For Madeline Ratoza, PT, DPT, PhD, a career in academia was always a long-term goal fueled by a passion for learning and a deep-seated curiosity about how systems shape care. In this episode of PT Path, host Amber Fitzsimmons talks with Dr. Ratoza about her journey from the clinic to the classroom and how her research at the intersection of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and social determinants of health is helping us understand where and how care is delivered, and what that means for training the future PT workforce.

Dr. Ratoza also hosts a podcast, writes a Substack, and shares free financial literacy resources for students and clinicians on her website at madelineratoza.com

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:31 Meet Dr. Madeline Ratoza

01:32 Madeline's Journey to Physical Therapy

05:52 Transition to Academia and Research

06:34 Balancing Career and Personal Life

07:23 PhD Journey and Research Focus

13:51 Financial Literacy Advocacy

21:23 Geographic Information Systems in Research

28:58 The Importance of Data in PT Education

30:14 Challenges and Goals in PT Education Research

32:15 Balancing Academia and Personal Life

33:24 Pathways into Academia

35:34 The Role of Terminal Degrees in Academia

43:58 Starting a Podcast and Research Lab

49:25 Advice for Aspiring Academics

55:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Tiffany Schubert hadn’t planned on becoming a physical therapist and she didn’t expect to specialize in geriatrics. Yet her career has spanned remarkable paths: from PT at Kaiser, to research scientist leading CDC projects with national impact, to product manager bringing evidence-based exercise programs to older adults through tech. Most recently, she’s embraced a new role as Visiting Professor at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina.

Through each pivot, Tiffany has shown how adaptability and curiosity can shape a meaningful career. She’s managed to balance professional growth while making time for family. Her story is a powerful example of carving your own path, even when it doesn’t follow a traditional script.

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:33 Meet Dr. Tiffany Schubert

01:16 Journey into Physical Therapy

03:19 First Job Experience at Kaiser Permanente

04:41 Mentorship and Career Development

06:35 Transition to Research

11:12 Pursuing a PhD in Geriatrics

21:16 Implementing the Otago Exercise Program

25:58 Advice for Aspiring Public Health Professionals

28:41 Balancing Career and Family

30:47 Transition to Academia and Research

32:04 Exploring Tech Innovations in Physical Therapy

36:56 From Academia to Product Management

38:34 Revamping Education and Embracing Podcasts

41:46 Returning to Academia

42:28 Reflecting on a Diverse Career Path

45:39 Advice for Physical Therapists at a Crossroads

49:37 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

In this episode, we sit down with Raad Shebib, PT, DPT, whose career path has taken him from patient care to the cutting edge of health technology. Today, as a product leader at Prompt Health, Raad is on a mission to transform electronic health records and reimagine how technology can serve clinicians and patients alike.

A self-described multi-hyphenate, Raad has drawn from his diverse experiences to become highly adaptable—an asset he considers one of the most important drivers of his career. He also discusses how curiosity and a willingness to learn have shaped his trajectory from clinical care to health tech.

Whether you’re navigating your own career crossroads or curious about the future of healthcare innovation, Raad’s story offers fascinating insights.

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:40 Meet Raad Shebib: A Journey Begins

01:20 Life in New York City

02:03 Discovering Physical Therapy

04:59 From Graduation to Inpatient and Outpatient Care

07:30 Exploring Innovation in Physical Therapy

15:43 Transitioning to Tech

30:40 The Role of a Product Manager

37:21 Corporate Flexibility vs. Clinical Exhaustion

38:08 Leveraging Transferable Skills in Product Management

38:30 Defining Problems and Solutions in Product Management

39:59 Supporting Teams and Achieving Success

40:47 Challenges and Opportunities in Bedside Care

42:15 The Role of Product Management in Clinical Settings

46:49 The Importance of Technology in PT Education

48:30 Prompt Health: Revolutionizing Rehab Therapy

54:23 Navigating Career Mistakes and Growth Mindset

01:02:50 The Power of Feedback and Adaptability

01:08:33 Future Disruptions and Innovations in Healthcare

01:12:52 Final Thoughts and Advice for PTs and Students

In this episode, host Amber Fitzsimmons interviews Claudia Canales, a 2019 graduate of the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, who transitioned from traditional clinical care to a leadership role in digital health. The first in her family to attend college, Claudia shares how formative experiences as a patient and a deep commitment to underserved communities shaped her path.

After starting her career in clinical care, she joined Hinge Health, an innovative virtual musculoskeletal care platform, and worked her way up to become the Regional Vice President of Regional Sales. Claudia reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the complexities of the tech industry, and embracing the mindset of being a “learn-it-all,” not a know-it-all. She also explores the role of digital care in expanding access and driving meaningful change. Stay tuned for a great conversation at the end about women in leadership.

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:40 Meet Claudia Canales

01:37 Claudia's Journey to Physical Therapy

03:26 Challenges and Inspirations

05:39 Career Path and Early Experiences

07:25 Transition to Hinge Health

09:43 Role and Impact at Hinge Health

17:32 Navigating Imposter Syndrome

28:37 Women in Tech and Leadership

32:10 Adapting Communication Skills from PT to Sales

33:20 Applying Stages of Readiness in Professional Roles

34:58 Excitement for the Future of Digital Care

37:02 Navigating Unplanned Career Paths

38:33 Advice for Aspiring Digital Health Professionals

40:03 The Importance of Networking and Continuous Learning

46:13 Reflecting on Career Expectations and Growth

50:31 Future Career Aspirations and Challenges

57:07 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

From the Peace Corps to prevention-focused care, Pam Butterfield has built a career around service, adaptability, and lifelong learning. In this episode of PT Path, she joins host Amber Fitzsimmons to reflect on her background in health and wellness, integrative medicine, and healthcare ergonomics. Pam shares impactful experiences from acute rehab to her transformative time in the Peace Corps, her passion for yoga therapy, and her pivot into ergonomics. Pam emphasizes the importance of seeking out opportunities, embracing change, and finding purpose through continued growth.

