My Tapestry of Professional Growth

Dear Colleagues,

We all have a story to tell. Each with a tale that is unique to us but not known to others till we take the time to share.

Over the course of 40+ years in health care I have had opportunities offered and sort to help my patients, community, country and profession. 

One of the threads in my tapestry of professional growth has been Pelvic and Women’s Health. I have been a seeker of knowledge throughout my professional life to help my patients by researching, continuing education, advocate in Congress, adapting mentored knowledge and creating solutions with the help of others. Sometimes I failed but always coming one step closer to the eventual solutions. Perseverance and patience are characteristics’ we all have or will acquire in our journey to achieve our goals.

Presently, I am a member of the USCG AUX Medical Health Services Division, guest member of the USPHS Population Health Optimizations Working Group and a former APTA Membership Chair of the Federal Section representing over 1000 military members. 

The present issues that I am involved in are addressing postpartum return to active duty and premenopausal health issues that are underdiscussed as to the physiological and psychological issues for military members. This project is a work in progress with a story coming soon in another blog.

I encourage you to embrace opportunities and seek mentors and colleagues of similar and different ideas in your journey. 

                                                                       What will be our next story?

Author: James R. Giebfried, PT, DPT, MA, CPH, MBA, 2024 CAPP Scholarship Recipient

Author Bio: James R. Giebfried is a seasoned leader in physical therapy and public health, having served as Past President, Vice President, and Federal Affairs Liaison for the MA Chapter of the APTA, as well as Federal Section Membership Chair representing over 1,000 PT/PTA military and federal employees. She has held numerous leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Trustees for Massachusetts' second-largest healthcare organization and developing public health marketing strategies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. A recognized voice in the field, she has lectured at national and state conferences, authored multiple articles, and been featured across various media on physical therapy, medical, and wellness topics.