TheOncoPT Podcast

Send a text Holding treatment in OncoPT can feel deeply uncomfortable... ...not because you don’t understand safety, but because your professional identity is tied to helping. In this episode, we explore why deciding not to treat can feel like failure, how your clinical judgment matures over time, and why early-career OncoPTs often measure value by how much they do in a session. We discuss the shift toward measuring value by the quality of your judgment - and how restraint, when appropriate, truly reflects specialist-level thinking. Later this week on YouTube, I’ll walk through the clinical thresholds I use to help clarify when to proceed, modify, or hold treatment in advanced-stage cancer. This episode continues our clinical reasoning series focused on navigating complex oncology decisions with clarity and confidence. Looking for more structure and clarity? If you’re preparing for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Exam and feeling overwhelmed or unsure what to focus on, I’ve created a short YouTube playlist designed to help you study with more clarity and confidence. These videos walk through prioritization, common pitfalls, and how to think about exam prep more strategically — without Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text Treating patients with bone metastases carries a unique mental weight in OncoPT. In this episode, we unpack why these decisions often linger long after your patient session ends - and why second-guessing doesn’t necessarily mean you lack competence. We explore the psychological load of fracture risk, the discomfort of uncertainty, and why comfort with uncertainty is a learned skill in oncology practice. Later this week on YouTube, I’ll walk through the structured framework I use when deciding whether bone metastases are safe to load - so you can hear how that reasoning sounds step-by-step. This episode is part of a 4-episode clinical reasoning series designed to help oncology PTs think more clearly in complex cases. Looking for more structure and clarity? If you’re preparing for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Exam and feeling overwhelmed or unsure what to focus on, I’ve created a short YouTube playlist designed to help you study with more clarity and confidence. These videos walk through prioritization, common pitfalls, and how to think about exam prep more strategically — without Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text At this point in exam prep, many oncology physical therapists find themselves asking, “Is it too late?” And this LOADED question often comes with fear, pressure, and self-doubt. In this episode, we talk through how to think about this question honestly and calmly, how fear distorts decision-making, and why discernment is a critical professional skill. We cover: • Why this question shows up late in exam prep • The difference between panic-based and clarity-based decisions • Why pausing is not the same as quitting • How honest decisions protect long-term confidence Looking for more structure and clarity? You can find a visual walkthrough of this decision point in the YouTube playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZrwPMnzMtblj9rgmUIw7PJCQ8yGJ9IFX&si=-FMqrrcXf9QU2DQ7 Looking for more structure and clarity? If you’re preparing for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Exam and feeling overwhelmed or unsure what to focus on, I’ve created a short YouTube playlist designed to help you study with more clarity and confidence. These videos walk through prioritization, common pitfalls, and how to think about exam prep more strategically — without Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text Studying for the ABPTS Oncology Exam while working full-time can make it feel like you’re never doing enough. When time is limited, HOW you study matters more than how long you study. You'll hear why busy clinicians often default to passive studying, how time pressure increases second-guessing, and what actually helps when your schedule is full. In this episode, we cover: • Why time scarcity increases decision fatigue • The difference between familiarity and confidence • Why longer study sessions aren’t always more effective • How structure reduces mental load Looking for more structure and clarity? If visual guidance would be helpful, you can find related videos in this YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZrwPMnzMtblj9rgmUIw7PJCQ8yGJ9IFX&si=-FMqrrcXf9QU2DQ7 Looking for more structure and clarity? If you’re preparing for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Exam and feeling overwhelmed or unsure what to focus on, I’ve created a short YouTube playlist designed to help you study with more clarity and confidence. These videos walk through prioritization, common pitfalls, and how to think about exam prep more strategically — without Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text Many oncology physical therapists default to studying EVERYTHING when preparing for the ABPTS Oncology Exam. It feels responsible...but this often leads to overstudying, decision fatigue, and unnecessary stress. You'll hear why overstudying is so common, how it undermines your confidence, and why prioritization is a skill that matters more than volume. In this episode, we cover: • Why “studying everything” feels safe but actually backfires • How decision fatigue affects confidence • The difference between responsibility and prioritization • Why clarity beats volume during exam prep Looking for more structure and clarity? I’ve shared a visual breakdown of this topic in my YouTube playlist for oncology PTs preparing for the ABPTS