Explore more of Pam’s work: pambutterfieldpt.com

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:39 Meet Pam Butterfield

01:34 Pam's Journey to Physical Therapy

02:27 Early Career Challenges and Choices

07:16 Innovative Work-Life Balance Solutions

09:09 Joining the Peace Corps

11:49 Experiences in Armenia

18:37 Return to the U.S. and Integrating Yoga

22:28 New Beginnings and Career Shifts

23:53 Discovering Ergonomics

24:52 Building a Career in Ergonomics

26:56 Integrative Lifestyle Medicine

28:36 Challenges and Opportunities

32:55 Advice for New Graduates

36:42 Final Thoughts and Reflections

When Steven Hartley graduated from the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy in 2017, he was certain he wanted to be a sports or ortho PT. But after landing a job that looked ideal on paper, he quickly found himself facing burnout. That experience led him to pivot into a leadership role at a skilled nursing facility and discovering a love of geriatrics. Wanting to further expand his impact, Steven earned an MBA and transitioned into healthcare consulting. For the past several years, he’s worked as a managing consultant, partnering with organizations ranging from the VA and tribal health systems to those navigating value-based care. Today, he finds deep fulfillment in the broader impact of his work – and in the flexibility it gives him to spend more time with his family.

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:37 Meet Steven Hartley: From Napa Valley to PT School

01:37 Early Career and Mentorship

03:49 Transition to Management

05:42 Pivot to Geriatric Care

09:17 Journey into Consulting

19:53 Balancing Career and Personal Life

20:28 Remote Work and Consulting Challenges

22:50 Exploring Career Opportunities Beyond Patient Care

23:12 The Role of PTs in Value-Based Care

23:28 Digital Health and Innovation in Healthcare

23:56 Hesitancy Around Engaging with the Financial Side of Healthcare

24:42 Success Stories in Value-Based Care Projects

25:25 Opportunities for PTs in ACO Partnerships

26:01 Alternative Career Paths for PT Graduates

27:20 The Reality of Burnout in Healthcare

28:16 Navigating Career Changes and Finding the Right Fit

31:26 The Importance of Networking and Planning

34:14 Transitioning to Management Consulting

38:45 Advice for Aspiring Consultants

42:07 The Value of Informational Interviews and Networking

44:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring career of Alyssa Herrera-Set, PT, DPT, an alum of the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy and a renowned physical therapist. We explore her career trajectory, from working in advertising to becoming an entrepreneur in physical therapy. Alyssa shares her journey into founding On the Move Physical Therapy and Pilates, discussing her motivations and the challenges she faced. She also highlights her work with young athletes and the inception of gymSAFE, a nonprofit aimed at ensuring gymnast safety. Additionally, Alyssa talks about her passion for mentoring, her podcast 'Papaya Talk', and her future plans for global retreats.

Alyssa shares how she found inspiration from hairstylists, dentists, and fellow PTs in shaping her business – and offers insights on building with heart, staying curious, and following your passion wherever it leads.

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:23 Career Beginnings and Education

03:33 Entrepreneurial Journey

08:08 Gym Safe Initiative

12:07 Mentorship and Community Impact

15:38 Pilates Integration and Training

19:05 Future Plans and Retreats

24:30 Mentorship and Inspirations

29:18 Advice for Aspiring Physical Therapists

30:52 Building Professional Relationships

32:34 Starting Small and Thinking Big

34:38 The Birth of Papaya Health

37:02 Challenges and Evolution of the Podcast

43:39 Representation and Inspiration in Physical Therapy

51:10 The Importance of Passion and Curiosity

In this conversation Cory Arth discusses his journey – from growing up in Truckee, Lake Tahoe in an outdoor sports environment to navigating a non-traditional career path in movement-based medicine. He currently resides in Shanghai, China, where he strives to make a significant impact on the local health and fitness landscape. Cory shares his experiences working with top-level athletes globally, from Los Angeles to Qatar and Brazil, and recounts his key influences and mentors, highlighting the importance of mentorship, humility and passion. He delves into the challenges faced by the profession, including burnout, and stresses the importance of a systems-based approach in understanding movement. The discussion also tackles the intricacies of working in professional sports settings, the evolution of physical therapy in China, and Cory's vision for the future of healthcare.

00:00 Reunion After Years

00:57 Cory's Journey from Truckee to Shanghai

04:07 First Job and Launchpad

05:14 Unexpected Opportunity in China

09:19 Adapting to a New Culture and Language

15:04 Personal Transformation and Fitness Journey

22:47 Mentorship and Career Growth

32:11 Professional Challenges and Opportunities

40:23 Crossing Paths with Roger in China

43:27 Expanding Healthcare in China

44:08 Physical Therapy Education and Practice in China

46:56 Building Outpatient Care Infrastructure

47:12 Cultural Shifts and Fitness Revolution

48:40 Challenges in Traditional Healthcare Systems

49:51 Starting a Healthcare Startup in Shanghai

50:44 Empowering Local Professionals

53:32 Reflections on Education and Training

58:26 The Importance of Movement-Based Medicine

01:12:53 Professional Challenges and Burnout

01:16:14 Advice for Aspiring International Practitioners

01:18:39 The Reality of Sports Therapy

01:25:24 Future Aspirations and Political Advocacy

01:26:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement