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The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can't seem to get enough of Boston. And for good reason. The historical city is a hotspot for health care and rehabilitation-and will once again play host to the APTA's Annual Conference and Exposition. Thousands of physical therapy professionals from across the U.S. will travel to "The Bay State" to participate in debates, network with colleagues and APTA members, explore the latest equipment, take part in advanced programming and more. The 2010 Annual Conference will take place in the Hynes Convention Center from June 16 to 19.
Busy, Busy, Busy
Reg B. Wilcox III, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, outpatient clinical supervisor in the department of rehabilitation services at Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, mentioned that the Massachusetts chapter of APTA has been busy assisting the APTA with annual conference plans and planning its own annual conference (APTA of MA) for November 2010.
When asked if there was anything new and exciting going on in the Massachusetts chapter, Wilcox mentioned that "the chapter has a number of very active special interest groups. They include the Manual Therapy SIG, Private Practice SIG, Geriatric SIG, and the Shoulder SIG. Each SIG coordinates a number of very well-attended clinical programs throughout the year."
PTs shouldn't think twice about attending PT 2010, said Wilcox. The event offers a total of seven concentrated education series with a vast array of programming.
"Attendance at annual conferences in Boston are typically very high. So it is a great venue to catch up with old colleagues and to meet new ones," he noted.
Innovative Events
This year's conference has a number of new events. First, three of the concentrated educational series have an optional lab component: the Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging CES, the Manual Therapy CES and the Post Surgical Rehabilitation CES. Additionally, the APTA, APTA of MA, and the APTA of MA Geriatric Special Interest Group are all sponsoring a first-ever consumer event.
Wilcox cited three APTA events taking place at this year's conference that he feels offers a bit of excitement.
"The first timer's coffee session is designed to help anyone who is new to an annual conference find their way around the programming and special events," he said.
Another coffee event-Coffee with the Stars-takes place on Friday morning and offers attendees the chance to mingle with some of the "stars" of the conference, such as national and international speakers, the McMillan and Maley lecturers, the APTA board of directors, and student assembly board members.
Finally, he noted that the Oxford Debate "is always a fun time." The interactive debate centers on audience participation and provides the public with the unusual chance to let their opinion be heard. This year's topic is, "Practicing physical therapists should be 'grandfathered' and granted use of DPT as the clinical designator."
'A Fantastic Time'
Wilcox, who is also involved with this year's annual conference as the chair of the Education & Research Committee of the APTA of MA and member of the APTA Annual Conference Program Committee, noted that June is the perfect time of year to visit the New England city.
"It's a fantastic time to visit Boston. The weather is typically very nice, the Red Sox are in town playing some inter-league opponents, all summer attractions are in full swing," said Wilcox.
Never traveled to Boston before? Don't bother researching "must-see" attractions. Wilcox, himself, conjured up a "must-do" checklist for all out-of-town conference attendees, which includes:
· taking a duck boat tour around the city,
· catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park,
· taking a walk on the Freedom Trail,
· shopping on Newbury Street,
· enjoying some Italian dining in the North End
· taking a walk on the Boston Common, and
· visiting the USS Constitution, the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Physical therapists can also take advantage of their stay in the city by attending a production of the Boston Ballet or shopping at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a tourist oriented downtown mall.
For PT's looking to extend their summer stay, why not head north to New Hampshire, Vermont or Maine for a warm weather New England experience? The 17th Annual Fields of Lupine Festival-an event that indicates the arrival of summer in the White Mountains of New Hampshire-will be going on during the month of June. Enjoy over 500 quilts on display during the New England's largest and oldest annual quilt event in Essex Junction, VT. Or, head up to the Maine Lobster Festival to taste test the steamed goodness.
Wilcox is looking forward to thousands of physical therapists flocking to Boston for PT 2010.
"Hosting an APTA annual conference is an excellent way for Boston and Massachusetts to highlight our area attractions and for the APTA of MA to be a gracious host to our colleagues from around the country," he concluded.
Beth Puliti is a frequent contributor to ADVANCE.
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