The American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Annual Conference and Exposition (PT 2008), held in San Antonio, June 11-14, is the national event for physical therapy, featuring advanced programming presented by PT's biggest names. Learn what will set PT 2008 apart from past APTA conferences.


Taking place at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, PT 2008 will educate attendees on advances in the therapeutic field while providing the exciting backdrop of downtown San Antonio.

PT 2008 attendees can look forward to a number of thought-provoking sessions, including courses discussing policies and legislation that could affect the practice of physical therapy; how PT educators can enhance motivation in their students; understanding and eliminating cultural disparities in healthcare; and promoting positive mental health and wellness in patients.

Bonnie Polvinale, CAE, CMP, vice president of APTA member relations, has high hopes for PT 2008.

"We have a dynamic program that includes a tour of the Intrepid Center, a huge facility dedicated to severely wounded military heroes; 19 tracks of educational sessions; and a brand new interactive opportunity: the Oxford Debate," Polvinale says. "Every indication is that it's going to be a productive meeting and a great time in San Antonio."

Educational Opportunities

Be sure to attend PT 2008’s Opening Ceremony and Keynote Address, which will take place on Wednesday, June 11 at 5:30 p.m., and offer an inspirational speech by Lee Woodruff. The author of the critically acclaimed book, In an Instant, Woodruff will chronicle the trails and tribulations of her husband, Bob Woodruff’s, recovery from the traumatic brain injury he sustained in 2006. A TV journalist who was nearly killed by an Iraqi roadside bomb, Bob Woodruff garnered international headlines as the first American news anchor to be wounded in a war zone.

To save his life, Woodruff’s doctors put him a medically induced coma for 36 days. After emerging from the coma, however, Woodruff required extensive therapy to regain his physical and neurological abilities. Fortunately, his treatment proved successful and his story serves as an inspiration for all healthcare professionals.

Additionally, on June 12 at 11 a.m., Tony Delitto, PT, PhD, FAPTA, will deliver the 39th annual Mary McMillan Lecture, titled, "We Are What We Do". Professor and chair of the PT department at the University of Pittsburgh, Delitto has made a name for himself as a lead innovator in the therapeutic field. According to the APTA, the McMillian Lecture is the highest honor bestowed upon a society member, and a PT who has made tremendous advances in their career delivers it.

Also, back by popular demand is the Concentrated Educational Series, or CES. The topics covered in this year's meeting include:

• Infants born prematurely
• Management of knee injuries
• Pediatric fitness
• Stroke
• Postsurgical orthopedic physical therapy
• Neurologic degenerative disease

Another conference highlight that will draw in attendees is the Exhibit Hall. The APTA encourages participants to visit the Exhibit Hall "to have your questions answered by industry experts, discover the latest advances in physical therapy products, get hands-on demonstrations, and try before you buy. You'll find hundreds of booths full of the most innovative equipment, technology, and information – all designed to make you and your practice more effective."

Remember the Alamo?

Sure "San Antonio" is famous for the Alamo, but don't discount all of the other exciting attractions that it has to offer. After a long day of educational sessions and roaming the Exhibit Hall, make sure to partake in a little R&R.

 The following is a list of the top three places to visit during your stay in the "Alamo City":

• River Walk: Widely regarded as the No.1 entertainment destination in Texas, the River Walk is synonymous with "fun". Lined with top-notch shops, restaurants, and bars, the River Walk offers visitors boat tours, exciting events, and more.  

• Cathedral of San Fernando: Built between 1738 and 1750, the Cathedral of San Fernando is distinguished as the oldest active cathedral in the United States. Interestingly, the oldest piece of liturgical furniture in the cathedral is the baptismal font – said to be a gift from the Spanish king, Charles III.

• Menger Hotel: Built in 1859, this historic hotel is famous for the colorful guests that often frequented it. Past celebrities that regularly visited the hotel and bar included Robert E. Lee, O. Henry, Oscar Wilde, Ulysses S. Grant, and Mae West. But, visitor beware: the Menger Hotel holds the unofficial title of being the "most haunted hotel in Texas."
  

For more information regarding PT 2008, click here.

–– Keri Forsythe