Beth Whitehead PT MPH

We provide outpatient services in a very rural area of Southwest Alabama. Initially, we were the only therapists within a 60 mile radius of my hometown and we did it all. We followed the patient from the hospital to the home , nursing home, or saw them as outpatients in our office. Over time, the Institutions recruited their own and we were able to grow our outpatient clinics. We have integrated manual therapy and wellness prinicipals into the care of all of our patients. While most of our therapist are DPT's, several have gained their certification in orthopedic physical therapy. Our growth has been limited in the rural areas, but always a valuable learning experience for students. For myself, I transitioned out of patient care at the age of 50 and focused on Healthy Communities. This led me into the area of economic development and politics. Together with a few other leaders, we initiated the Clarke County Leadership program and Clarke County Community Development Corporation which includes 12 non profits under its direction. We also promoted the development of an economic development position in the county government and now there is regional organizational structure for economic development. Professionally, my passion is serving on the Board Physical Therapy Learning Institute led by Geneva R Johnson. It is a think tank that addresses our professional issues and studies how to create change and how to develop leadership in our profession. This passion for seeing Physical Therapist be a part of the health care solution in our country is translated into our practice as we try to physical therapy implement practice the way we think it should be. It is rewarding to see the young clinical doctorates so open to making a difference in our society.