On November 2, 2022, the President of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Roger Herr, PT, MPA, traveled from New York City to Aurora to visit the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Guided by CU PT alumna, and current UCHealth physical therapist, Cynthia Armstrong, DPT '09, Mr. Herr toured the UCHealth facilities and the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. President Herr also did a meet-and-greet with CU PT faculty, visited the new CU PT student lounge, and engaged in a Q&A session with current CU PT students in the PT labs.

President Herr spoke about his career in geriatric physical therapy and his involvement with the APTA. Students asked questions on a variety of topics including leadership within the association, reimbursements within the profession, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and mentorship.

Mr. Herr talked about why he decided to run for President of the APTA, and that he wanted all voices on the board to be heard. He advocated for value-based care within the profession, and talked the the APTA's Medicare Innovation Projects. He encouraged students from historically marginalized communities to find others like them within the profession. "Don't struggle alone. Get together with other students and practitioners like you."

He also urged students to find mentors, and never stop learning, starting with the faculty within the program, and expanding to their sections and chapters once they are practitioners. He also spoke about social determinants of health, and his recent involvement with the USC Physical Therapy Program.


Roger Herr with the CU PT faculty.

Roger Herr with current CU PT students.