Physical Therapy Month isn’t just another event on the calendar—it’s a celebration of the critical role physical therapists play in healthcare. The expertise of PTs spans numerous specialties, including pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, neurology, and even emerging fields like health informatics.
This October, we’re thrilled to highlight Paulette Olson, a physical therapist whose journey from direct patient care to healthcare informatics has led to innovative solutions in the industry, including her own business, Prep 4 13. We spoke with Paulette about her unique career path, the challenges physical therapists face, and the advice she offers young therapists today.
The Connection that Started It All
Paulette’s journey from being a Traveling PT to working in health informatics began with her firsthand experiences as a physical therapist. She identified gaps in accessible, accurate information, often spending a large portion of her time searching for reliable data. Recognizing a need, Paulette’s longtime recruiter, Amy Barnes, encouraged her to create a solution for these challenges.
Transitioning from Patient Care to Informatics
After years of working directly with patients, Paulette noticed the obstacles therapists face when navigating various electronic medical record (EMR) systems. “Some EMRs are efficient, letting therapists complete notes without stress, while others are not,” she explains. Frustrated by these inefficiencies—especially during the pandemic—Paulette decided to address them with her tech-driven company, Prep 4 13.
Prep 4 13 helps traveling clinicians access state-specific practice acts quickly and reliably. As Paulette puts it, “The goal of Prep 4 13 is to provide clinicians with fast answers to practice-related questions, saving them from second-guessing or hours of research.” Paulette’s experience taught her that while EMRs are essential, they’re often outdated, making accurate information hard to find—a gap she aims to bridge for clinicians.
Insights from Working Across the Country
Paulette’s time as a travel physical therapist gave her a deep understanding of the unique regional and cultural differences therapists encounter. She recalls working in remote areas like Alaska, where questions about home environments could vary dramatically from other regions. “In Alaska, you might need to ask patients if they have indoor plumbing or if they’re taking a snowmobile home. Each region is unique,” she shares.
For Paulette, adapting her approach to each patient’s lifestyle was essential. “Every patient teaches you something new, so I encourage all travelers to connect with the local community, learn from their coworkers, and carry those insights forward to make the next place better,” she says.
Current Challenges in Physical Therapy
In recent years, Paulette has noticed a shift in how physical therapists practice. “Insurance regulations and facility protocols have increased, limiting the autonomy we once had,” she notes. Despite these restrictions, she is optimistic about the field’s future, as more physical therapists are opening private-pay practices to serve patients without the constraints of insurance. This independence, she believes, creates more opportunities for therapists to innovate and impact patient care.
Advice for New Graduates
Reflecting on her own early career, Paulette encourages new graduates to prioritize mentorship. “When I started, I was lucky to have great mentors who helped me grow as a therapist,” she says. For those just starting out, Paulette suggests seeking positions where mentorship is available, whether in a permanent or travel role. “Mentorship has made all the difference for me and helps elevate our profession as a whole.”
A Lifelong Passion
Paulette’s love for physical therapy and her commitment to giving back to the field remains strong. “Physical therapy is an amazing career, filled with endless learning opportunities,” she says. Her advice for all therapists: “Listen to your patients; they often have unique ways of adapting to their challenges. You can learn so much from them, and it makes our work incredibly fulfilling.”
Through her work with Prep 4 13 and her lasting impact on patients and peers, Paulette Olson exemplifies a physical therapist who has used her experiences and insights to make a meaningful difference in her field. This Physical Therapy Month, we celebrate her dedication, passion, and lasting contributions to the future of physical therapy.