ATSU-ASHS’ DPT students visit D.C. for APTA Capitol Hill Day
Posted: August 3, 2023
Students and faculty from A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the profession as part of the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Capitol Hill Day and Federal Advocacy Forum.
Second-year DPT students Ashley Johnson, DPT, ’25, Madeleine Haralson, DPT, ’25, and Emily Lemke, DPT, ’25, along with Jamie Kuettel, PT, DPT, NCS, GCS, director of progression and admission and assistant professor, attended this year’s event.
APTA’S Capitol Hill Day is a unique experience for students, as it provides a space for them to meet and converse with their elected representatives, while also learning how to advocate for the PT specialty and their patients.
Through education and conversations with their lawmakers, students have the ability to impact real change and influence legislation related to physical therapy and healthcare throughout the U.S.
The two-day event began with mandatory advocacy training on July 24, where participants met with their state delegation to discuss their strategies and practices before meeting with members of Congress.
On July 25, the students spent the day at Capitol Hill, where they connected with other physical therapy advocates, attended meetings with their representatives, and also had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Mark Kelly.