ATI Physical Therapist Named President of the Delaware Physical Therapy Association
Philip Allen, PT, DPT, was recently elected as the President of the Delaware Physical Therapy Association, a Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. The presidential term, starting January of 2015, is a two-year term.
Phil earned his Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT in 1974. He first practiced in local hospitals in Northern New York State, then relocated to the “warmer climes” of Southeastern Pennsylvania in 1980. He initially worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and then was employed by a large Philadelphia-based private practice. Phil founded a private practice in 1984, and eventually sold the practice. He provided services in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and earned his clinical Doctorate from Widener in 2005.
Recruited by Delaware Curative Physical Therapy in 2005, Phil opened the Rehoboth Beach Clinic in January 2006. He relocated from Mt. Laurel, NJ to his current home in Lewes, DE with his wife Carol. Phil joined ATI following the merger with MX Physical Therapy in 2012, and continues to enjoy his position as the Clinic Director of the Rehoboth Beach Clinic: “I have a great staff that shares my enjoyment of providing the highest quality of professional services in a caring atmosphere.”
Phil is a firm believer of community service, whether in his local or professional community. He became a member of Rotary International in Glenside, PA, an organization whose motto is “Service above Self.” He is also a current member of the Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Rotary Club, where he has served as President, as well as an Assistant Governor to Rotary District 7630. Phil said, “Initially I was ‘asked’ to serve by then President Dr. Joe Lucca as the Newsletter Editor and member of the Executive Committee in 2008. I gladly accepted. I was then ‘encouraged’ to become the Vice President in 2010 and happily accepted the opportunity to continue to serve. “
George Edelman, the current President, had a very busy year while Delaware’s Physical Therapy Practice Act underwent “Sunset Review” by the States’ Legislature. President Edelman and his Legislative team did a great job “accompanying” the ACT through the successful process. The final “touches” will occur early in 2015.
The DPTA consistently monitors the activities of payors along with legislative activities that may affect PT practices. Phil indicated, “ It’s our responsibility to communicate potential activities, negative or positive, to our membership.” The DPTA currently represents 450 physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in the State.
The President also serves as a representative of the APTA House of Delegates. The House meets annually for three successive days each spring, during which time delegates make decisions on issues that may have far-reaching implications for the association and for the profession of physical therapy.
The APTA’s vision is “Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience and address challenges facing our patients in the future.” Movement is a key to optimal living and quality of life for all people that extend beyond health to every person’s ability to participate in and contribute to society.
Phil is looking forward to serving the Membership over the next few years as President, “I will focus our Chapter’s energy on assuring continued value for our members, whether that is addressing the continued downward pressure from payors, or participating in the discussion on legislative issues that occur in the state.”