40. Eric Chaconas- Integration of Professional Advocacy into a PT Educational Program

Eric Chaconas, Associate Professor at the University of St. Augustine DPT Program, comes on the show to discuss the most successful methods he has found with integrating PT advocacy within the limited additional time in a DPT program. He also discusses what are some of the biggest issues within academia and what's being done about it, what are the limitations to incorporating advocacy in DPT education, how to address this with the higher ups in an educational institution, why the cost of DPT education continues to grow, and more!  Biography: Dr. Eric Chaconas is an orthopaedic physical therapist, researcher and educator.  He is an Associate Professor, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.  St. Augustine, FL. He has numerous publications and research contributions regarding shoulder exercise/RTC tendinopthy). He runs an advocacy program in which students can sign up during their lunch hr to hear from Eric and other guests to discuss advocacy and other issues related to the profession so his efforts to implement this are truly remarkable. He is the Director of Education and Research at Advanced Therapy and wellness. He is the Director of Clinician Development at Talent PT staffing   He works in the clinic with individuals recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, pain or those who desire improved physical performance.  He provides practicing physical therapists an array of continuing education seminars surrounding the topics of exercise prescription and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. He is a faulty member for the Institute of Clinical Excellence in which he teaches the Extremity Syndromes course.  EDUCATION PhD, Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern University                Ft. Lauderdale, FL, January 2009 - December 2015  Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences                 St. Augustine, FL, September 2003 - December 2005      CERTIFICATIONS Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists - 2008 Manual Therapy Certified: University of St. Augustine - 2006 Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist: National Strength and Conditioning Association - 2006 Certified “CPR” American Heart Association - 2003 APTA Advocacy Page (FREE TO ALL): http://www.apta.org/Advocacy/  Eric's Website: https://www.chaconaspt.com/  Eric's Bio on University of St. Augustine: https://www.usa.edu/faculty/eric-chaconas/  Eric's Research Gate Profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric_Chaconas  Eric's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/eric.chaconas.7 Eric's Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/echaconas  Eric's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericchaconas/  Institute of Clinical Excellence (ICE): ptonice.com   Intro Video to Eric's "Extremity Syndromes" Course through ICE: https://vimeo.com/237679276  Information on Eric's "Extremity Syndromes"  Course through ICE: http://ptonice.com/extremity-syndromes-brochure