on the small decisions that ultimately led us to where we are today.  For Dr. Jen Bernstein, PT, she credits one major choice for eventually leading her to the world of pediatric oncology.

 

Jen talks about how she navigated those first months of pediatric oncology & how she continues to challenge herself (& her patients).  If you're starting to treat younger patients, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN!

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Communication is an essential skill for every researcher & PT.  Many people think that they can share information in a formal manner, like a lecture, but they neglect the fact that informal conversations can actually provide a better understanding of the research. In fact, today's guest Jimmy McKay believes that it's our duty to do so. Researchers and clinicians alike are failing in their responsibilities to educate our profession & the public.

It's critical to continue the conversation by using different social media outlets to continue to communicate information. Although many people worry that these methods of sharing their knowledge are unprofessional, it can actually help them achieve a wider audience than PT-specific conferences. 

“If you can assist one person with what you have in your mind, you have to. As a professional, you are expected to share information”  -Dr. Jimmy McKay, PT

 

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Cancer survivors are often overwhelmed when their support teams disappear after they ring the bell.

Yet the long-term side effects, fears, and lifestyle care still need to be addressed.

On today's show, I had the honor of bringing a registered dietician, Dr. Stacy Roberts, to the show to share with us what she has learned from working with the cancer community & what we need to know moving forward with long-term survivorship.

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Dr. Mary Lou Galantino, PT and Dr. David Kietrys, PT are joining me today to discuss lessons they have learned from the HIV pandemic, the long-term COVID-19 pandemic and oncology physical therapy. 

Due to the many similarities between the current COVID-19 pandemic and the HIV pandemic, this conversation could not have taken place at a better time. 

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One of the most disappointing things in DPT curriculum is the lack of oncology physical therapy content. As 1 in 2 men & 1 in 3 women will develop cancer in their lifetime, the likelihood that a physical therapist will encounter a patient with cancer is very high.

Fortunately, Dr. Shana Harrington, PT & Dr. Lisa VanHoose, PT are on a focus group that is developing standards for oncologic physical therapy practices that can be included as part of the entry level DPT curriculum.  

In today's episode, we discuss why oncology is basically forgotten in PT curriculum & what are the next steps to change this.

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APTA CSM 2022 did not let me down.  I got to finally meet so many people that I had been chatting with online.  But instead of listening to me go on & on about how amazing this conference was, I have five amazing PTs that are going to tell you all about CSM 2022.

It was a great honor to meet so many people whose lives have been touched by my work through this podcast. I look forward to attending next year's conference & meeting more of you! 

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Starting with the oncology evaluation is a great way to establish a positive first impression with your patients. By creating a process for this interaction, you will be well prepared to begin your relationship with your patients. You have the opportunity to build that relationship so you can guide them to live their best life despite a devastating diagnosis. 

Grab your free eval guide here!  

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CSM 2022 is quickly approaching & whether you will attend in person or not, there are some very important things to consider before you begin your CSM experience.

This is a semi-hybrid conference. There are many interesting sessions, and I want to ensure that you are well prepared. The in-person event will take place in San Antonio, Texas starting February 2nd. Approximately one third of the sessions will be recorded and made available from March 1st to March 31st. In today's episode is a list of sessions that I recommend that you view. Some of these resources come from the Oncology Academy, but you might also want to check out others.

Please say hello, wave, air-high-five, and bump elbows with me if you see me. I look forward to seeing you at CSM this year.

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