In this episode of Waves, a podcast from APTA Michigan, host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Kay Mastrocola, a pelvic health physical therapist and the creator of the popular Instagram and TikTok account 'DPTs with Anxiety.' Dr. Mastrocola shares her unique journey through DPT school, her experience with neurodivergence, and how she became a PT influencer by creating memes. They discuss the importance of mental health in higher education and healthcare, strategies for overcoming academic challenges, and the role of social media in building supportive communities. Dr. Mastrocola also offers advice for new graduates and emphasizes the human side of physical therapy.

Are you a PT or PTA in Michigan? You can get PDR credit towards license renewal just by listening to Waves episodes! Fill out the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant General Response Form and save for your records. It's that easy!

Host: Andy Wicks, PT, DPT

Edited by Andy Wicks and Jenn Hood, SPT

Music by Mark Joesting

00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast00:43 Meet Dr. Kay Cola01:26 The Birth of DPTs with Anxiety04:06 The Impact of Pelvic Health PT06:27 Addressing Mental Health in PT Education16:39 Navigating Academic Probation22:10 The Struggles of Medical School22:25 Support Systems and Adaptability24:40 Invisible Disabilities and Accommodations26:35 Making Memes and Content Creation28:51 The Impact of Social Media on PT33:59 The Importance of Emotional Support in PT39:27 Favorite Posts and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Andy sits down with Natalie Hoffman, a second-year physical therapy student at the University of Michigan Flint and the 2025 Solstice Scholarship winner. Natalie shares her inspiring journey of organizing a 3v3 soccer tournament to raise funds for local families affected by cancer, turning a $500 scholarship into $3,600 for two deserving families. She discusses the power of community, the importance of service in physical therapy, and how her upbringing shaped her passion for helping others.

Key Topics:• Natalie's background and introduction• The Solstice Scholarship: what it is and how it works• Organizing a charity soccer tournament: challenges, teamwork, and impact• The importance of community involvement in PT school and beyond• Natalie's academic journey: dual DPT/PhD program, research interests, and future goals• Dream job aspirations: working with veterans and military populations• Reflections on service, education, and making the most of opportunities in PT school• Advice for students: get involved, volunteer, and build connections

Notable Quotes:• “I took $500 and changed it into $3,600 with the help and support of family, friends, and everyone at Soccer Zone.”• “You only have one time in PT school that you can get all these opportunities lined up. So just take advantage of it.”

Connect with Us:• Learn more about the Solstice Scholarship and how PT students are making a difference in their communities.• For more inspiring stories and interviews, subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media. Our handle is @aptaMIwaves.Call to Action: If you’re a PT student or considering a career in physical therapy, look for ways to get involved in your community. Volunteer, connect, and make the most of your time in school!

Waves Podcast – "The Tortured PT Department"

Host: Andy Wicks
Guests: Dr. Katie Noble, Dr. Nancy Boyd, Dr. Julie Wiebe

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Waves, host Andy Wicks sits down with three outstanding physical therapists—Dr. Katie Noble, Dr. Nancy Boyd, and Dr. Julie Wiebe—to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in sports physical therapy. The conversation explores the underrepresentation of women in sports medicine, the importance of mentorship and "accelerators," and theevolving landscape of care for female athletes.