The state of Maryland is currently lacking a platform for early professionals to engage and interact with professionals within the field, mentorship opportunities and guidance to help with the transition from student to successful PT/PTA. Thus, we believe that creating an early professional special interest group (EPSIG) for the state of Maryland will fill that void. Below is our mission and vision for potential members:

Mission:

The Early Professional Special Interest Group (EPSIG) of the Maryland Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) will create a community for Maryland Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants seeking support and professional development as they enter the workforce. These clinicians may meet, confer, and promote the interest of the profession in hopes to positive impact healthcare consumers within the state of Maryland.

Vision:

The EPSIG will provide a platform for early professionals to attain mentorship and adequately transition into membership, active participation, and advocacy for the profession within the Maryland Chapter of the APTA. Further, we hope to expand the role of Maryland PT and PTA clinicians in the broader community through enriching volunteer opportunities. We plan on committing to this vision via the following objectives:

-Exchange of information between EPSIG members concerning issues confronting the profession of physical therapy.

-Mentorship and networking between physical therapist and physical therapist assistant early professionals.

-Preparation of EPSIG members for leadership roles within the APTA of Maryland

-The profession of Physical Therapy through community outreach.

-Coordinate activities with the Student Special Interest Group (MDSSIG) to allow for a smooth transition from student to early professional within APTA of Maryland

Thanks for reading our proposal. If interested, we encourage you to sign this petition to designate your support.

Best,

Michael Ukoha, DPT

Megan Mitchell, SPT