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The Anatomy of Professionalism in Physical Therapy:
A Shared Value System

Susan S. Deusinger, PT, Ph.D.

Summary – The purpose of this article is to capture the core elements of professionalism as they specifically relate to Physical Therapy (PT).   A consensus conference of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) shows a high degree of overlap with other health professions, regarding these elements: accountability, altruism, caring/compassion, duty, excellence, integrity and respect.  Three challenges specific to PT are 1) a need to raise the consumer’s perception of the importance of movement as a vehicle for health; 2) to meet APTA’s newly expressed expectation of social responsibility; and 3) for physical therapists to achieve recognition as primary care practitioners in the hierarchy of health care systems.

V23-3-31

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