In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson, Carly Lochala, Elise Ruckert, and Libby Krauss engage in a deep discussion about the current state and future of physical therapy education. In this third part collaborative episode between Brainsmith and Trellis Ed, everything is on the table!

Join the crew as they explore the evolution of hybrid education models, the challenges posed by accelerated curricula, and the implications of residency programs. The conversation highlights the emotional and financial burdens faced by students, the importance of faculty diversity, and the need for innovative pathways in PT education. The group emphasizes the urgency for change and the potential for AI to shape educational conversations moving forward. A particularly passionate discussion about the CAPTE 50% rule was had...

For reference, see the Hogan paper discussed here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40679435/

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson, Carly Lochala, with guests Kendra Gagnon, and Mary Blackinton take a deep dive into the provocative position paper “Beyond Scarcity: Reimagining an Abundant Future for Physical Therapist Education.” Together, they unpack one of the most pressing issues facing the profession today: how deeply scarcity thinking shapes the way PT education is designed, delivered, and regulated—and how that scarcity mindset limits possibility, access, affordability, and growth.

The panel explores the structural forces that sustain scarcity in higher education, including accreditation requirements, program costs, limited faculty capacity, and the traditional definitions of what constitutes “quality.” They highlight how well-intentioned accreditation and regulatory systems can inadvertently restrict innovation and increase barriers for students, especially those from diverse and underserved communities.

The discussion moves beyond critique and into imagination, asking what it would take to design educational systems defined by abundance instead of limitation—where quality is reimagined, cost structures are reframed, and learning can scale without compromising standards or outcomes. The group examines emerging educational models, hybrid pathways, and collaborative solutions that could expand access while increasing affordability, capacity, and clinical readiness.

Rather than treating quality and access as opposing forces, the conversation emphasizes the potential for collaborative, community-driven models where educators, institutions, and practice environments work together to rethink the ecosystem. The episode challenges listeners to reconsider entrenched assumptions about who can teach, where learning happens, how quality is evaluated, and how the profession can meaningfully address equity and sustainability.

What can our future hold?

In this episode of PT Outcast, a collaboration between Brainsmith and Trellis Ed, the discussion revolves around the experiences of distance faculty and the concept of belonging within the academic community. The speakers share their personal journeys in hybrid teaching roles, emphasizing the importance of connection, trust, and mentorship in fostering a sense of belonging. They explore the challenges faced by distance faculty, including the emotional toll of isolation and the need for intentional efforts to build relationships. The conversation also touches on the significance of organizational culture and the role of leadership in creating inclusive environments for all faculty members.

The conversation discusses the discontinuation of the Grad Plus loan program as of July 1st, 2026, highlighting its significance for PT students who primarily rely on this loan for financing their education. The implications of this change are explored, particularly how it affects students' ability to borrow money for their studies.

• As of July 1st, 2026, the grad loan program will no longer exist.

• DPT students primarily use Grad Plus loans for financing.
• The discontinuation of this program will impact many students and educational institutions.

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson and Carly Lochala are joined by Elise Ruckert and Libby Krause of Trellis Ed to discuss the landscape of faculty development in education, sharing personal stories and experiences that highlight the challenges and opportunities in teaching. They explore the evolution of faculty development, the importance of mentorship, and the need for ongoing professional development. The conversation emphasizes the role of community in enhancing teaching practices and the ethical considerations surrounding adjunct faculty training. The episode concludes with reflections on morale and resilience in academia, advocating for a culture that values teaching and learning.

Check out Libby and Elise at: https://www.instagram.com/trellis.ed/ and linkedin.com/company/trellis-ed

Check out Brainsmith at: brainsmith.org and https://www.instagram.com/brainsmithed or

Elise Ruckert, PT, DPT, EdD, NCS is Assoc Prof at USC, Director DPT Mentor Program, Chair Education Research Lab, involved in multiple Academy of Education initiatives including National Prof Dev Committee and Clinical Educator Excellence Task Force. Involved in Neurologic residency leadership and mentoring for nearly 20 years. Currently editor of 3rd edition of Teaching and Learning in Physical Therapy: from Classroom to Clinic text.

Libby Krause, PT, DPT, NCS is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy at USC. Libby is a PT by training who has used her degree and other experience to find a place in the world of PT education and instructional design. Co-founder of Trellis Ed, educator development and instructional design.

A special collaborative podcast with the Movement and Climate Change podcast and PT Outcast. Paige Enfinger and Katherine Hendry, DPT students at Emory University and podcast hosts, Zach Walson, PT, DPT, OCS, who serves as Head of Clinical at Second Door Health, and Josh Engles, a PhD student at MIT join the discussion.

This thought-provoking conversation explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare, with a special focus on physical therapy. Perspectives from AI safety and interpretability, clinical practice, and academia share their perspectives on AI's game-changing potential while addressing ethical challenges and bias concerns. The discussion examines practitioners' responsibility to educate patients about AI tools and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks as AI rapidly evolves.

Speakers also tackle the environmental costs of AI development, how these technologies might address—or worsen—healthcare disparities, and questions of liability when using AI in treatment decisions. Join us as we reflect on this potentially society altering technology!

Link to: Movement and Climate Change Podcast

In this episode of PT Outcast, Dr. Jim Gordon reflects on his 50-year career in physical therapy, discussing the evolution of the profession, the importance of understanding its history, and the future of primary care within physical therapy. He emphasizes the need for a strong academic foundation in physical therapy education, highlighting the role of research and clinical practice in shaping future practitioners. Dr. Gordon also addresses the challenges faced by new educational programs and the shift towards a vocational training model.

In this conversation, Jim Gordon and Eric Robertson discuss the current state and future of physical therapy education. They explore the challenges facing academic programs, the importance of maintaining high standards, and the need for innovation and critical thinking in training future physical therapists. Gordon emphasizes the necessity of excellence in the profession and reflects on the inspiring qualities of the next generation of therapists, while also considering the legacy of leadership in the field.

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson engages with, Emma Swärdh and Joost Van Wijchen, leaders in the Environmental Physiotherapy Association, as they discuss the intersection of physiotherapy and environmental health. They talk about the need for physiotherapists to engage in climate action and educate patients about the health impacts of environmental factors.

The conversation covers the origins of the Environmental Physiotherapy Association, its growth, and the ethical responsibilities of physiotherapists in advocating for sustainable practices. The episode highlights the importance of integrating environmental considerations into physiotherapy education and practice, as well as the role of advocacy in promoting health justice and planetary health. This is a deep one!