More than 6,000 physical therapy professionals from around the nation will soon convene in Boston for the 2007 Combined Sections Meeting (CSM).

The 2007 CSM is a unique conference, as it focuses on programming designed by all 18 American Physical Therapy Association specialty sections. This event will provide five stimulating days – Feb. 14-18, 2007 – of programming, networking opportunities and an exhibit hall filled with products and services to keep PT professionals on the cutting-edge of the field. A few examples include:

• Wednesday, February 14, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., a Pediatrics Section Research Forum and a Pediatrics Section Practice Forum will take place to analyze the current trends in pediatric research and practice.
• Thursday, February 15, 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., the Sports Physical Therapy Section will host an American Spirit Gala in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Boston Hotel. Bring your stars and stripes, U.S.A.-themed regalia and your dancing shoes. Kick up your heels to live music by Boston’s Shine Band, and don’t miss raffles, “All-American” contests and games and the philanthropic silent auction.
• On Thursday, February 15, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., the Linda Crane Lecture, entitled "Improving the Health of Society, One Individual at a Time," will be held. This presentation will focus on how physical therapy professionals might help individual patients/clients improve their overall health and wellbeing. It will seek to provide answers to the following questions: How do physical therapy professionals shift their perspective from treating pathology to promoting health and wellbeing? How do physical therapy professionals collaborate with individuals and use their creativity and resourcefulness to design, implement and maintain healthy lifestyle changes?
• Friday, February 16, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., the Home Health Section welcomes you to a Starbucks Coffee Tasting Open House. Stop by the Boston Marriott Copley Place to taste continental brews and coffee connoisseur tips from a Starbucks barista. Meet the Foundation for Physical Therapy-funded researchers who will be on hand to discuss their projects and describe how Foundation support advanced their work. Stay to chat with friends and colleagues, or grab a mug to go.
• Friday, February 16, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., the Pauline Cerasoli Lecture, entitled "Sins of the Professional Program," will be held. Cerasoli will identify a set of "sins" that are commonly committed by professional program administrators and faculty that impede the ability of professional programs to operate effectively within and outside the academic institutions in which they are housed.

The vast majority of the courses will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The courses range from techniques and approaches to management issues and new evidence-based research results. Click here to see a complete list of courses offered at the 2007 CSM.

Jennifer Collins, PT, MPA, EdD, chair and associate professor of physical therapy at the Rochester, N.Y.-based Nazareth College, is especially excited because not only will the 2007 CSM serve as a “one-stop-shop” for all her PT needs, but it will also offer her a chance to shine.

“This meeting is the opportunity to take advantage of many opportunities all in one place. I look forward to getting up-to-date information about current PT practice, legislation and education. I relish the chance to meet my colleagues from all over the country and exchange new ideas and approaches,” Collins says. “I am also honored to be able to speak to the Home Health Care Section about an exciting model for academic institutions and community agencies to partner in a program designed to prevent senior citizens from falling.”

Also presenting is Jennifer E. Wilson, PT, MBA, assistant professor of physical therapy at Nazareth College, who will offer a three hour session on the innovative work she's been doing at Nazareth for the past four years. In addition, she is coordinating three past student leaders and a professional leader from the community in a panel discussion. "Also, I am presenting a platform presentation on our Peer Performance Appraisal process we use in the business course, and I got a poster accepted, too [on the Case Study of Leadership in PT]," she says. "It's very exciting and a bit overwhelming." Wilson's presentations are sponsored and co-sponsored by the Education and Health Policy and Administration sections of the APTA.

J.J. Mowder-Tinney, PT, MS, NCS, CWS, director of clinical education at Nazareth College, says she's attending CSM because it provides an opportunity to attend a variety of well-designed presentations. Mowder-Tinney says the emphasis on evidence based practice allows one to improve their knowledge base supporting the most up-to-date examinations and interventions. "In addition, it allows you the added benefit of catching up with your peers including past professors and students. The camaraderie is energizing and stimulates the desire for continued professional growth," she says. "It is definitely an event to look forward to each year."

Amy Storer is the senior managing editor of Therapy Times. Questions or comments can be directed to editorial@TherapyTimes.com.