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PTA+ Physical Therapist AssistantAuthor: Katie Sutton
A podcast for Physical Therapist Assistants by Physical Therapist Assistants Language: en-us Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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When Ethics Get Complicated: Navigating Gray Areas in PT & PTA Education
Monday, 26 October, 2026
What happens when doing the right thing isn't always obvious?In this episode of PTA+, Katie Sutton welcomes Shannon Dudash, Hillary Markle, and Josh Halfpap for a conversation recorded at the APTA Educational Leadership Conference about ethical challenges facing PTs, PTAs, students, and clinical educators.The discussion explores the APTA Code of Ethics, the difference between professionalism and ethical conduct, the RIPS ethical decision-making model, and the challenges of maintaining professional boundaries in an increasingly connected world.Whether you're a PTA student, clinical instructor, director of clinical education, or practicing clinician, this episode offers practical perspectives on how to recognize ethical concerns, communicate effectively, and prioritize patient well-being.Key TakeawaysKnow the standards. Understand how professional expectations and enforceable ethical standards differ.Recognize gray areas. Social media relationships and clinical education dynamics can create complicated professional boundaries.Use a framework. The RIPS model helps clinicians consider patients, students, organizations, and competing responsibilities.Communicate early. Clinical instructors and students should reach out to their DCE, SCCE, or other appropriate support when concerns arise.Put patients first. Patient dignity, safety, and professional responsibility should guide ethical decisions.Speak up. Don't wait until an uncomfortable situation becomes a larger problem.Memorable Plus Points"Be better than seated exercises.""Have high expectations of your coworkers."The guests remind listeners that the profession has an opportunity to elevate ethical standards through accountability, collaboration, and clear boundaries.Connect with PTA+Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcastPTA+ PartnersMedBridgeExplore continuing education and professional development opportunities.https://www.medbridge.com/pta-plus-podcastUse promo code PTAPLUS.SPRYLearn more about SPRY's practice management solutions through the PTA+ partner link.https://www.sprypt.com/partner/katie-suttonPartner and affiliate links help support PTA+.Join the ConversationHave you encountered an ethical gray area during a clinical rotation or in your professional practice? Share your experience with the PTA+ community.Follow and subscribe to PTA+ for more conversations about PTA education, professional development, clinical practice, and leadership.
