What I Learned in Vegas
I’m back from my trip to Las Vegas for the APTA’s record breaking Combined Sections Meeting. Tons of people, tons of things to do. Tons of work to do as well. I’m kind of ashamed to admit that I didn’t go outside from Monday to Thursday! Overall I had a great time with the exception of limited connectivity. I really enjoyed the hard-core networking at the premier conference of the year.
Top 5 Things I Learned in Vegas
- It only takes a few people with a lot of energy to change the way things are done.
- To say the word “stabilization” in reference to the spine, is to place an errant construct upon it.
- It’s very cool to skip out on a 2.5 hour dress rehearsal, but still get to participate in an awards ceremony.
- People playing the slot machines look very similar to those in vegetative states.
- I really need to visit Las Vegas again when I’m not in work mode…much to do…
I attended some great session, but perhaps my favorite content was presented by Tim Flynn and Kornelia Kulig, looking at clinical applications of radiological images in the context of manual therapy and spine care. Dr. Kulig used MRI’s to observe segmental motion during manual therapy techniques, and Dr. Flynn presented data where fluroscopic images were used to observe the way that proposed “unstable” spines moved. We sure have a lot to learn about the way spines work, but we already know that spinal fusions are a bad idea.
Overall, great week, great people, great trip!
Getting Ready for Vegas!
I’m getting excited for next week’s trip to Las Vegas for the APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). The first conference I’d ever attended was a CSM in Boston while I was in PT school. It was loads of fun and I expect this one to be even better. Looming large on the agenda is the release of the APTA’s new brand for the profession, Move Forward (link is pdf). It will be interesting to see how this goes over, and how the efforts of this lengthy project play out and influence the business of physical therapy. I will be working with the APTA’s Public Relations department as part of my PR role with the Orthopaedic Section.
In other news, President Obama may have lifted the APTA’s prized brand just days before the release. Check this screen shot I grabbed from Whitehouse.gov!
It seems Obama is able to get a slogan rolling out quicker than the APTA. Not surprising. It’s all about the resources!
If you’re going to Las Vegas, drop me an e-mail or DM me on Twitter. See you there!
ERIC