They call Baltimore "Charm City," and it's easy to see why. From famed historical sites to a world-renowned aquarium, exciting Orioles games at beautiful Camden Yards, pleasant walks around the scenic Inner Harbor, delicious Maryland blue crabs and thriving nightlife, how can visitors not be charmed by everything this Mid-Atlantic destination has to offer? PT professionals and students will find out for themselves next month, when the American Physical Therapy Association hosts its PT 2009 conference in Baltimore from June 10-13.

The conference will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center, perfectly situated within a few blocks of both Oriole Park and the Inner Harbor. Formed by the Patapsco River, a tributary of Chesapeake Bay, the harbor area offers maritime activities, shops, eateries, street entertainers and the National Aquarium, just to name a handful of attractions. Furthermore, a short ride on the convenient harbor ferry brings visitors to Baltimore's Little Italy neighborhood and Fells Point, a vibrant cobblestone-street enclave packed with bars and restaurants.

Chapter Contribution

Carolyn Chanoski, PT, DPT, MS, president of the American Physical Therapy Association of Maryland, talked to ADVANCE about the upcoming conference and this exciting time for the state chapter. "The Maryland chapter is small, but our members are wonderful," she said. "Whenever there is a job to be done, I can always be sure people will step forward and roll up their sleeves. Eric Stewart, PT, has been the Maryland liaison to the APTA Annual Program Committee. Linda Horn, PT, DScPT, MHS, NCS, our director for education, coordinated the pre-conference course, "Fall Prevention Programs across the Continuum of Care," to be held Wednesday, June 10. She will speak along with Roberta A. Newton, PT, PhD; Bonita Beattie, PT, MPT, MHA; Leslie Allison, PT, PhD, MS; and Cathy Ciolek, PT, DPT, GCS. Leigh Roberts, PT, DPT, OCS; Sumesh Thomas, PT, DPT, OCS; and I have also been involved with the conference planning."

Entertainment Options

Dr. Chanoski was just as effusive about the entertainment options that attendees will find in Baltimore. "The Inner Harbor is lovely and it's easy to spend a day wandering around the shops in the area. The National Aquarium is always a big draw and people should get tickets early in the day to be sure they don't miss the dolphin show. The U.S.S. Constellation is docked in the harbor and you can take the water taxi over to Fort McHenry where our national anthem was written. The Orioles will also be in town during the conference--Camden Yards is built like an old-time baseball park and offers a great game atmosphere. For train aficionados, the B&O Railroad Museum is just a short walk from the convention center."

In addition, downtown Baltimore offers horse-drawn carriages and "Ride the Ducks" tours on vehicles that can travel by both land and water.

"East of the Inner Harbor is Little Italy with so many restaurants, you'll have a hard time choosing one," added Dr. Chanoski. "But no matter where you eat, you won't be disappointed. Baltimore also has a Hard Rock Café and ESPN Zone, both within walking distance of the Inner Harbor. Everyone should try our world-famous crab cakes but for a true Maryland experience, steamed hard crabs will be a delicious and memorable dining experience."

Day Trips

Attendees interested in traveling beyond the immediate Baltimore area will discover many additional sites worth visiting. "Annapolis is our state capital and about a 45-minute drive from Baltimore. It is a big sailing town and home to the U.S. Naval Academy."

In addition, Gettysburg, PA, site of the most significant battle of the Civil War and President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address, is only about an hour northwest of Baltimore. Furthermore, Washington, DC, and all of its attractions including the White House, Capitol Hill and Smithsonian Institution, is located just 25 miles southwest of Charm City.

Conference Courses

PT 2009 attendees should also find much to like about the conference programming.

"There are so many interesting sessions, I wish I could be in two places at once," said Dr. Chanoski, who attended PT 2008 in San Antonio and has been to about five APTA national conferences overall. "I want to go to several of the programs on geriatrics, orthopedics and school-based physical therapy. I also enjoy meeting other PTs and PTAs and usually learn a new thing or two in the exhibit hall. I'm especially looking forward to this year's conference because I'll be able to see so many of my classmates who are back in town."

For all these reasons and more, physical therapy professionals and students across the country should consider making a trip to Charm City for PT 2009. In addition to benefiting their careers, they might just make some lasting memories. "Baltimore is a beautiful city with a lot to do," Dr. Chanoski concluded. "The APTA annual conference always has informative speakers and the networking is great. Come to 'Balamer, hon!'"

Brian W. Ferrie is managing editor of ADVANCE and can be reached at bferrie@advanceweb.com

So Many Options.

PT 2009 At a Glance

Wednesday, June 10

5:30-7 p.m.-Opening Ceremonies

PT 2009 kicks off with APTA President R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD, highlighting the advances and challenges to the profession of physical therapy as well as the work of the association. The Keynote Address will be presented by Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995-1999. According to the APTA, Gingrich has invigorated the debate over health care policy in a bipartisan manner. During this presentation based on his book, Saving Lives & Saving Money: Transforming Health Care in the 21st Century, Gingrich will discuss a health care system of the future, with core values of being patient-centered, knowledge-intense and innovation-rich.

Thursday, June 11

6:45-7:45 a.m.-First-Timers Guide to Navigating the Annual Conference

This new event will offer first-time APTA national conference attendees the opportunity to meet the committee that planned the event as well as learn tips on maximizing the conference experience. Free coffee will be ­provided.

8-11 a.m.-Conference Programming

More than 10 different topics to choose from, including "Autonomous Practice in Acute Care Rehabilitation" and "Criminal Background Checks in PT Education."

11 a.m.-12 noon-40th McMillan Lecture

The McMillan Lecture represents APTA's highest honor. This year it will feature speaker Carolee J. Winstein, PT, PhD, FAPTA, and the theme, "The Best We Can Be is Yet to Come." Dr. Winstein is professor and director of research in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California as well as director of the school's Motor Behavior and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory. For the past 22 years, Dr. Winstein's collaborative and interdisciplinary research program and publications have focused on motor control, rehabilitation and recovery of goal-directed behaviors.

12 noon-2 p.m.-Unopposed Exhibit Hours

Take a look at the latest equipment offered by industry leaders and investigate job opportunities in the field. All posters will also be available for viewing during exhibit hall hours, with discussions held Thursday and Friday. Presentations will take place in acute care, cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology and wound management, education I, geriatrics I, neurology I, orthopedics I, pediatrics I, research, sports physical therapy I, and technology.

2-5 p.m.-Conference Programming

Among the various offerings are "Sports-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury" and "Manual Therapy of the Thoracic Spine."

5-7 p.m.-Honors and Awards

Celebration of newly elected Catherine Worthingham Fellows and 2009 Association Awards recipients.

Friday, June 12

8-11 a.m.-Conference Programming

"Ultrasound Imaging in Rehabilitation" and "Current Controversies - The 2009 Rothstein Debate" represent just two of the wide array of attractive sessions.

11 a.m.-12 noon-Maley Lecture

The Maley Lecture honors Helene M. Fearon, PT, who has made a significant contribution to the profession in an area of clinical practice. Fearon is co-owner of Fearon Physical Therapy, a private practice specializing in orthopedic manual therapy, spine rehabilitation and work injury management. She is also a principal in the Rehabilitation Consulting and Resource Institute, an independent consulting firm focused on practice management and reimbursement strategies in the outpatient rehabilitation setting. The theme of this year's lecture is, "Perspectives on Functional Reform for an Impaired Payment System."

12 noon-2 p.m.-Unopposed Exhibit Hours

Poster presentations will take place Friday in education II, geriatrics II, health policy/legislation, neurology II, oncology, orthopedics II, pediatrics II, professional issues, sports physical therapy II, and women's health.

2-5 p.m.-Conference Programming

Attendees can choose from almost 20 available topics.

5:15-6:15 p.m.-Oxford Debate

After a successful first-ever APTA Oxford Debate at PT 2008, it's coming back in 2009. Featuring a new topic with more guests, the Oxford Debate emphasizes audience participation as a key feature of the occasion. This provides an opportunity for attendees to voice their own opinions as well as challenge those of the speakers. The debate will focus on a challenging, sharply defined motion where two debate adjudication teams, pro and con, dramatically address the motion in a systematic process.

6:30-7:30 p.m.-PTA Recognition of Advanced Proficiency Reception

Join your colleagues in honoring PTA recipients of a Certificate of Advanced Proficiency, which recognizes the meeting of all eligible criteria for clinical experience, education, leadership, community service and above-average job performance within the PT/PTA team.

6:30-7:30 p.m.-The Next Step! Student Mentoring Reception

After is success at PT 2008, APTA is pleased to announce its return. This casual event connects students to speakers, new professionals and seasoned PTs. PT and PTA students are welcome to enjoy light appetizers and refreshments at this free networking reception.

Saturday, June 13

8-11 a.m.-Conference Programming

"Vital Signs Review: Are You Ready to Be a Doctoring Professional?" and "Wound Management: Interventions" are two of several sessions offered Saturday morning.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.-Unopposed Exhibit Hours

This is the final chance for attendees to investigate available jobs in the field and learn about the latest therapy products that can benefit their patients.

1-4 p.m.-Conference Programming

The last round of topics includes "PT Management and Outcome Expectations - What to Do, When to Stop, When to Refer" and "BPPV: Theory, Evidence & Practical ­Application."