In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson and Carly Lochala discuss the evolving role of physical therapists in primary care, particularly through the lens of urgent care and walk-in clinics. They are joined by Sam Schmidt, a private practice owner and legislative advocate, who shares her experiences in establishing walk-in clinics and navigating the complexities of patient care. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, mentorship, and the need for physical therapists to be recognized as primary care providers. Sam discusses legislative achievements in Montana, Utah, and nationally. She also discusses the growth of the Primary Care Physical Therapy Summit, and innovative approaches to Medicaid and urgent care. The episode emphasizes the potential for physical therapists to play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing accessible and effective care.

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson, Carly Lochala, Elise Ruckert, and Libby Krauss engage in a deep discussion about the current state and future of physical therapy education. In this third part collaborative episode between Brainsmith and Trellis Ed, everything is on the table!

Join the crew as they explore the evolution of hybrid education models, the challenges posed by accelerated curricula, and the implications of residency programs. The conversation highlights the emotional and financial burdens faced by students, the importance of faculty diversity, and the need for innovative pathways in PT education. The group emphasizes the urgency for change and the potential for AI to shape educational conversations moving forward. A particularly passionate discussion about the CAPTE 50% rule was had...

For reference, see the Hogan paper discussed here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40679435/

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson, Carly Lochala, with guests Kendra Gagnon, and Mary Blackinton take a deep dive into the provocative position paper “Beyond Scarcity: Reimagining an Abundant Future for Physical Therapist Education.” Together, they unpack one of the most pressing issues facing the profession today: how deeply scarcity thinking shapes the way PT education is designed, delivered, and regulated—and how that scarcity mindset limits possibility, access, affordability, and growth.

The panel explores the structural forces that sustain scarcity in higher education, including accreditation requirements, program costs, limited faculty capacity, and the traditional definitions of what constitutes “quality.” They highlight how well-intentioned accreditation and regulatory systems can inadvertently restrict innovation and increase barriers for students, especially those from diverse and underserved communities.

The discussion moves beyond critique and into imagination, asking what it would take to design educational systems defined by abundance instead of limitation—where quality is reimagined, cost structures are reframed, and learning can scale without compromising standards or outcomes. The group examines emerging educational models, hybrid pathways, and collaborative solutions that could expand access while increasing affordability, capacity, and clinical readiness.

Rather than treating quality and access as opposing forces, the conversation emphasizes the potential for collaborative, community-driven models where educators, institutions, and practice environments work together to rethink the ecosystem. The episode challenges listeners to reconsider entrenched assumptions about who can teach, where learning happens, how quality is evaluated, and how the profession can meaningfully address equity and sustainability.

What can our future hold?