Benjamin Boyd has always been fascinated by how the human body works, the interplay of muscles, movement and skeletal structure. With a father who was a pediatric physiatrist, he was exposed to health care early on. After a foray into environmental studies, he eventually discovered physical therapy, where he became especially captivated by the nature of pain and its deep connection to the human experience.

In a bold career pivot, Ben stepped away from his faculty role at Samuel Merritt University to write Bodily Relearning, a book designed to help clinicians better support patients living with persistent pain. The book was met with enthusiasm, and he is currently working on a second book written directly for patients.

In the new year, he will return to academia as a professor at Samuel Merritt University, bringing his experiences in research, writing and clinical practice full circle. His career reflects a constant thread: a passion for helping others learn, grow, and rethink what is possible in rehabilitation and pain care.

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:30 Meet Benjamin Boyd: From Environmental Studies to Physical Therapy

01:55 Early Exposure to Physical Therapy

03:01 Gaining Experience Before PT School

04:48 Research Focus: Peripheral Nerve Sensitivity in Diabetes

06:53 The Journey into Academia and Research

10:11 Balancing Clinical Work and Academia

11:30 Writing 'Bodily Relearning': Challenges and Triumphs

13:40 The Impact of Pain Science and Education

45:04 Future Plans and Returning to Academia

50:33 Final Thoughts and Advice

We all know the celebrities who helped popularize Pilates into the global phenomenon it is today. But this latest guest, UCSF alum Brent Anderson, PT, PhD, also played a pivotal role in shaping that rise. His company, Polestar Pilates, founded in 1992, now has a global presence with education centers and certified instructors in more than 50 countries.

Brent entered the scene when most people had barely heard of Pilates, let alone imagined what it could become. In this episode, you’ll hear about his journey from those early days of the Pilates movement to his work today, developing the practice, advancing standards and championing movement across the globe.

Learn more about Dr. Anderson at his website: https://drbrentanderson.com/

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:34 Meet Dr. Brent Anderson

00:53 Discovering Physical Therapy

01:54 The Journey to Pilates

03:21 Starting a Practice in Sacramento

06:34 Founding Polestar Pilates

08:10 The Legal Battle Over Pilates

12:15 The Importance of Psychosocial Skills

22:09 Understanding Polestar's Mission

22:39 Reflecting on Early Challenges and Changes

23:15 Formation of the Pilates Method Alliance

25:21 Accreditation and Standards in Pilates

26:03 The Need for Professional Organizations

27:55 Challenges in Pilates Education and Training

30:40 Interprofessional Learning and Collaboration

35:28 The Importance of Presence and Spirituality

39:40 Scientific Applications in Pilates

41:22 Practical Applications of Movement Principles

45:04 Conclusion and Resources

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

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:31 Meet Dr. Madeline Ratoza

01:32 Madeline's Journey to Physical Therapy

05:52 Transition to Academia and Research

06:34 Balancing Career and Personal Life

07:23 PhD Journey and Research Focus

13:51 Financial Literacy Advocacy

21:23 Geographic Information Systems in Research

28:58 The Importance of Data in PT Education

30:14 Challenges and Goals in PT Education Research

32:15 Balancing Academia and Personal Life

33:24 Pathways into Academia

35:34 The Role of Terminal Degrees in Academia

43:58 Starting a Podcast and Research Lab

49:25 Advice for Aspiring Academics

55:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections