The ongoing shortage of physical therapists in the U.S. has become a critical issue, with many healthcare facilities struggling to meet growing patient demands. As the profession grapples with workforce challenges, designating physical therapy as a Schedule A occupation presents a potential solution. This classification, which streamlines hiring for professions with labor shortages, could help alleviate the strain on healthcare providers by making it easier to recruit and employ skilled therapists, particularly in underserved areas. However, the move also raises important questions about the future of the profession, its value in the healthcare ecosystem, and the need for stronger advocacy to ensure sustainable growth.
Vidit Phanse, a leading figure in physical therapy, has been tackling the growing shortage of physical therapists in the U.S. by optimizing staffing strategies and enhancing the role of Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). Through a focus on team-based approaches, Phanse has reshaped clinic operations to ensure more efficient patient care. A key part of his strategy involves training physical therapists to prioritize new patient evaluations while delegating ongoing treatments to PTAs, effectively addressing the workforce shortage while improving patient intake processes.
His expertise is further showcased in his published article, “Critical Gaps in Physical Therapy in the United States of America: Exploring the Shortage and Schedule A Classification”, which outlines actionable solutions to these pressing challenges. The article highlights the importance of bolstering advocacy for the profession and maximizing the value of physical therapists to improve recruitment and retention efforts.
In addition to his clinical work, Phanse is a seasoned mentor and Clinical Instructor (C.I.), a role he has embraced to foster the next generation of physical therapists. By working closely with students and professors, Phanse has strengthened recruitment pipelines, securing a steady influx of well-trained graduates for his organization. His dedication to mentoring not only improves the quality of incoming staff but also raises awareness about physical therapy as a rewarding career path.
A particularly meaningful initiative led by Phanse has been his personal endeavor to support foreign-trained physical therapists in securing U.S. licensure. By mentoring these professionals through the complex certification process, he not only contributes to mitigating the critical shortage of physical therapists but also helps bridge the healthcare gap in underserved rural areas. Many of these internationally trained therapists start their U.S. careers in these regions, bringing much-needed care to communities that often struggle with access to medical services.
Phanse has also faced and overcome significant challenges in the field, such as optimizing staffing with limited resources. He has leveraged his connections with academic institutions to recruit new talent through campus hiring initiatives, helping secure much-needed staff. Additionally, he has been instrumental in training PT aides and PTAs to take on greater responsibility, allowing clinics to streamline care delivery with physical therapists focusing on evaluations while support staff handle routine treatments.
With two articles published—Critical Gaps in Physical Therapy in the United States of America (January 2022) and Optimizing PT Aide Skills in an Outpatient Physical Therapy Setting (November 2021)—Phanse continues to provide critical insights into the evolving landscape of physical therapy.
Vidit Phanse sees a need for stronger advocacy to elevate the value of physical therapy as a profession. Phanse envisions a future where better policies and advocacy will ensure the continued growth and sustainability of physical therapy, enabling clinics to meet the increasing demand for care.
