Member Spotlight: Megan Booth-O'Brien

Megan Booth-O'Brien, PT, DPT, Certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

Co-owner of Maple City Physical Therapy. We have two rural outpatient physical therapy clinics where we treat all ages and diagnoses, as well as contract businesses in a variety of settings including occupational medicine, school-based PT, preschool PT, and providing services at our local ARC. I oversee all operations of our business with special interest in human resources, employee engagement, and patient engagement. I also continue to see patients and in the last year I have provided patient care in both of our outpatient clinics and all of our contracts. No two days are ever the same and I have to always be ready to pivot!

How long have you been in the PT profession? What was your first PT-related job and how did it lead you to where you are today?

I graduated with my master's degree in 2005 so this May will be 20 years in the profession! My first PT job was in a hospital-based setting. I stayed in that job for 6 plus years and provided outpatient, inpatient, and school-based care. I really value my first job because it allowed me to practice in many settings and I was quickly able to step into a leadership role there. I had great mentors and it enhanced my devotion to the profession of physical therapy. This job set the stage to allow me to be in the role I am now.

Why did you join the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation? How long have you been a member?

I have been a member of the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation since 2010. I had been involved with the APTA at the local level and also regularly attended CSM. Because my job was so diverse I always felt like joining a practice-based section wasn't the right fit for me. When I was exposed to HPA (as it was named at the time!) I thought this feels like the right fit... No matter where I am or what type of PT I am practicing this section will provide value to me and I can do the same for them.

How has the Academy impacted you, both personally and professionally?

The Academy has given me a platform to constantly grow professionally. I began as a member, and then a member who volunteered at some events, and then joined a committee and have since joined another committee. I have also run two times for positions on the executive committee. I live in a very rural area and it is easy to feel like I can impact my local community, but the Academy has allowed me to positively impact our profession on a national level. Personally, my involvement has allowed me to strengthen my interpersonal skills and pushed me to step out of my normal "social awkwardness" because my passion for this Academy overrides my anxiety! I have grown individually as a result of being an active member of the Academy.

What projects, initiatives, groups, and events are you involved in?

I served for 6 years on the Academy's Finance Committee and am currently serving on the Membership Committee. I am also involved in several community organizations and volunteer locally as part of our private practice on a frequent basis.

Is there a particular individual within the Academy who has made an impact on you or your career? Who and how?

My partner Jeremy Bittel has had an impact on my career from the start. He was my CI in college and 20 years later we are constantly pushing each other to grow. He is more willing to step out of his comfort zone initially and did so with the Academy and seeing his success and growth from more active participation in the APTA made me eager to do the same.

What are you excited about regarding the future of the Academy and the PT profession as a whole?

I still feel like the Academy is the least understood in the APTA. This actually excites me because I see so much potential for growth. I love volunteering at the booth at CSM and taking to people who have never even heard of the Academy because I can promise each and every one will see some piece of themselves or their practice that could benefit from being a part of APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation. It is inspiring to watch the "lightbulb moment" and being able to share what the Academy has done for me.

What advice would you give to other Academy members to make the most of their membership?

Volunteer. We are always looking for people to be more engaged and active members and this is an Academy that is so responsive and welcoming to people who are just getting started in national involvement. You can volunteer to help at an event, or to be on a committee... and once you do so you will establish connections that allow you to grow in any way you desire. Our content is so diverse that each PT or PTA will find something within the Academy's border that they are passionate about.

Research the areas of the Academy and when you find one that you think is the one for you... reach out and get started.