Dr. Mat Haager, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Dr. Haager is running for Nominating Committee Member in the 2023 APTA Colorado Elections. 

My name is Mat Haager, and I received my undergraduate degree in Biology from Wartburg College in 2010. I obtained my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Regis University in 2014, and moved on to get my Orthopaedic Clinical Specialty in 2017. I completed a Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy at Regis University in 2020. I have also spent the last 5 years engaged as an affiliate faculty member at Regis University. I practice at Denver Health Medical Center in outpatient, where I enjoy working with a diverse patient population, while I also engage in managerial operations working as the lead physical therapist. I have spent the previous 3 years on the Nominating Committee, and have enjoyed the engagement with the future leaders of the Colorado Chapter. In my spare time I enjoy fly fishing, running, and spending time with my wife and dog.

Identify and describe current or previous leadership positions and/or work experiences that make you qualified for this position:
I have spent the duration of my professional career practicing in the state of Colorado. Currently, I am the lead outpatient physical therapist at Denver Health. In this position I am involved in numerous managerial decisions including hiring as well as conflict management. Through this position, as well as my appointment as affiliate faculty member at Regis University, I have honed my leadership style while expanding my professional network in a way that would only benefit the Nominating Committee.

What strengths do you bring to the Colorado Chapter and what strengths would you bring to the position you are running for?
Leaning on my previous experience as a member of the Nominating Committee, I have an acute understanding of the processes and needs of the Colorado APTA. Aside from this, I have developed a professional network that spans from student to new graduate to established therapists, which lends itself well to developing a strong pool of candidates year over year.

What are weaknesses of the Colorado Chapter and what improvements would you like to make?
The Colorado Chapter faces challenges with engagement throughout the career lifespan. At the national level, membership cost creates a barrier to entry at the state level. Though this is unlikely to change, through strong appointments via the Nominating Committee, the offerings at the state level could improve the value of membership.