exam: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZrwPMnzMtblj9rgmUIw7PJCQ8yGJ9IFX&si=-FMqrrcXf9QU2DQ7 Looking for more structure and clarity? If you’re preparing for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Exam and feeling overwhelmed or unsure what to focus on, I’ve created a short YouTube playlist designed to help you study with more clarity and confidence. These videos walk through prioritization, common pitfalls, and how to think about exam prep more strategically — without Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text If you’re preparing for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Exam and feeling overwhelmed or unsure whether you’re studying the right things, you’re not alone. This stage of exam prep often brings more anxiety — not because you’re failing, but because clarity matters more than effort. You'll hear why overwhelm is so common at this point, what actually increases stress during studying, and how clearer prioritization can restore your confidence. In this episode, we cover: • Why overwhelm often peaks late in exam prep • How random studying increases anxiety • The difference between effort and clarity • Why confidence drops without prioritization Looking for more structure and clarity? If you’d like a more structured, visual walkthrough on this topic, you can watch the full YouTube playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZrwPMnzMtblj9rgmUIw7PJCQ8yGJ9IFX&si=-FMqrrcXf9QU2DQ7 Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text What happens when we know exercise improves outcomes for cancer survivors…but most patients still can’t access it?  In this episode, I sit down with the guest speakers behind the upcoming APTA CSM session “Mind the Gaps: Advancing Equitable Implementation of Evidence-Based Exercise Programs for Survivors of Cancer” to unpack the real-world barriers between evidence and practice in exercise oncology. We dig into what it actually takes to implement evidence-based programs like Strength After Breast Cancer in clinical settings—and why equity has to be designed into the process from the start.  From pre-implementation planning and adapting programs on the fly, to building community partnerships that expand access for under-resourced and minority survivors, this conversation moves beyond theory into actionable strategies clinicians can use now. If you care about closing research-to-practice gaps, advancing health equity, and delivering better rehab outcomes for cancer survivors, this one’s for you. 🎧 Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text You’ve probably heard that “the soft skills are actually the hardest skills.” But what happens when your interpersonal skills are put to the test in the most chaotic and emotionally charged moments of patient care? In this episode, we unpack why so-called “difficult” patients behave the way they do, how fear and loss of control drive conflict, and why oncology physical therapists are uniquely equipped to navigate these moments with clarity and confidence. You’ll hear practical strategies for anticipating patient needs, managing escalating situations, collaborating across disciplines, and checking your own bias before it checks you. This conversation goes beyond protocols and productivity metrics to focus on what actually determines success in high-stress encounters: trauma-informed care, de-escalation, emotional intelligence, ethical boundaries, and clinical communication. This episode will challenge how you think about conflict, remind you that human connection is a clinical skill, and leave you with tools to turn tension into therapeutic opportunity. 🎧 Listen in, and if you’ll be at CSM, add this session to your schedule: AC-24501 - Managing the Unmanageable, the a-Holes of the Emergency Department Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text OncoPTs are part of a patient’s oncology team during the most vulnerable moments of life, including the end of life. However, many clinicians feel unprepared to hold conversations about death and dying and manage the emotional toll that comes with this work. In this APTA CSM Preview episode, I’m joined by Drs. Adam Matichak and Lori Boright for a grounded, compassionate conversation about what PTs need to know to show up confidently in hospice and palliative care settings. We talk about: The OncoPT’s role when the goal is no longer “getting better,” but living fully How to navigate difficult conversations about functional decline, goals of care, and quality of life Why “Death is not a dirty word”… and how normalizing these conversations can transform patient care No matter your previous experience, this episode will help you understand the landscape, communicate more clearly, and care for yourself as you care for others. If you’re headed to CSM 2026, add this session to your schedule: Death Is Not a Dirty Word: The What’s What of Hospice and Palliative Care Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text Happy new year OncoPTs! APTA CSM 2026 is just around the corner, so we’re back with our annual CSM preview series 🎉 Immunotherapy has changed the cancer treatment landscape - and if you’ve ever felt like the terminology (and the pace of new developments) is moving faster than you can keep up, you’re not alone. In this APTA CSM 2026 Preview episode, I’m joined by Scott Capozza, PT, MSPT, Amanda Giarratano, PT, DPT, and Stephen Wechsler, PT, DPT, PhD to unpack what every rehab clinician needs to know about the world of immunotherapy - from the “cibs,” “mibs,” and “mabs” to the real-life implications we’re seeing in rehab settings. Whether you’re working in oncology rehab every day or you’re a generalist who occasionally sees patients on immunotherapy, this episode will help you feel more confident and more prepared - especially if you’re heading to CSM and deciding which sessions to prioritize. 🎧 Listen in, and if you’ll be at CSM, add this session to your schedule: ON-24021: Cibs, Mibs and Mabs, Oh My! Demystifying Challenges and Identifying Opportunities with Immunotherapy in Rehabilitation If immunotherapy still feels like a lot after this episode, I’ve got you: I created a MedBridge course called “Immunotherapy: What Every Rehab Professional Should Know” that breaks it down step-by-step. You can access it (and support my work) here. Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text You listened and you LOVED this episode, which is exactly why this is THE NUMBER ONE EPISODE of TheOncoPT Podcast for 2025! In case you missed it, the most important cancer rehab research since the PAL trial debuted at ASCO 2025. Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Scott Capozza, PT, who recently attended and presented at ASCO 2025. Scott breaks down what ASCO is, how it compares to APTA CSM, and why oncology rehab professionals need to be paying attention. We dive into some of the key themes from this year’s conference, including the game-changing findings from the CHALLENGE trial and the growing emphasis on structured exercise as a critical part of cancer care.  But more importantly, we talk about how OncoPTs are perfectly positioned to take this research and turn it into action. It’s not just about being at the table. It’s about putting research into practice, starting now—because our patients can’t wait. Listen now! Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text TheOncoPT Podcast officially turned SEVEN, y'all!  And a beautiful part of being around this long means that it's time for some knowledge updates: Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and CAR T-cell therapy are evolving fast—are you keeping up?  In this episode of TheOncoPT Podcast, Dr. Adam Matichak returns to share the latest updates on these groundbreaking treatments and what they mean for your OncoPT practice. You'll learn how CAR T-cell therapy is expanding, why mobility strategies matter more than ever, and how to use vital signs to guide your treatment decisions.  Plus, we’ll explore how you can advocate for rehab’s role in oncology, prepare patients for complex treatments like BMT and CAR T, and find the resources you need to stay ahead in this rapidly changing field. Whether you're new to cancer rehab or a seasoned pro, this conversation will give you practical tools to treat your patients undergoing BMT and/or CAR T-cell therapy.  Listen now! Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text Hey OncoPTs! We're back with our #3 episode of 2025, this time with Dr. Katie Schmitt on her incredible APTA CSM 2025 session, CIPN, Balance, and Breathing: An Interactive Workshop on Manual Therapy, Diaphragmatic Breathing, & Improving Balance. Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is more than just numbness and tingling.  With up to 83% of patients experiencing persistent CIPN, oncoPTs need practical, evidence-based strategies to address these challenges head-on. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Katie Schmitt, PT, to discuss an innovative, hands-on approach to treating CIPN, improving balance, and integrating breathwork into cancer rehab.  We explore the role of manual therapy in nerve stimulation, how diaphragmatic breathing enhances core control, and why these techniques should be part of every oncology PT’s toolbox.  Plus, we’ll cover practical takeaways that you can apply in the clinic immediately. If you’re looking to elevate your approach to CIPN and fall prevention, don’t miss this conversation! Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text We're back with our #4 top episode of TheOncoPT Podcast 2025! 🎉⬇️ What sets a good oncology PT apart from a great one?  Becoming a specialist in OncoPT doesn’t just elevate your clinical skills—it transforms how you advocate for patients, opens new career opportunities, and positions you as a leader in this growing field.  And one of the most powerful ways to showcase your expertise? The ABPTS Oncology Specialty Certification Exam. If you’ve ever wondered whether certification is right for you, this episode will help you think bigger about your career and what’s possible. Plus, I’ll share how preparing for the exam can make you a more confident, capable, and effective oncology PT—long before you ever sit for the test. 🎧 Tune in now to start your journey from good to great in OncoPT! Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text We’re starting our Top 5 Episodes of 2025 with an interview that showed up in your downloads all year long. It’s earned the #5 spot, and today we’re bringing it back for another listen. Enjoy!  Too often, people living with and beyond cancer are sidelined from fitness—not because they can’t exercise, but because programs aren’t designed with their unique needs in mind.  In this episode, Elise talks with Dr. Kaci and Dr. Reed Handlery, PTs, about building inclusive, sustainable community-based programs for people with mobility challenges—including those living with and beyond cancer.  From the CSM stage to real-world community impact, Kaci and Reed share how they’re creating inclusive, adaptable programs that meet patients where they are—and empower them to go further.  We covered: The role of seated, high-intensity movement for oncology patients How to adapt exercise creatively for mobility impairments and other barriers What it takes to build and sustain inclusive fitness programs in your community How to identify and empower community champions to keep patients engaged And best of all: you’ll be inspired to rethink what's possible in your exercise prescription—inside and outside the clinic. Listen now to discover how you can bring this innovative, adaptable approach to your oncology patients! Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text Day 2 of TCRCC2025 wrapped this year’s conference with power, purpose, and so many mic-drop moments you’ll want to revisit again and again. In this episode, we’re digging into standout Day 2 clips—from clinical insights to career perspective shifts—and unpacking the themes that had our chat buzzing all day long. I’ll share what these sessions mean for the future of cancer rehab and how you can put these ideas into action starting now. If you’re looking to extend your conference glow and bring fresh strategy into your work, this is your episode. 📣 TCRCC2026 Is Coming!  Mark your calendar and grab your spot early because next year is already shaping up to be our biggest and boldest yet. 🗓 Friday, November 6 – Saturday, November 7, 2026 🎟 Early bird registration is officially open 🎤 Speaker applications are now live (and due March 1, 2026) Let’s keep building the future of cancer rehab TOGETHER. Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text Day 1 of The Cancer Rehab Community Conference 2025 did not come to play. In this episode, I’m walking you through some of the biggest takeaways, mindset shifts, and “I needed to hear that” moments from our Day 1 speakers. You’ll hear select clips straight from the sessions and my behind-the-scenes reflections on why these messages matter for cancer rehab right now. Whether you were there live or you’re catching up afterward, this episode will help you carry the momentum, clarity, and fire from Day 1 into your own practice. 📣 TCRCC2026 Is Coming! We’re already gearing up for next year’s conference—and you’re invited. 🗓 Friday, November 6 – Saturday, November 7, 2026 🎟 Early bird registration is officially open 🎤 Speaker applications are now live (and due March 1, 2026) If TCRCC2025 lit you up… just wait until 2026. Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text If you feel like “having it all” in cancer rehab is a pipe dream, LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE NOW. This October, I visited The Cancer Survivorship Center in Amarillo, Texas - and I was not prepared for the AMAZINGNESS of this community-based cancer organization. In short, The Cancer Survivorship Center serves as a great example of accessible, equitable cancer survivorship in action.  We’ll dive into the practical ways they’re addressing challenges we also see in OncoPT, and why this is such an encouraging model for our field. Think of this episode as a personal look at lessons we can take from a site doing this community work EXCEEDINGLY WELL. Listen now for some inspiration & motivation to get going in your own community! Links mentioned in this episode: Seated Doesn't Mean Easy: Adaptive Fitness for Your Oncology Patients The BIGGEST CANCER REHAB RESEARCH Just Dropped: What to Know How to talk the talk AND walk the walk of accessible cancer survivorship Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text The Cancer Rehab Community Conference 2025 kicks off this Friday! And if it’s your first time attending, this episode is your insider guide to everything you need to know before we begin. I walk you through what makes TCRCC unlike any other conference — from its all-virtual, interactive format to the brand-new networking and community engagement features launching this year. You’ll learn what to expect, how to make the most of your experience, and why this weekend is about more than just learning — it’s about connection, collaboration, and expanding your impact in cancer rehab. Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.

Send a text Lymphedema care has come a long way—but we still have work to do. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Mary Calys, Senior Clinical Specialist at Tactile Medical and a seasoned expert in cancer rehab and lymphedema management. Mary dives into how lymphedema care has evolved over the years (including a SHOCKING anecdote from her first lymphedema experience), what’s still holding patients back from getting the treatment they need, and how Tactile Medical is helping bridge those gaps through innovation and education. We talk about real-world barriers to care, the importance of clinician awareness, and how home-based compression options are changing what’s possible for patients living with lymphedema. Whether you’re brand new to cancer rehab or have been in the field for decades, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on where lymphedema care is headed, and how we can all do better for our patients. ____________________________________________________________________ Today’s episode is brought to you by Tactile Medical, proud Gold Sponsor of The Cancer Rehab Community Conference 2025. Tactile Medical is a leader in at-home therapies for people living with chronic, underserved conditions - including lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and chronic pulmonary disease - helping them live better and care for themselves at home. Their clinically proven Flexitouch® Plus system empowers patients to manage swelling, improve limb health, and enhance quality of life - all from the comfort of home. We’re honored to have Tactile Medical’s partnership as we prepare for our most impactful conference yet! Follow TheOncoPT on Instagram. Follow TheOncoPT on LinkedIn.