PT Path Podcast

Join host Amber Fitzsimmons, PT, MS, DPTSc, to hear authentic stories from physical therapists navigating challenges, making pivotal decisions, and discovering their purpose. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or considering a career change, these conversations will inspire you to explore possibilities within our PT community. Join us as we explore the diverse paths of physical therapy – one story at a time. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 1: Patrick Sullivan - Embedded Air Force PT

In this episode, we meet Patrick Sullivan, a class of 2016 graduate of the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, who now serves as an active duty Air Force physical therapist. Patrick shares his career journey, from his initial interest in health care during high school to his current role in the Air Force. He discusses the influence of mentors, the valuable experiences gained through varied clinical settings, and the unique aspects of working as a physical therapist in the military. Patrick emphasizes the importance of direct access, professional development, and a holistic approach to patient care, while also shedding light on the administrative and logistical challenges of his job. This episode provides an insightful look into the career trajectory and life of a military PT.

Episode 2: Tianna Meriage-Reiter - From Private Practice to Holistic Care in San Quentin

In this episode of PT Path, host Amber Fitzsimmons interviews Tianna Meriage-Reiter, a dedicated alum and board member of the UCSF alumni association who transitioned from running her own practice in Alameda, CA, to working at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Tianna shares her career journey, which includes her path from private practice, where she integrated yoga therapy, to her current role in a prison setting. Tianna discusses the challenges and rewards of working with people who are incarcerated, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and the holistic approach she brings to her patients. This episode provides insight into navigating career transitions and finding meaningful work in unique settings.

Show notes: 

• The population of San Quentin is about 2,200 at the time of recording.
• The model the prison is working towards is the Norwegian model of incarceration.

Episode 3: Cory Arth – PT Without Borders

In this conversation Cory Arth discusses his journey – from growing up in Truckee, Lake Tahoe in an outdoor sports environment to navigating a non-traditional career path in movement-based medicine. He currently resides in Shanghai, China, where he strives to make a significant impact on the local health and fitness landscape. Cory shares his experiences working with top-level athletes globally, from Los Angeles to Qatar and Brazil, and recounts his key influences and mentors, highlighting the importance of mentorship, humility and passion. He delves into the challenges faced by the profession, including burnout, and stresses the importance of a systems-based approach in understanding movement. The discussion also tackles the intricacies of working in professional sports settings, the evolution of physical therapy in China, and Cory's vision for the future of healthcare.

Episode 4: Alyssa Herrera-Set - Starting Small, Thinking Big, and Redefining PT Entrepreneurship

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring career of Alyssa Herrera-Set, PT, DPT, an alum of the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy and a renowned physical therapist. We explore her career trajectory, from working in advertising to becoming an entrepreneur in physical therapy. Alyssa shares her journey into founding On the Move Physical Therapy and Pilates, discussing her motivations and the challenges she faced. She also highlights her work with young athletes and the inception of gymSAFE, a nonprofit aimed at ensuring gymnast safety. Additionally, Alyssa talks about her passion for mentoring, her podcast 'Papaya Talk', and her future plans for global retreats. Alyssa shares how she found inspiration from hairstylists, dentists, and fellow PTs in shaping her business – and offers insights on building with heart, staying curious, and following your passion wherever it leads.

Episode 5: Steven Hartley - From Clinic to Consulting

When Steven Hartley graduated from the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy in 2017, he was certain he wanted to be a sports or ortho PT. But after landing a job that looked ideal on paper, he quickly found himself facing burnout. That experience led him to pivot into a leadership role at a skilled nursing facility and discovering a love of geriatrics. Wanting to further expand his impact, Steven earned an MBA and transitioned into healthcare consulting. For the past several years, he’s worked as a managing consultant, partnering with organizations ranging from the VA and tribal health systems to those navigating value-based care. Today, he finds deep fulfillment in the broader impact of his work – and in the flexibility it gives him to spend more time with his family.

Episode 6: Pam Butterfield - Peace Corps, Ergonomics and Finding Purpose

From the Peace Corps to prevention-focused care, Pam Butterfield has built a career around service, adaptability, and lifelong learning. In this episode of PT Path, she joins host Amber Fitzsimmons to reflect on her diverse background in health and wellness, integrative medicine, and healthcare ergonomics. Pam shares impactful experiences from acute rehab to her transformative time in the Peace Corps, her passion for yoga therapy, and her pivot into ergonomics. Pam emphasizes the importance of seeking out opportunities, embracing change, and finding purpose through continued growth. Explore more of Pam’s work: pambutterfieldpt.com

Episode 7: Claudia Canales -Tech, Access, and Breaking Barriers

In this episode, host Amber Fitzsimmons interviews Claudia Canales, a 2019 graduate of the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, who transitioned from traditional clinical care to a leadership role in digital health. The first in her family to attend college, Claudia shares how formative experiences as a patient and a deep commitment to underserved communities shaped her path.

After starting her career in clinical care, she joined Hinge Health, an innovative virtual musculoskeletal care platform, and worked her way up to become the Regional Vice President of Regional Sales. Claudia reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the complexities of the tech industry, and embracing the mindset of being a “learn-it-all,” not a know-it-all. She also explores the role of digital care in expanding access and driving meaningful change. Stay tuned for a great conversation at the end about women in leadership.

Episode 8: Raad Shebib - The Multi-Hyphenate Health Tech Leader

In this episode, we sit down with Raad Shebib, PT, DPT, whose career path has taken him from patient care to the cutting edge of health technology. Today, as a product leader at Prompt Health, Raad is on a mission to transform electronic health records and reimagine how technology can serve clinicians and patients alike. A self-described multi-hyphenate, Raad has drawn from his diverse experiences to become highly adaptable—an asset he considers one of the most important drivers of his career. He also discusses how curiosity and a willingness to learn have shaped his trajectory from clinical care to health tech. Whether you’re navigating your own career crossroads or curious about the future of healthcare innovation, Raad’s story offers fascinating insights.

Episode 9: Madeline Ratoza - The Academia Path

For Madeline Ratoza, PT, DPT, PhD, a career in academia was always a long-term goal fueled by a passion for learning and a deep-seated curiosity about how systems shape care. In this episode of PT Path, host Amber Fitzsimmons talks with Dr. Ratoza about her journey from the clinic to the classroom and how her research at the intersection of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and social determinants of health is helping us understand where and how care is delivered, and what that means for training the future PT workforce. Dr. Ratoza also hosts a podcast, writes a Substack, and shares free financial literacy resources for students and clinicians on her website at madelineratoza.com