PT Path
Authentic stories from physical therapists navigating challenges, making pivotal decisions, and discovering their purpose. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or considering a career change, these conversations will inspire you to explore possibilities within our PT community. Join us as we explore the diverse paths of physical therapy – one story at a time.
PT Path
Madeline Ratoza: The Academia Path
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