Alyssa Bush: From New Graduate to Emerging Leader

Alyssa Bush, PT, DPT, CSCS 


Tell us about your professional role.
I am currently a staff physical therapist with Duke Physical Therapy Sports Medicine, working with a sports and orthopedic patient population.

How long have you been in the PT profession?
I'm a new graduate, so this is my first PT job! I graduated from Duke University in May 2024 and started at my current role in June 2024.

Why did you join the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation?
I joined as a student because of my interests in advocacy/health policy, technology in the clinic, and leadership/management. Ultimately, my goal is to be in a management or leadership role in a clinic or larger health system, so the Academy fit well into my professional goals.

How has the Academy impacted you, both personally and professionally?
The Academy has helped me grow professionally and connect with other members with similar interests. As a student and new graduate, it's so helpful to receive mentorship from established clinicians in the field who are also leaders in the profession.

What projects, initiatives, groups, and events are you involved in?
I previously served as the Student Council Member Representative for the Academy, and am currently involved in helping transition the next student member to the role. I'll also be volunteering at the booth at CSM and at ALI Fest.

Has anyone within the Academy made an impact on you or your career?
Natalie Novak and Vien Vu! These individuals got me involved with the Membership Committee as a student, where I got to learn more about the Academy and see the behind the scenes of CSM planning among a group of established leaders in PT. Vien Vu continues to be a positive role model and mentor as well and I am grateful for his mentorship as an established clinician and leader in the field.

What excites you about the future of the Academy and the PT profession?
I am excited to bring more student and clinicians into the Academy! I think the Academy provides so much opportunity for clinicians who may not fit into a narrow box of clinical interests in terms of patient population, but are focused on leadership and growth in physical therapy as a whole. I'm looking forward to continuing my involvement, building my professional leadership skills and network, and working toward my professional leadership goals.

Any advice for other Academy members?
Get involved! Even if you're not sure if the role is right for you, just being present and involved at committee meetings helped me make connections, learn about the Academy and serve the profession in a meaningful way.