In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Dr. Sarah Case-Morris, assistant professor at the University of Michigan–Flint, to explore how mental health, pain science, and health and wellness promotion are being woven into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Dr. Case-Morris shares her inspiring journey from teaching assistant to shaping the next generation of PTs, and we dive into her research on how early-career therapists—trained in the biopsychosocial model—approach pain and mental health differently than those rooted in a more traditional biomedical lens.

We also talk about the real-world challenges of implementing clinical practice guidelines, especially when it comes to screening for psychosocial risk factors in back pain. Sarah gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how she’s integrating pain science, mental health, and health and wellness into her teaching—right as CAPTE requirements are evolving to highlight the mental, psychological, and emotional dimensions of health.

This is an important conversation about the future of physical therapy education and how preparing students with a whole-person approach can change the way we care for individuals and communities.

For more information, visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com 

For CEU courses on pain and mental health, visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course/

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

Watch the Episode Here

https://youtu.be/DKPr1nljPsU

Listen to the Podcast Here

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS

Timestamps

00:00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:00:24 – Overlapping Topics in Physical Therapy
00:00:49 – Importance of Integrating Mental Health, Health Promotion, and Pain Management
00:01:09 – Sarah’s Journey into Physical Therapy Education
00:01:30 – Early Observations in Chronic Pain Treatment
00:01:51 – Research on Pain Science and Practitioner Attitudes
00:02:24 – Research Focus on Early Career Physical Therapists
00:03:12 – Differences in Approaches Based on Experience
00:04:08 – Implementation Science and Clinical Practice Guidelines
00:05:02 – Challenges in Following Clinical Practice Guidelines
00:05:26 – Knowledge Translation Study and Chart Audits
00:05:52 – Screening for Psychosocial Risk Factors
00:06:31 – Informal vs. Formal Screening
00:07:00 – Challenges in Screening and Addressing Psychosocial Factors
00:07:44 – Integrating Mental Health into Physical Therapy
00:08:41 – Mission to Include Mental Health in Entry-Level Education
00:08:59 – Implementing Psychological Health in the Curriculum
00:09:19 – Starting with Pain Science
00:09:52 – Developing an Elective Course on Pain Management
00:10:24 – Revamping the Course with Mental Health Emphasis
00:11:06 – Skill Building for Patient-Centered Care
00:11:40 – Distinguishing Pain Education from Mental Health Interventions
00:12:28 – Student Contributions to Course Evolution
00:13:01 – Trauma-Informed Care and Student Mental Health
00:14:19 – Communication Skills in Patient Care
00:15:12 – Challenges in Clinical Practice for New Graduates
00:16:43 – Positive Impact of New Communication Skills
00:17:07 – Addressing Complex Patients
00:17:27 – Preparing Students for Real-World Challenges
00:18:43 – CAPTI Standards and Mental Health Components
00:19:41 – Suggestions for CAPTI Requirements
00:20:25 – Balancing Broad and Prescriptive Standards
00:21:22 – Importance of Communication Skills
00:22:20 – Addressing Psychosocial Issues During COVID
00:23:43 – Importance of Follow-Up in Screening
00:25:11 – Impact of Physical Therapy on Mental Health
00:26:12 – Lack of Follow-Up in Clinical Practice
00:27:28 – Integrating Mind and Body in Treatment
00:28:01 – Debunking Myths Around Pain
00:28:12 – Vision for Curriculum Integration
00:29:28 – Health and Wellness Competencies
00:30:19 – Integration vs. Separate Courses
00:30:38 – Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Sarah Case-Morris, PT, DSc has been a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Michigan-Flint since January 2019. She is a licensed Physical Therapist and certified Therapeutic Pain Specialist with over 20 years of experience in outpatient orthopedics and home care. Dr. Case-Morris also has over 12 years of full-time experience as a physical therapy educator in both Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education programs. She conducts research in the area of physical therapists’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding persistent musculoskeletal pain and barriers to implementation of clinical practice guidelines. Learn more about Dr. Case-Morris here: https://directory.umflint.edu/physical-therapy/sacase