Challenges and Opportunities in Physical Therapy

Christopher Joseph, the director of physical therapy at Kennedy Krieger Institute, started his journey as a physical therapist during his school days, and this unique journey has led him to his current role. Having begun his career as a physical therapist and initially intending to be a stay-at-home father, he found himself pulled to tasks that capitalized on his ability for technology and statistics. This brought him a job as a director in Pittsburgh, where he spent five years honing his craft until getting hired by Kennedy Krieger.

In his present position, where he leads departments and programs and fosters innovation and collaboration in pediatric rehabilitation, his proficiency in utilizing data and technology has proven invaluable.

How would you define a typical workday at Kennedy Krieger and what are the primary responsibilities of your current position?

Talking about a normal workday at Kennedy Krieger, there is a wide variety of tasks involved. Managing the inpatient and outpatient pediatrics departments' finances and offering clinical supervision for therapies and family community services make my days quite typical.

Before starting any of the meetings related to ongoing research or administrative duties like budgeting, I usually start with patient care sessions, which can take place in the morning or the afternoon. I carry a broad background in physical therapy from various settings, such as schools, early intervention, inpatient and outpatient rehab, and day treatment. As a result of all these, I bring a well-rounded perspective to my role and ensure strategic management and thorough oversight of all areas of rehabilitation services.

Which significant challenges have you experienced throughout your career?

The healthcare industry presents several challenges, among which the reimbursement issue is one of the most significant. It can be quite challenging to balance the need to provide high-quality care within the time constraints and ensure that adequate compensation is provided.

Another challenge is building strong relationships with team members. A compassionate approach that fosters empathy and understanding, as well as a supportive environment where team members can comfortably voice their concerns and seek help, is crucial for maintaining both institutional health and staff well-being.

The biggest challenge is requirement of better work-life balance and scheduling practices since the COVID-19 pandemic's stress has also made burnout among healthcare workers worse.

What innovations excite you the most, and how could they influence your organization's future?

I am excited about the developments at Kennedy Krieger, which is deeply involved in gene technology and the development of orphan medications for uncommon diseases.

It's fascinating to see how physical therapists can play a vital role in testing or helping patients receiving gene therapy or other therapies in these areas. The technological advancements that support neuroplasticity in kids with early brain damage are also intriguing. From electrical stimulation to sophisticated robotics, these developments have the potential to greatly improve patient outcomes and expand the range of care we offer.

What key advice would you offer to your fellow peers in your field?

I have several pieces of advice for my fellow professionals. Keeping abreast of the most recent findings and advancements in both your particular area of expertise and the larger field of medicine is imperative. Developing relationships with academic institutions or research centers, like our collaboration with Hopkins, can speed up the progress of this process. Secondly, it's critical to develop sincere relationships with your employees. Collaboration and trust are fostered by demonstrating empathy and understanding as opposed to sympathy. A common goal of giving your patients the finest care possible while also developing the field as a whole is ensured by promoting introspection and collaboration with the personnel.