Dr. Kyle Covington is the current President of the American Physical Therapy Association and associate professor in the Physical Therapy Program at Duke University. In today’s episode, we explore Dr. Covington’s ascension to the APTA Presidency and learn about APTA’s efforts to facilitate and support entrepreneurial activities for its members.

Website: https://www.apta.org
Instagram: @official_apta  
X: @apta_official
YouTube: @APTAvideo

🔍 Why Listen?

Ever wonder how a physical therapist becomes the leader of a 100,000-member organization? This episode pulls back the curtain on the incredible journey of Dr. Kyle Covington, the current president of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). From a farming accident that introduced him to the profession to his rise through the ranks of the APTA, Dr. Covington shares the pivotal moments, mentorship, and mindset that shaped his career. This is a must-listen for any PT or PTA who feels the spark of something more and wants to understand how to build a career with impact, both inside and outside the clinic.

🧠 What You'll Learn

• The unlikely path from PT student to APTA President.
• How early involvement in policy and professional advocacy can shape your career.
• The real responsibilities of the APTA President and the strategic work of the board.
• How the APTA is actively supporting entrepreneurial PTs and PTAs.
• The biggest barriers to innovation in the physical therapy profession.
• The role of academic programs in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Say Yes to Opportunity: Dr. Covington's journey began by volunteering for a Capitol Hill Day as a student, a decision that dramatically influenced his entire career path.
• Mentorship is an Accelerant: Throughout his rise, Dr. Covington sought and received guidance from experienced mentors who helped him navigate new challenges and identify his strengths.
• Entrepreneurship is More Than Business: Becoming APTA President is an entrepreneurial activity in itself, requiring vision, strategy, and the ability to lead a massive organization.
• APTA is a Resource Goldmine: The association offers extensive resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, including courses, conferences like the Future of Rehab Therapy Summit, and specialized academies like APTA Private Practice and the Academy of Leadership and Innovation (ALI).
• Fight Burnout with Passion: Getting involved in activities outside your day-to-day clinical role—like policy, advocacy, or innovation—can re-energize your career and provide a powerful antidote to burnout.

🎙️ Memorable Soundbites

• "I think when PT programs can find ways to connect those opportunities, both within their curricula and outside of their curricula for their students, it really sets them on a path different, and I think is an antidote to burnout."
• "I remember sitting beside the...senior sort of buddy...and I looked up at the speaker of the House and I was like, I want to be that guy. And I said that out loud, and she's like, okay, we can help figure that out."
• "You know, people will say all the time, 'Oh my gosh, you're doing so much...How do you keep from getting burnt out?' And part of the way I keep from getting burnout is I get re-energized and reinvigorated and connect with these things outside my day-to-day job role."

🚀 Actionable Tips

1. Get Involved Early: If you're a student or early-career professional, raise your hand for opportunities within your state chapter or national APTA components. You never know where it might lead.
2. Seek Out Mentors: Identify leaders you admire and ask them about their journey. Most are happy to share their experiences and offer guidance.
3. Explore APTA Resources: Visit the APTA website and explore the Learning Center, the Academy of Leadership and Innovation (ALI), and APTA Private Practice for courses, tools, and networks focused on business and entrepreneurship.
4. Connect with Your Passion: Find an area outside of direct patient care that excites you—whether it's policy, technology, or business—and dedicate a small amount of time to exploring it.

💭 Conversation Starter

If you could take on one leadership or entrepreneurial role within the PT profession, what would it be and what's the first step you would take to pursue it?