Guest Blog: Finding New Ways to Learn, Lead, and Advocate for Physical Therapy
By: Yelitza Estrada, PTA
When I reflect on my career in the physical therapy field, I truly believe that, while every individual is different, the knowledge and experience physical therapists bring into our role can be effectively harnessed for advocacy to improve the future of clinical practice.
My professional journey has been molded by those who helped me pursue my passion and has brought me to my current role as the Clinic Manager of CORA Physical Therapy in Valrico, Florida. I couldn’t be more grateful. As a young student, I came to understand how competitive admission to PT programs was, which led me to consider an alternative path. My goal was always to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. One phone call from the Program Director of a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program opened the door to an opportunity that would shape my entire career.
During my more than 25 years as a PTA, I’ve contributed to the field in many ways, from treating patients to teaching others, leading my team, and advocating for the future of the profession. The patients I care for and the PTs I work alongside have taught me to adapt while keeping patients’ needs at the center of every decision, not to mention everything I’ve seen with the ever-changing administrative and clinical demands of our healthcare system. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to advocating for patients, helping them navigate barriers to care, and ensuring their goals and concerns are heard.
Throughout all of this, one of the biggest lessons I have learned is the value of advocating for my patients’ needs across their full continuum of care – serving as a clinical fitness instructor, coordinating care with other providers, and not being afraid to ask questions to find answers for my patients. This has undoubtedly been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.
Recently, another opportunity came knocking that I couldn’t pass up: CORA Physical Therapy is partnering with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to support the curriculum and develop the future physical therapy workforce. Through the program, I am now on track to earn my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). I knew my background and years of clinical experience could help inspire and lead my cohort, while also giving me an entirely new experience learning from students entering the field.
As a DPT student, I’ve helped educate my peers on the current state of our healthcare system, having seen the ins and outs of the field through my time managing clinics and translating patient needs into care plans. While my classmates read examples from textbooks, I can integrate real-world insights to help everyone better understand today’s limitations in practice scenarios and find creative ways to work through them. Yes, learning tools are constantly evolving, from technology to information-sharing pathways, but we are all connected by a commitment to caring for our patients and a drive to improve the profession. This is where advocacy really comes into play.
I believe PTAs, PTs, clinic professionals, and patients alike need more education on the importance of advocacy.
This advocacy can take many shapes: reflecting on what you do in daily practice to improve care for your patients, being willing to take on opportunities to further your career, and building relationships that inspire students and new professionals to be involved in advocacy. Whether it is a small step or a big leap, everyone should find more ways to help ensure that more people benefit from, and are aware of, the benefits of physical therapy.
I’m excited to continue my educational and advocacy journey over the next 2.5 years in my DPT program, exploring new opportunities to learn, lead, and contribute to the profession. I encourage others to do the same!
About the Author
Yelitza Estrada, PTA, is the Clinic Manager at CORA Physical Therapy in Valrico, FL, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
