Tami Struessel, PT, DPT

Dr. Struessel is running for Delegate at Large in the 2022 APTA Colorado Elections. 

Tami Struessel is an Associate Professor in the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program.  She teaches in the areas of practice management, clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, and musculoskeletal physical therapy practice and previously taught as part of the Interprofessional Education Program. She coordinates the Quality Improvement and Safety Curricular Element for the DPT Program and is involved in educational research in this area with a focus on organizational culture.  Over her 18 year academic career, she has published 14 peer-reviewed papers and 50 abstracts and has presented locally, nationally and internationally on her research, health policy and various orthopedic topics  For nearly a decade, she was a member of the Colorado State Physical Therapy Board, 4 years as President.  She has served in various roles as part of the Colorado Chapter of the APTA including Delegate at Large, Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee and founding member/Chair of the Student Mentoring Committee.  She has been a practicing clinician for 31 years and is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and certified manual therapist.

What strengths do you bring to the Colorado Chapter and what strengths would you bring to the position you are running for?
Serving as Colorado Delegate at Large was a great learning experience and I’m excited to continue to grow in this role if elected again.  I have been a physical therapist for 31 years, 29 in Colorado and I feel that having the perspective of seeing change over time is a strength.  And perhaps my greatest strength is a belief in creating change that “lifts all boats.”

What are weaknesses of the Colorado Chapter and what improvements would you like to make?
It seems that Colorado APTA has the same challenges as many non-profit organizations, getting more membership and more involvement of their members.  Some people are members but don’t fully see the benefit of membership until they participate in Committees or are elected to offices.  It is then that they see the hard work that goes into advocating for our profession.  I have and will continue to advocate for bringing in more enthusiastic new members and for encouraging active participation of those who are waiting on the sideline…excited to participate if only someone asked! Thank you for considering electing me again to serve my profession in this important role.