Time to Be Your Best OncoPT -

I don’t know about you, but 2022 seems like a bit of a blur, now that it’s finally over. Last year was a big year for growth & learning, with plenty of lessons I’m taking with me into the new year.

The start of a new year is always an exciting time, filled with hope and a sense of possibilities. As we bid farewell to the past year, we reflect on the lessons we’ve learned and the growth we’ve experienced. In today’s podcast episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on how 2022 went, the lessons I’m taking to heart, & how I’m working to be the best OncoPT version of myself I can.

I believe that by reflecting on the challenges of the past, we can use that knowledge to inform our actions and make the most of the opportunities that the new year has to offer. So, whether you’re looking to improve your well-being, your OncoPT career, or your relationships, I know you’ll find some inspiration here as you make plans for the year ahead.

CSM 2022 returned with a bang!

After a disastrous virtual experience in 2021, it was truly a joy to attend APTA-CSM 2022 in San Antonio. I met so many WONDERFUL colleagues, students, & friends – many of you were so kind to say hello & I definitely almost tackled THE Alexandra Hill of OncoPelvic PT. Back story: Alex & I have been fast friends ever since I first interviewed her on the podcast in 2020. We chat frequently, fangirl over each other’s work, but have never actually met in person…until CSM 2022. So my natural response was to tackle her? I know, I know.

I hired my first employees!

Becoming a boss is exciting & a lot different than I envisioned (in a very good, growing way because both my employees are phenomenal human beings who really get their shit done).

New course: Cancer Basics Course

I teamed up with Dr. Kelly Sturm of Cancer Rehab PT to create a brand new course all about the basics of treating people with cancer. We both had some rocky starts to our careers in oncology & wished that we had a truly one-stop shop for getting started with these patients. Cancer Basics Course is everything we wish we had, plus lots & lots of application. None of the sit-on-your-butt for 8 hours Saturday & Sunday, only to show up to the clinic on Monday morning exhausted, wondering what the heck you learned.

And Cancer Basics Course launched with resounding success! Here’s what one of our students said about the course:

“The instructors were both so knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and supportive! They provided a great survey of evidence where it is available. When the evidence is emerging, they provided clear guidance on clinical reasoning based on first principles, clinical experience, and a realistic balance between the risk of harm from both over and undertreatment. The instructors didn’t shy away from difficult scenarios and provided a ton of information to help the participants be more confident, safe, and effective in the clinic immediately. One of the best courses I’ve taken!”

Yoshi Schonborn

PT, CPT, CLT

We’re gearing up for our second round of Cancer Basics Course, so make sure you register now at TheOncoPT.com/cancerbasics.

We were rejected by CSM, then accepted by CSM, then canceled for CSM.

We submitted a proposal for an education session at CSM on pediatric lymphedema. It was rejected, but then we were accepted as an 8 hour pre-conference session. So we began working on that. We met pretty much every week starting in August through November, excitedly preparing to share our knowledge at CSM.

Then December 21 rolls around, yea right before Christmas, & we got the notice that our pre-con had been canceled due to low registrants. I’m still working through my feelings on the mishandling of our pre-conference session, so stay tuned. We’re also deciding the fate of our material, so no updates to report on that.

So why do I share all this?

While I’m really glad 2023 is here, I would be remiss to not share some of the lessons 2022 taught me.

Lessons learned for being the best OncoPT I can be:

Have a back-up plan.
Have a back-up back-up plan.
Roll with the punches.
Be reasonable with your expectations.
Be present.

So what’s coming up for TheOncoPT in 2023?

I’m working to streamline my work in TheOncoPT.
I’ve stepped back from teaching this semester to focus on my practice.
I’m showing up as my most authentic self.
More structure, more strict boundaries, more no’s → more room for “HELL YES!”

Until next time, this is Elise with TheOncoPT. And remember: you are exactly the physical therapist that your patients with cancer need. So let’s get to work.

Grab your FREE checklist 5 Things You Need to Write Your Case Report here: https://theoncopt.ck.page/casereportchecklist