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Special Interest Groups

Maura Eaton, PT, DPT

Chair, Early Professional SIG

Vice Chair: Tyler Axelson, PT, DPT
Communication Chair: Open
Education Chair: Akshat Mehta, PT, DPT

Early Professional SIG

The Early Professional Special Interest Group (EPSIG) is a group for students and Early Professionals within years 0-5 of practice. This group acts as a resource for these individuals as they begin their careers. We offer a variety of different types of events, talks, and resources which serve to help students and early professionals navigate through their clinical questions, student loans, job searches, career prospects and many more. We offer mentorship opportunities as well as social events that encourage these members to acclimate with both the APTA of MA and PT community as a whole!

We are looking for more leaders to join our team in order to plan successful events! We are also looking for a group of individuals that will serve on a committee within the EPSIG to assist in running the Mentorship Program.

Geriatrics SIG

The Geriatric Special Interest Group (GSIG) aims to promote and support the professional development of PTs, PTAs, and students in advancing quality care for older adults.  We offer diverse opportunities to engage in educational, networking and community events. We foster advocacy and volunteer service to benefit the health and wellness of older adults. Clinical discussions and resource-sharing are encouraged to support evidence-based physical therapy practice.

The GSIG is looking for members to help us plan educational and community events, such as fall screenings. There are also multiple other ways to engage with us including leading a journal club or contributing to our newsletter. If you have any ideas or would like to sign up for the GSIG newsletter, reach out. We look forward to connecting with you! 

Hai Wei Wang, PT, DPT

Chair, Geriatrics SIG

Vice Chair: Allison Feeney, PT
Communication Chair: Maria Noetzel, DPT
Education Chair: Francine Quianzon, DPT
Student Liaison: Daniel Li

Open

Chair, Manual Therapy SIG

Vice Chair: Open
Communication Chair: Open
Education Chair: Open

Manual Therapy SIG

The Manual Therapy SIG provides a forum for APTA of MA members and our colleagues in the PT community who have a shared interest in sharpening their knowledge and abilities, and supporting the delivery of manual therapy interventions by skilled physical therapists in the Commonwealth. We pursue this mission through highly accessible educational programming, networking, resource sharing, and advocacy.

We encourage all APTA of MA members to participate in our SIG, including those with an interest in the application of manual techniques to non-orthopedic patient populations. The SIG has a need for forward-thinking future leaders and volunteers willing to participate in the organization and promotion of educational programming.

The SIG is able to offer support in the form of remote teaching technologies, access to educational materials, and summary reports of activities and presentations at national conferences. Help is sought from members of the PT community capable of increasing our profile and expanding our network, including the number and diversity of our educational presenters and administrative leadership.

Neurologic SIG

The Neurologic Special Interest Group is designed to provide opportunities for members who share a specific professional interest with neurologic rehabilitation through educational programming, networking and resource sharing. Clinically relevant programming is offered supporting evidence-based practice, while fostering discussions of interpretations and clinical experiences. We also offer mentorship and leadership opportunities, and encourage licensed PTs/PTAs and students to engage with the Neuro SIG.

We are looking for members interested in getting more involved with the Neuro SIG. Specifically, we are seeking leaders to serve on sub-committees with focus on coordinating educational programs, community engagement and social events.

Patricia Rae, PT, DPT, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Chair, Neurologic SIG

Vice Chair: Heather Salon PT, DPT, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Communication Chair: Megan Cohea, PT, DPT
Education Chair: Gwendolyn Larsen PT, DPT, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

David Nolan, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, SCS, CSCS

Chair, Orthopedic SIG

Vice Chair: Trevor Winnegge, PT, DPT, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Communication Chair: Katherine Tarantino, PT, DPT, SCS
Education Chair: Paul Insana, PT, DPT
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist 

Orthopedic SIG

The Orthopedic Special Interest Group is designed to provide opportunities for members who share a specific professional interest in orthopedics through educational programming, networking and resource sharing. Clinically relevant programming is offered supporting evidence-based practice while fostering engagement in the profession.

We are currently looking for PTs, PTAs, and students with an interest in promoting the mission of the Orthopedic SIG. We are in need of committee members to assist with planning education programming and social/networking events. This is a great opportunity to engage with APTA MA.

Pain SIG

It is the Mission of the APTA MA Pain SIG is to enhance the ability to diagnose and treat pain disorders through scientific reasoning, ultimately enhancing the lives of patients.  The APTA Pain SIG provides a community for knowledge sharing and open dialogue in the area of pain science that will foster clinical and professional growth for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.

 What we need: We are looking for members interested in getting more involved with the Pain SIG. Specifically, we are seeking members to review and disseminate evidence based pain literature and engage in our social media community to facilitate the building of a network of high quality pain clinicians.

Lincoln Lawrence, PT, DPT Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Chair, Pain SIG

Vice-Chair: Chris Joyce, PT, DPT, PhD
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy
Communication Chair – Open and available!
Education Chair – Open and available!

Beth Currier PT, DSc, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy

Chair, Pediatric SIG

Vice Chair: Arielle Venne, PT, DPT  
Education Chair: Jo-Ann Hutchinson, PT
Communication Chair: Tamara Alie, PT
Mass. State Pediatric Advocacy Liaison, APPT: Ellen Brennan

Pediatric SIG

The purpose of the PSIG is to provide a forum for APTA MA members who have a common interest in pediatric physical therapy. We seek to inspire, engage and empower pediatric physical therapists and physical therapy assistants within the state to provide exceptional, evidence-based services for children and their families. We do this through educational programming, networking, resource sharing and advocacy.

 

Pelvic Health SIG

This SIG became part of APTA MA in 2024.

Lynn Gray-Meltzer, PT, DPT, OCS, WCS, CLT

Chair, Pelvic Health Special Interest Group

Vice Chair: Jen McLaughlin, PT  
Communication Chair: Miranda Duffany, PT, DPT
Education Chair: Sara Knight, PT
Community Engagement: Yassi Zarbafian, PT

Physical Therapist Assistant SIG

The PTA SIG supports PTAs across the state by providing education, advocacy and resources.  We connect PTAs and PTs through biannual networking and educational events. 

PTA Supervision and Teamwork: https://www.apta.org/your-practice/supervision-teamwork

State Practice Act: Please visit Member Resources tab

Medicare Payment Differential for Services Provided by PTAs: https://www.apta.org/advocacy/issues/pta-differential

More Resources for PTAs: https://www.apta.org/for-ptas

OPEN

Chair, Physical Therapist Assistant SIG