Student Activities

Oregon Physical Therapy Association - 503-262-9247

- Pacific Students Raise Over $300 for OR PT Political Action Committee
- Housing Opportunities Needed For Physical Therapy Students
- OPTA Emerging Student Leader Program

Pacific Students Raise Over $300 for OR PT Political Action Committee

Co-written by Jeremy Hilliard, SPT and Stacey Comstock, PT, DPT

The recent move by one of the chiropractic associations in Oregon to legislatively limit the ability of others to perform spinal manipulation has gotten many therapists motivated to act to preserve our profession. If passed, this ballot initiative would have a direct impact on therapists practicing in Oregon and it could also serve to establish a dangerous precedent of allowing other professions to erode our practice. Additionally, this will likely be a landmark case to other states where this same battle is occurring. It is exciting to see some of our newest members, a group of students from Pacific University, step up and get involved. Led by Jeremy Hilliard, SPT, the Pacific students took it upon themselves to organize and host a fundraiser. Raising money for the Oregon PT-PAC was a priority, but the students’ ultimate goal was to raise awareness about the ballot initiative filed by the chiropractors and inform others of how this would impact our profession and the patients we treat.

During finals week of fall semester, twenty-minute massages were provided by second and third year physical therapy students in exchange for a small donation to the Oregon PT-PAC. This provided much needed, and deserved relaxation for fellow Health Professions students and gave the physical therapy students the opportunity to inform their peers about the role of physical therapists and the current issue between chiropractors and PTs. Participants were also provided with a flyer offering more information and were encouraged to share their experience with colleagues and other professionals. The event was a huge success and participants seemed very interested in this current conflict. Many individuals commented on the apparent “unfairness” inherent in legislation of this sort.

Without the help of the people listed below, the event could not have taken place, much less been such a success. Thank you very much to students and faculty who donated their time and skills. We all applaud the efforts and leadership by the students at Pacific University.

Housing Opportunities Needed For Physical Therapy Students

Remember being a student on a clinical rotation? Was it difficult to find housing? Or did someone help you out? We are looking for individuals who would be willing to host physical therapy students during their clinical rotations. Rotations vary in length, and they occur throughout the year. The particulars regarding cost and availability can be worked out with the students on an individual basis. Maybe you don’t have a spare room to let, but you would be willing to talk with students regarding local attractions and/or other furnished housing opportunities in your area. Either way, let’s network to help the next generation of PT’s!

Click here (PDF) for more information and a form to fill out and send in.

2008 Emerging Leader Award Recipients

Joshua Zavertnik, SPT of Pacific

Lindsey Twiss, SPTA of MHCC

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