Matthew Mesibov: President of APTA Academy of Leadership & Innovation

Matthew Mesibov, President of APTA Academy of Leadership & Innovation, PT, Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS)

Tell us about your professional role.
I am the Clinical Physical Therapy Specialist for Centrex Rehab, a post acute care (SNF and Home Health) which means I oversee clinical excellence of physical therapy services for our organization. I also am the lead on monitoring regulatory affairs impacting our lines of service.
In terms of the Academy of Leadership & Innovation, I have served as president for the past 6 years. That means I oversee our board of directors and am involved in strategic decision making of the directions in which the academy grows. I represent and am the spokesperson of our academy to APTA and other outside interested organizations and people.

How long have you been in the PT profession?
I graduated from Ithaca College in 1984. My first position as a PT was with the RUSK Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in NYC.

Why did you join the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation?
I joined the academy for 2 reasons:
1. As my career progressed into the realm of regulations and advocacy impacting therapy services, the then, HPA section, was the place to go to learn and network with those who had expertise in these areas and who wanted to have great dialogue about these topics.

2. As I progressed in leadership roles (employment), I recognized I wanted to do better than just guess how best to lead. The HPA section had an established program known as LAMP Leadership (and still does). This course and certification proved very helpful to my leadership growth. I also fondly recall, after taking my first LAMP Leadership course, sitting with one of the instructors and saying, I think I found my home in APTA. Who knew I would grow up to be president one day!

I have been a member of this academy for about 24 years.

How has the Academy impacted you, both personally and professionally?
Personally -
- I gained confidence in my decision making skills at the level of the president’s role. This carried over to other areas of life.
- I have met so many great and wise people that have taught me so much!

Professionally
- I have become more strategic in my thinking and experience has shown me that this pays off
- The knowledge I’ve gained carried over into my professional career to where I became the subject matter expert.
-I gained “boots on the ground” experience for advocating for the diversity of interests that make up our academy while helping to “steer the ship” towards a common interest
- I gained “boots on the ground” experience in being a “transformational” leader. Our academy was once a section with a different name and there was a lot of “brand loyalty” to who we once were.

What projects, initiatives, groups, and events are you involved in?
Our LAMP Management program recently developed a LAMP Management certificate program and our Leadership program is working to further develop their certificate program. TechnoPalooza at CSM gives clinicians hands on experience with the latest Technology. ALI FEST is our academy’s celebration of all parts of the academy and a fun way to network, learn and engage with us at CSM ‘25.

On a personal level, I volunteered in a war zone for the first time and that was a meaningful and learning experience.

Is there a particular individual within the Academy who has made an impact on you or your
career?
There is not only “one” person but “multiple” people. We have so many members who because of their expertise and experiences, I have benefited sand learned. I became more aware and more sensitive to the various areas of interests. If you come to our business meeting at CSM or our “ALI Fest” (Academy of Leadership and Innovation Festival), you will meet a “hall-full” of people who fit this bill!

What are you excited about regarding the future of the Academy and the PT profession as a
whole?
As I reflect back on our organization, i see how the leaders and members have helped us progress from being 2 sections that joined together to becoming the HPA section, then HPA the Catalyst and now APTA Academy of Leadership & Innovation. This along with an incredibly strong management company who is well suited to guide us forwards, represents people who are forward thinking and visionaries. As our next President, Dr. Emily Becker comes on board at CSM ‘25, i can’t wait to see how she collaborates with our leaders and members and where she helps steer us next! That’s what I like being a part of!

What advice would you give to other Academy members to make the most of their membership?
Our leaders are willing to talk with you about your passions and explore if you want to become actively involved. As president, I have had phone calls and zoom meetings with many members over the years. I get to know who you are and what you are passionate about. Then I’ll connect you with the right leader(s) within the academy to explore volunteer opportunities that you want to do! So, reach out to the academy and let us know if you want to talk and explore https://www.aptaali.org/page/ALIStaff

Any additional information you would like to share?
Our academy has something for everyone’s passion, you just need to explore and reach out. Some areas are Tech & Innovation, Global Health, PT PROUD (for the LBGTQ+ community and allies of the community); Population Health, Leadership development and Management development (LAMP Leadership, LAMP Management) Multicultural Physical therapy community, Beyond Clinical Practice (for those involved or seeking careers beyond the clinical), Environmental PT and more!
https://www.aptaali.org/

When I needed information to help me grow in my professional role as a younger physical therapist, the academy was there. It (really the people, the members) Made time for me, taught me, guided me and contributed to my professional growth…exactly what I was seeking but didn’t know how true that would be!