Approximately 400 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students attended PT Day at the Georgia State Capitol on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. The Physical Therapy Association of Georgia sponsors this coordinated grassroots event to allow members and non-members to participate in activities at the state capitol demonstrating the physical therapy profession's strong presence in Georgia and assisting participants in advocating for change related to current issues affecting physical therapy practice.
Nearly 250 student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants participated in the event. DPT students from Mercer, one of 7 PT schools in the state, accounted for approximately 25% of all the students participating in the event. A presentation, held over breakfast, educated participants on the legislative initiatives for this year, which are Fair Co-Pays for Physical Therapy and the Interstate Licensing Compact for Physical Therapy. The meeting was led by Dr. Joseph Donnelly, Clinical Associate Professor in Mercer's Department of Physical Therapy and President of the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia. Seven PT faculty members from Mercer participated in the event. Faculty and students met with legislators “at the ropes”, spoke with legislative administrative staff, and were present for a photo opportunity with the Governor Nathan Deal.
Dr. Jeannette Anderson, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and event attendee said, “Seeing 400 people actively engaged in advocacy to allow Georgians improved access to physical therapy services is energizing. I was especially proud to see so many Mercer alumni, faculty, and current students participating in this important process.”
For more information about the Mercer University Department of Physical Therapy, visit http://chp.mercer.edu/academics-departments/physical-therapy/
