The Assembly of Representatives is the deliberative body of the physical therapy profession in the State of California filled with debate, discussion, and voting of motions that directly impact us. On Friday, September 23rd, the 2022 Assembly of Representatives was held at the Hilton Hotel in Anaheim, CA.
Back Row (left to right): Tristan Sulger, Matthew Bennion, Chance Hendricks, Alyssa Breslin, Angie Blaikie, Leonora Fernandez, Brittanie Brantley, Brian Moore, Ruth LeBlanc, Kristin Smith
Front Row (left to right): Maggie Edwards, Shelley Marchetti, Elnaz Nazmi, Lauren Leporini, Asiria Ramirez
The Northeast District was pleased to announce the appointment of two student representatives for the Assembly of Representatives: Asiria Ramirez, SPTA (Institute of Technology Redding) and Tristan Sulger, SPTA (Sacramento City College).
Read below for the perspective and reflection from student representative, Tristan Sulger, SPTA!
I was fortunate enough to be able to attend this year’s CPTA Assembly of Representatives in-person in Anaheim, CA, as a student representative for the Northeast District. It was a great experience, and I had the privilege of being introduced to some of the most influential people in the CPTA and APTA, including the presidents of both organizations, the new PTA board member, and many others. It was inspiring to hear the plans for the future of our organizations, and I look forward to the positive changes to the practice act and organizational structure that are coming. As a PTA student, it was especially exciting to see that a PTA was being put on the CPTA Board for the first time, paving the way for future PTAs to have a larger voice in the CPTA and APTA.
Some of the goals mentioned were expanded roles for PTs to have direct patient care and the ability to prescribe therapy. They are also trying to get postpartum treatment amongst other things included in a better pay model that hopefully will reflect the valuable services that PTs and PTAs provide without any further reductions. There was a push for there to be more community and political involvement by all assembly members, and a call for input and ways to improve communication on all the changes being worked on at all levels. I gained valuable insight into how the CPTA and APTA operate and look forward to becoming part of these organizations as I complete my education and become a full member. I shared my experience with my classmates and encouraged all of them to become members. There are a lot of valuable resources and ways to improve your clinical skills through membership. Improve the way you move!
~ Tristan Sulger
