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

Tiffany Schubert hadn’t planned on becoming a physical therapist and she didn’t expect to specialize in geriatrics. Yet her career has spanned remarkable paths: from PT at Kaiser, to research scientist leading CDC projects with national impact, to product manager bringing evidence-based exercise programs to older adults through tech. Most recently, she’s embraced a new role as Visiting Professor at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina.

Through each pivot, Tiffany has shown how adaptability and curiosity can shape a meaningful career. She’s managed to balance professional growth while making time for family. Her story is a powerful example of carving your own path, even when it doesn’t follow a traditional script.

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:33 Meet Dr. Tiffany Schubert

01:16 Journey into Physical Therapy

03:19 First Job Experience at Kaiser Permanente

04:41 Mentorship and Career Development

06:35 Transition to Research

11:12 Pursuing a PhD in Geriatrics

21:16 Implementing the Otago Exercise Program

25:58 Advice for Aspiring Public Health Professionals

28:41 Balancing Career and Family

30:47 Transition to Academia and Research

32:04 Exploring Tech Innovations in Physical Therapy

36:56 From Academia to Product Management

38:34 Revamping Education and Embracing Podcasts

41:46 Returning to Academia

42:28 Reflecting on a Diverse Career Path

45:39 Advice for Physical Therapists at a Crossroads

49:37 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

In this episode, we sit down with Raad Shebib, PT, DPT, whose career path has taken him from patient care to the cutting edge of health technology. Today, as a product leader at Prompt Health, Raad is on a mission to transform electronic health records and reimagine how technology can serve clinicians and patients alike.

A self-described multi-hyphenate, Raad has drawn from his diverse experiences to become highly adaptable—an asset he considers one of the most important drivers of his career. He also discusses how curiosity and a willingness to learn have shaped his trajectory from clinical care to health tech.

Whether you’re navigating your own career crossroads or curious about the future of healthcare innovation, Raad’s story offers fascinating insights.

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:40 Meet Raad Shebib: A Journey Begins

01:20 Life in New York City

02:03 Discovering Physical Therapy

04:59 From Graduation to Inpatient and Outpatient Care

07:30 Exploring Innovation in Physical Therapy

15:43 Transitioning to Tech

30:40 The Role of a Product Manager

37:21 Corporate Flexibility vs. Clinical Exhaustion

38:08 Leveraging Transferable Skills in Product Management

38:30 Defining Problems and Solutions in Product Management

39:59 Supporting Teams and Achieving Success

40:47 Challenges and Opportunities in Bedside Care

42:15 The Role of Product Management in Clinical Settings

46:49 The Importance of Technology in PT Education

48:30 Prompt Health: Revolutionizing Rehab Therapy

54:23 Navigating Career Mistakes and Growth Mindset

01:02:50 The Power of Feedback and Adaptability

01:08:33 Future Disruptions and Innovations in Healthcare

01:12:52 Final Thoughts and Advice for PTs and Students

In this episode, host Amber Fitzsimmons interviews Claudia Canales, a 2019 graduate of the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, who transitioned from traditional clinical care to a leadership role in digital health. The first in her family to attend college, Claudia shares how formative experiences as a patient and a deep commitment to underserved communities shaped her path.

After starting her career in clinical care, she joined Hinge Health, an innovative virtual musculoskeletal care platform, and worked her way up to become the Regional Vice President of Regional Sales. Claudia reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the complexities of the tech industry, and embracing the mindset of being a “learn-it-all,” not a know-it-all. She also explores the role of digital care in expanding access and driving meaningful change. Stay tuned for a great conversation at the end about women in leadership.

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:40 Meet Claudia Canales

01:37 Claudia's Journey to Physical Therapy

03:26 Challenges and Inspirations

05:39 Career Path and Early Experiences

07:25 Transition to Hinge Health

09:43 Role and Impact at Hinge Health

17:32 Navigating Imposter Syndrome

28:37 Women in Tech and Leadership

32:10 Adapting Communication Skills from PT to Sales

33:20 Applying Stages of Readiness in Professional Roles

34:58 Excitement for the Future of Digital Care

37:02 Navigating Unplanned Career Paths

38:33 Advice for Aspiring Digital Health Professionals

40:03 The Importance of Networking and Continuous Learning

46:13 Reflecting on Career Expectations and Growth

50:31 Future Career Aspirations and Challenges

57:07 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

From the Peace Corps to prevention-focused care, Pam Butterfield has built a career around service, adaptability, and lifelong learning. In this episode of PT Path, she joins host Amber Fitzsimmons to reflect on her background in health and wellness, integrative medicine, and healthcare ergonomics. Pam shares impactful experiences from acute rehab to her transformative time in the Peace Corps, her passion for yoga therapy, and her pivot into ergonomics. Pam emphasizes the importance of seeking out opportunities, embracing change, and finding purpose through continued growth.

Explore more of Pam’s work: pambutterfieldpt.com

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:39 Meet Pam Butterfield

01:34 Pam's Journey to Physical Therapy

02:27 Early Career Challenges and Choices

07:16 Innovative Work-Life Balance Solutions

09:09 Joining the Peace Corps

11:49 Experiences in Armenia

18:37 Return to the U.S. and Integrating Yoga

22:28 New Beginnings and Career Shifts

23:53 Discovering Ergonomics

24:52 Building a Career in Ergonomics

26:56 Integrative Lifestyle Medicine

28:36 Challenges and Opportunities

32:55 Advice for New Graduates

36:42 Final Thoughts and Reflections

When Steven Hartley graduated from the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy in 2017, he was certain he wanted to be a sports or ortho PT. But after landing a job that looked ideal on paper, he quickly found himself facing burnout. That experience led him to pivot into a leadership role at a skilled nursing facility and discovering a love of geriatrics. Wanting to further expand his impact, Steven earned an MBA and transitioned into healthcare consulting. For the past several years, he’s worked as a managing consultant, partnering with organizations ranging from the VA and tribal health systems to those navigating value-based care. Today, he finds deep fulfillment in the broader impact of his work – and in the flexibility it gives him to spend more time with his family.

00:00 Introduction to PT Path

00:37 Meet Steven Hartley: From Napa Valley to PT School

01:37 Early Career and Mentorship

03:49 Transition to Management

05:42 Pivot to Geriatric Care

09:17 Journey into Consulting

19:53 Balancing Career and Personal Life

20:28 Remote Work and Consulting Challenges

22:50 Exploring Career Opportunities Beyond Patient Care

23:12 The Role of PTs in Value-Based Care

23:28 Digital Health and Innovation in Healthcare

23:56 Hesitancy Around Engaging with the Financial Side of Healthcare

24:42 Success Stories in Value-Based Care Projects

25:25 Opportunities for PTs in ACO Partnerships

26:01 Alternative Career Paths for PT Graduates

27:20 The Reality of Burnout in Healthcare

28:16 Navigating Career Changes and Finding the Right Fit

31:26 The Importance of Networking and Planning

34:14 Transitioning to Management Consulting

38:45 Advice for Aspiring Consultants

42:07 The Value of Informational Interviews and Networking

44:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement