Page 13 - OPTA Access Spring 2020

JOHN DEWITT, PT, DPT, SCS
OPTA DISTRICT: CENTRAL
DATE OF CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP: 2000
Hello, my name is John DeWitt and I am honored to be slated as a candidate for delegate for Ohio . This is a transformative time for both the APTA and OPTA in addressing the needs of the profession and the patients we serve . I am excited about the opportunities our profession has ahead but recognize the need to address the needs of an ever-changing healthcare landscape . I am fortunate to have experience as a delegate and proudly served for six years as a member of the Ohio Delegation from 2010-2016 . In that time, I actively worked with our delegation, collaborating with other states, as well as APTA staff to draft motions and support positions impactful to the sustainability and growth of the profession . As a clinician, academic faculty, and administrator, I feel I am uniquely qualified to approach the needs of the Association from a comprehensive perspective . Diversity and equality, student debt, and promoting the value recognition of physical therapy
are key issues I think are critical to meet the needs of an ever-changing healthcare landscape . As a delegate I will work diligently to represent OPTA and its members with honor and determination . Thank you for this opportunity run and asking for your support to serve as a delegate for Ohio .
GORDON R. ESTLACK, PT, MPT, OCS, GCS OPTA DISTRICT: NORTHWEST
DATE OF CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP: 2002
My name is Gordon Estlack and I would like to be considered for a delegate position in the Northwest Ohio District . I am a physical therapist who has graduated from the University of Findlay Bridge Program in 2009 . As a former PTA and now a PT, I believe I have a good understanding of the clinic dynamics that optimizes patient care due to the teamwork involved . I have worked in an outpatient setting for 15 years and I am a board-certified clinical specialist in Orthopaedics and Geriatrics. I am currently enrolled at A.T. Still University for my post-graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and anticipate graduating in June of 2020 . I have been lab assisting and teaching at the University of Findlay since 2009 .
I have been a continuous member of the APTA and OPTA since 2002 and believe it is now time for me to give back to the profession that has taught me so much about community and responsibility . The teamwork that I have experienced throughout my career while working with excellent PTs and PTAs promotes an enthusiastic optimism that our profession will continue to be a leader in the allied medical field.
GINA KIM, PT, DPT, PTA
OPTA DISTRICT: CENTRAL
DATE OF CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP: 2012
My biggest concern for the APTA is this: How can it most effectively and quickly engage the current threats to the physical therapy profession? These range from the administrative burden to be paid fairly for our services; the soaring cost of a PT and PTA education; obstacles to practicing at the top of our license; growing mistrust from the public in the U .S . healthcare system; and, most of all, how little the American public recognizes
the value that physical therapy can provide in addressing national health crises . What I offer the OPTA as
a delegate is my lived experience: first as a rehab aide for a surgical practice; as a PTA for a hospital-based outpatient clinic in orthopedics and acute care; as a graduate of the University of Findlay’s PTA to DPT Bridge Program; and now as a small business owner who operates an out-of-network, cash-based mobile orthopedic PT practice . I have served as a student member of the editorial board for the Private Practice Section, and
I currently serve on the board of directors for my place of worship and volunteer yearly for the ALS Walk . If elected, I encourage Ohio members to contact me to voice their concerns and share their thoughts on possible solutions . Thank you for the nomination and opportunity to represent Ohio on the national level .
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