Beyond the Field: Adam Thomas' Journey in Sports PT and Comedy

02/14/24 • 15 min

Adam Thomas, an Associate Clinical Professor at Northeastern University, who also serves as a physical therapist for collegiate athletics and professional rugby with The New England Free Jacks. With a rich background spanning from major league baseball to stand-up comedy, Adam shares his unique experiences and insights into the convergence of sports medicine and personal passions.

Episode Highlights:

From the Diamond to the Stage: Adam recounts his dynamic journey through the realms of professional sports therapy with teams like the Red Sox and the Cubs, to lighting up the stage with stand-up comedy.
The Life of a Sports PT: Delve into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of working as a physical therapist in high-stakes sports environments, including professional lacrosse and rugby.
Bridging Passions and Profession: Learn how Adam balances his clinical expertise with his role as an educator, shaping the next generation of PT professionals at Northeastern University.
Comedy and Care: Discover how humor plays a role in Adam's approach to physical therapy and education, and how performing stand-up comedy has influenced his professional life.

Key Takeaways:

Insights into the complexities and rewards of working as a PT/ATC in professional sports.
Strategies for balancing a demanding career in sports medicine with personal interests and hobbies.
The importance of humor and personality in building patient relationships and enhancing the therapeutic process.
An overview of the evolving landscape of physical therapy education and clinical practice.

Episode Highlights:

From the Diamond to the Stage: Adam recounts his dynamic journey through the realms of professional sports therapy with teams like the Red Sox and the Cubs, to lighting up the stage with stand-up comedy.
The Life of a Sports PT: Delve into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of working as a physical therapist in high-stakes sports environments, including professional lacrosse and rugby.
Bridging Passions and Profession: Learn how Adam balances his clinical expertise with his role as an educator, shaping the next generation of PT professionals at Northeastern University.
Comedy and Care: Discover how humor plays a role in Adam's approach to physical therapy and education, and how performing stand-up comedy has influenced his professional life.

Key Takeaways:

Insights into the complexities and rewards of working as a PT/ATC in professional sports.
Strategies for balancing a demanding career in sports medicine with personal interests and hobbies.
The importance of humor and personality in building patient relationships and enhancing the therapeutic process.
An overview of the evolving landscape of physical therapy education and clinical practice.

Previous Episode

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: A Deep Dive into PT Advocacy and Professional Growth

We navigate through the multifaceted landscape of physical therapy, from the nuances of scientific communication, and the stress of considering if or how to sell your practice, to the ethical dilemmas posed by misleading marketing practices in the health and fitness industry. O

Tony Maritato and Dave Kittle, dissect the implications of using professional titles in marketing and explore strategies for PTs to advocate effectively for their profession.

This episode not only illuminates the challenges PTs face but also provides actionable insights for overcoming these hurdles and advancing the profession.

Key Learning Points:

The importance of effective science communication in physical therapy and beyond.
Ethical considerations in marketing practices within the health and fitness industry.
Strategies for advocacy and protection of professional titles and scopes of practice.
The power of collective action in influencing policy, public opinion, and corporate practices.

Actionable Advice:

Engage in continuous learning and improvement of science communication skills.
Stay informed about ethical marketing practices and advocate for transparency within the industry.
Participate in professional associations and leverage collective action for advocacy efforts.
Utilize social media and other platforms responsibly to educate the public and promote the PT profession.

Next Episode

Health Equity on the Move: Dr. Winston Kennedy’s Journey in PT and Public Health

Dr. Winston Kennedy, an Assistant Professor, researcher, clinician, and public health advocate based at Northeastern University. This episode sheds light on the crucial role of physical therapy in public health, social justice in healthcare, and disability advocacy, guided by Dr. Kennedy's expertise and his unique approach to tackling societal issues with a team mindset, reminiscent of his days as a collegiate athlete.

Episode Highlights:

Public Health and Physical Therapy: Explore the intersection of physical therapy and public health, understanding its significance and how PTs can contribute to broader health initiatives.
Social Justice in Healthcare: Delve into the disparities in health and quality of care, discussing the importance of social justice in health professional education and how it shapes patient care and community health.
Advocacy for Disability Rights: Listen to Dr. Kennedy's personal journey into disability advocacy, what advocacy entails, and how individuals can engage and make a difference in promoting accessibility and equity.
Beyond the Norm: A surprising twist on Dr. Kennedy's background as a hip-hop dance instructor during his PT school days, highlighting the diverse interests and talents health professionals can bring to their work.

Key Takeaways:

Insights into how physical therapy plays a pivotal role in advancing public health goals and ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
Understanding the impact of social and health disparities and the vital role of education in fostering a more just healthcare system.
Practical advice for getting involved in disability advocacy and contributing to meaningful change in society.
Dr. Kennedy's anecdotes, emphasize the multifaceted nature of health professionals.

Guest Contact Information: