American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists

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American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists

American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists: The First Choice in Musculoskeletal Care

12/23/2025

🌟 AAOMPT Member Spotlight: David J. Kempfert, PT, DPT, PhD, FAAOMPT 🌟

For David Kempfert, there wasn’t a single “lightbulb moment” that led him to AAOMPT—rather, it was a lifelong commitment to curiosity, learning, and growth.

“My educational journey has always been founded on a constant drive to learn more. Many of my pursuits came from encountering others and admiring the knowledge and experience they had. Joining AAOMPT and becoming a Fellow was a natural part of that journey.”

Now based in Marietta, GA, David serves as faculty at Emory University, where he co-teaches foundational, musculoskeletal, and advanced medical screening courses while mentoring within the orthopaedic residency program.

Through AAOMPT, David has connected with colleagues he’s proud to call friends and gained access to resources that have enriched his teaching, research, and clinical practice.

“I value the opportunity to learn from leaders in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. AAOMPT’s work is influential and pioneering, and being part of this community keeps me inspired to push the boundaries of physical therapy practice.”

David’s research focuses on ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE)—an emerging technology with exciting implications for musculoskeletal physical therapy. He’s published three first-author studies, has two more under review, and is leading a team presenting on SWE at CSM 2026 (Thursday, Feb 12 at 10:30 a.m.). He also collaborates on SWE projects with colleagues at Emory, Auburn, and within professional soccer.

👏 Join us in celebrating David’s dedication to advancing research, education, and excellence in orthopaedic manual physical therapy!

📍 Emory University | Marietta, GA
🔗 Learn more about David’s work

12/18/2025

Tim Flynn, Addressing anxiety with breath work, full episode on the Hands on Hands off Podcast!

12/16/2025

🌟 AAOMPT Member Spotlight: Matt Schumacher, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT 🌟

For Matt Schumacher, the decision to join AAOMPT came at the exact moment he chose to pursue fellowship training—a leap that was equal parts terrifying, exciting, and transformative.

“I knew I wanted to challenge myself to grow into the best physical therapist I could be, and this was the ideal path to make that happen.”

That leap set the tone for Matt’s career. Today, he serves as a core faculty member in the University of Mary’s Physical Therapy Department—his alma mater—and also practices part-time at CC’s Physical Therapy in Bismarck, ND.

Each year, Matt renews his AAOMPT membership to stay connected with a passionate community dedicated to advancing manual therapy and lifelong learning.

“I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without AAOMPT. The opportunities, mentors, colleagues, and friends I’ve met along the way have truly shaped my journey as a physical therapist.”

As both a clinician and educator, Matt brings evidence-informed, high-level orthopaedic manual therapy principles to his patients and students alike. His growing passion for research and collaboration continues to fuel his pursuit of excellence and his desire to keep learning from those around him.

👏 Join us in celebrating Matt’s commitment to advancing the profession and inspiring the next generation of physical therapists!

📍 University of Mary DPT | CC’s Physical Therapy, Bismarck, ND

12/11/2025

1979 Original members of the Atlanta Back Clinic one of the first sub specialty clinics in Georgia started by Stanley Paris in 1975. From left to right Paul McAndrew, Barrett Dorko, Steve Kraus and Rich Nyberg.

12/10/2025

December means it's membership renewal time! Continue to support our shared mission of promoting Excellence in the specialty of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy.

12/09/2025

🌟 AAOMPT Member Spotlight: Brett Halpert, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT 🌟

During physical therapy school, Brett Halpert had the privilege of learning under Dr. Francis Jung, a Fellow of AAOMPT. Watching Dr. Jung deliver exceptional, evidence-informed, and compassionate care left a lasting impression—one that inspired Brett to pursue fellowship training and become an AAOMPT Fellow himself.

Today, Brett practices at Sparks Physical Therapy in Baltimore County, MD, where his fellowship training continues to shape his clinical excellence and professional growth.

“I maintain my AAOMPT membership each year to stay connected with a community of physical therapists who value lifelong learning and continued professional growth.”

Through his fellowship experience, Brett has strengthened his confidence in treating orthopedic conditions, refined his ability to collaborate across healthcare disciplines, and deepened his understanding of research and evidence-based practice.

He credits his involvement in AAOMPT with helping him not only develop advanced clinical reasoning but also build stronger relationships—both in and outside the clinic—by better validating others’ experiences, tailoring care to individual needs, and fostering empathy.

Since completing his fellowship, Brett has co-authored multiple research studies, further advancing his ability to translate evidence into meaningful clinical application.

👏 Join us in celebrating Brett’s dedication to excellence and lifelong learning in orthopaedic manual physical therapy!

📍 Sparks Physical Therapy | Baltimore County, MD

12/06/2025

Congratulations to the 2025 AAOMPT Innovation Award Recipient, Dr. Joseph Kucksdorf, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT. Dr. Kucksdorf spearheads the primary care model of care at Emplify Health by embedding physical therapists into the primary care clinic as first line providers. Concurrently, Joe leverages a partnership with the Bellin College Doctor of Science program to track outcomes at Emplify Health and produce meaningful outcomes research through the health system, recently surpassing 50 publications for the program.

12/05/2025

Free Webinar!
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/oJ64DX-aTumSC1vOKmK-Vg

12/04/2025

🌟 AAOMPT Member Spotlight: Patrick Pham, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT 🌟

After years of clinical practice and teaching family medicine residents in Cambodia, Patrick Pham returned to the U.S. ready to renew his PT license—and rediscover his passion for manual therapy.

While taking a lumbar manual therapy course with Rusty Smith, former Dean at the University of Lynchburg College of Health Sciences, Patrick was inspired by his instructor’s clinical reasoning, hands-on skills, and patient-centered approach. Over lunch at Chick-fil-A, Rusty encouraged Patrick to move to Jacksonville, FL, to pursue residency and fellowship training in orthopaedic manual physical therapy. Patrick packed his bags—and never looked back.

Today, Patrick lives and practices at Main Line Health just outside Philadelphia. As a dedicated AAOMPT Fellow, he continues to elevate the profession through research, mentorship, and collaboration.

“I choose to participate as an AAOMPT member every year because I’m looking to elevate the profession. I get to impact not only my esteemed colleagues but, more importantly, the patient. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve used the AAOMPT directory to connect friends and family with high-quality practitioners.”

Recently, Patrick and his research mentor Dr. Raine Osborne presented at the Education Leadership Conference, showcasing an innovative near-peer teaching model that connects DPT students and residents to strengthen diagnostic reasoning and bridge the PT education continuum.

👏 Join us in celebrating Patrick’s commitment to advancing excellence in orthopaedic manual physical therapy!

🔗 Connect with Patrick: linkedin.com/in/patrick-h-pham/

12/03/2025

On demand IFOMT webinar available now! During this 1 hour webinar you will Learn from Dr. Derek Clewley, of Duke University, about strategies to reduce burnout through professional development. https://ifompt.thinkific.com/courses/DerekClewley

12/02/2025

Please Consider the Foundation for OMPT this Giving Tuesday!
https://fompt.org/Foundation/Foundation/Donate_Today/Donate_Today.aspx?hkey=065c7368-9869-4caf-9228-dba5fe671631

11/30/2025

Congratulations to the 2025 John McMillan Mennell Service Award Recipient, Gail Deyle, PT, DSc, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT.
Dr. Deyle is the embodiment of the clinician scientist who strives to continuously improve his own skills through education and training and defines clinical treatment strategies through high quality clinical trials published in leading journals. The impact Dr. Deyle has on our profession is tremendous through mentorship, service and education at every level.

Address

Baton Rouge, LA

Telephone

+12253603124

Website

http://www.aaompt.org/

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