Why should I run for an elected position in the sSIG?

Elections start TODAY!

But you may be asking yourself, why should I run for a position in the AAOMPT sSIG?

Peruse the available positions on the blog to see which position would suit your level of involvement and interests.

The sSIG asked Kyle Ridgeway, PT, DPT a previous member of the sSIG and on the sSIG leadership team, what the benefits are if you increase your involvement in the sSIG:

1. Why did you join AAOMPT in the first place?

I joined at the recommendation of one of my professors and fellow of AAOMPT Dr. Paul Mintken and also because I was running for a position within the sSIG.

2. How has it helped you as you neared graduation and with job applications?

By becoming an AAOMPT member and being in the sSIG I was able to connect with PT students AND professionals around the nation. Further, many AAOMPT members are involved in residency and fellowship programs. The ability to make connections across the NATION was very helpful as I decided where/what I wanted to do following graduation.

3. How has it helped your personal growth and professional development?

The sSIG gives you the opportunity to work with students in a format that is similiar to how AAOMPT and other progressional organizations function. It also gave me the chance to connect and interact with a number of different PT professionals through countless mediums including formal committees, meetings, conferences, brain storming sessions, and social events. This aided me in the transition to a PT member of AAOMPT as well as allowing me to serve on an AAOMPT committee directly after graduation.

My professional network grew, and you end up meeting PT colleagues from across the nation who willing to answer questions, or at the very least be a connection/resource. Some of them end up being close friends or mentors.

4. How has the sSIG helped in your transition as an AAOMPT member?

Understood how the organization was run and functioned

Connected with student members, new grad members, PT members, and the leadership team

Able to easily integrate to AAOMPT committees and begin contributing immediately

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Kyle Ridgeway PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy with a broad array of experiences and interests. He currently practices in 3 different clinical settings and locations: private outpatient clinic, long term acute care hospital, and a large university teaching hospital.

Currently, he also treats within the confines of a randomized control trial investigating early, intensive physical therapy for individuals in the intensive care unit who require mechanical ventilation for greater than 5 days. Dr. Ridgeway also aids in research and manuscript writing regarding the physical therapy treatment and management of individuals who are critically ill and or survived a critical illness course.