Survival Skills for the New Era of PT: Reflections from the 2025 Graham Sessions

What do you get when you bring together some of the brightest minds in physical therapy to discuss the new era of the profession? You get some whip-smart dialogue—and even better ideas. 

The 2025 Graham Sessions endeavored to do just this; innovative PTs gathered together in Colorado Springs to hold open, honest conversations about the challenges facing the profession and how to navigate them. Three Rizing Tide scholars attended this year’s event, sharing their opinions and insights on topics like the impact of AI in healthcare, the importance of advocacy, and the need for unity across generations.

Embracing AI and the Power of Connection

For Dr. Uzair Hammad, PT, DPT, NCS, a physical therapist at Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute, the Graham Sessions reinforced that AI is a useful tool—not a threat to the profession. “AI is here to support us and not replace us. In this, we are all fighting the same fight, and we need to continue to stick together,” says Uzair. He emphasized that leveraging AI effectively requires an open mind and a willingness to adapt. “It’s about using AI to enhance our clinical decision-making, improve patient outcomes, and streamline administrative tasks—not fearing that it will take over our profession.”

Beyond AI, Uzair found the conference a powerful reminder of the importance of connection within the PT community. “Having conversations with peers and leaders who are tackling the same issues—whether it’s reimbursement, patient access, or integrating new technologies—really reinforced the idea that we’re not alone in this,” says Uzair.

He left the conference with a newfound appreciation for the adventure that is the PT profession. Uzair noted that embracing change and staying curious will always be the key to personal and professional growth. “The more we lean into the unknown, the more opportunities we will create for ourselves and for our patients.”

Retaining Talent in Rural Communities

Dr. Devon Morris, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT/DN, a physical therapist at Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, resonated with the conversations about retaining skilled therapists in rural communities.

“It was valuable being a newer grad in that setting as I’m discussing strategies with CEOs and clinic owners. I helped offer an insider perspective on things that could help them attract and retain therapists who are really passionate about making a difference in these rural communities, where we really need good therapists,” says Devon. One of the key takeaways from that discussion was the importance of workplace culture. Devon emphasized that creating an environment where physical therapists feel comfortable being themselves, valued, and appreciated for their efforts in patient care is essential.

Another major challenge? Reimbursement and fair compensation. “One idea that resonated with me was about PTs not feeling deserving of a higher income, especially because I didn’t enter the profession for money. I entered it solely because I wanted to help people feel better and be more independent. However, we do so much for our patients that it’s a no-brainer that we should be making more money as a profession.”

Devon also pointed out an often-overlooked issue: PTs don’t refer patients to each other enough. “We’re doing our profession a disservice by not collaborating across our profession more and taking advantage of all of the diverse skill sets that we have as physical therapists.”

Intersecting Politics, AI, and Reimbursement in PT

Holly Brown, a doctor of physical therapy student at Duke University, was the only student who attended this year’s Graham Sessions—a unique experience that provided her a fresh perspective on the issues facing PTs. 

“I was really moved when talking about our country’s current political changes and how they are going to potentially affect healthcare, our patients, educators, students, and their families,” says Holly. “It’s been really interesting to talk to people on all sides of the political spectrum about how we’re going to navigate a new atmosphere in our country.”

Holly also left the Graham Sessions with a heightened awareness of the balance PTs must strike when integrating AI and digital health technologies into patient care. “How do we know how to use these systems to benefit our patients and make our lives easier? And how do we also protect our careers and the value of physical therapy?” she asks.

One of Holly’s most pressing concerns is the industry’s long-standing struggle with reimbursement rates. Holly believes that PTs must better communicate their value to the public. “Our advocacy from our field is not enough at this point—so how do we get more people on board with PT? How do we lift up the whole profession by more effectively  explaining our value, our role, our scope and practice?”

Moving Forward

The 2025 Graham Sessions sparked crucial conversations about the future of PT. As the profession continues to evolve, it’s clear that unity, advocacy, and adaptability will be key to navigating the challenges ahead. Uzair, Devon, and Holly each left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the complexities of the PT profession.

As Holly puts it, “I think my biggest takeaway was that I left feeling encouraged. I looked around the room and saw all of these leaders in the profession who were all committed to coming together in one room and addressing these issues together.”

If the discussions at this year’s Graham Sessions are any indication, the PT profession is in good hands and ready to tackle the future head-on.