It is a brave new world out there if you are a physical therapist looking for a professional vision statement.

In retrospect, the Vision 2020 statement had its good points. I never did think that it created a solid enough brand statement. But it did envision physical therapists as practitioners of choice, and it put movement, function, and health at the forefront. Those are all good things, right?

How far we actually progressed towards that vision can be hotly debated, but that isn't the issue at hand right now.

This week, the APTA House Of Delegates approved a brand new vision statement. If the last one had you wondering, then this is one for the ages.

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I can say without hesitation that this week may go down on record as one of the most surreal weeks I have ever experienced. I can remember the feeling when I moved to Austin in 1990, getting off the train and stepping into a brave new world. That was surreal. But when you stand up and take the oath of allegiance to become the citizen of a new country? Now that is truly surreal.

It is hard for most to comprehend what that does to your psyche, your mindset, and your self perception. The best descriptor? It is just … different … now. Suffice it to say that it was a great experience that made for an interesting week that I will certainly never forget.

Besides, now I have an excuse to celebrate May 21 annually!

While that was going on, rumor has it that the world was still turning on its axis. Apparently, truth was still stranger than fiction, and the land of rhubarb was alive and well. I bring to you, hot off the presses, Episode 41.Enjoy!

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The litmus test of patient access to physical therapy is quite simple. Ask the patient.

Pose the question: in your state, irrespective of payer guidelines, do you have the ability to freely seek evaluation and treatment from a physical therapist? Go ahead, I dare you. I double dog dare you. Ask.

In 33 states, the answer will be a distinct "no". Just 17 states will give you a "yes". We have 50 shades of patient access, 33 of which are permission-based. Each state is different.

The physical therapy profession has conjured up a variety of phrases to describe the many shades of patient access in the United States. “Unfettered”. “Restricted”. And all sorts of variations.

But ask a patient, and there are just two shades - yes and no. The haves, and the have-nots. So why must we make these silly claims? And just who does it benefit?

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The United States of America has a rich tapestry of cultures. The country’s heritage and history is firmly rooted in the influx of immigrants who have come to the United States and helped to make this country what it is today. Some have come here seeking solace from religious oppression. Some have come here seeking freedom. And some have come here with a simple desire to live a better life.

Today, May 21, is Victoria Day in Canada. It is the date on which Canadians celebrate the beginning of summer. Victoria Day has been celebrated since long before Confederation in 1867.

Today, May 21, is also Naturalization Day in the United States, or, perhaps more accurately, Allan’s Naturalization Day. Today, I officially became a naturalized US citizen. I don’t have a tale of religious persecution, nor am I running away from political oppression. My tale isn’t dramatic like that, but with that said, it is a tale of naturalization nonetheless.

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