A new chapter of leadership is beginning at ACAPT.

In the latest episode of FlexCast, ACAPT Executive Director Dr. Celia Zamora sits down with incoming ACAPT President Dr. Heather Ross, PT, MPT, for a candid conversation about her journey in academic physical therapy, her approach to leadership, and her vision for ACAPT's future.

Dr. Ross, a longtime ACAPT leader and current member of the Board of Directors, will officially begin her term as president on October 15 during the Educational Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

Getting to know the leader behind the role

Ross shares the experiences that brought her to physical therapy education and academic leadership, the mentors and lessons that influenced her along the way, and the values that continue to shape how she leads.

The episode also explores her connection to ACAPT and why serving the academic physical therapy community has become an important part of her professional journey.

For Ross, leadership is not simply about holding a position. It is about listening, building relationships, developing others and bringing people together around a shared purpose.

Looking ahead to ACAPT's next chapter

As Ross prepares to assume the presidency, the conversation turns toward the opportunities and challenges facing ACAPT and academic physical therapy.

From strengthening member engagement and developing future academic leaders to advocacy, innovation and navigating change across higher education and healthcare, Ross shares what she believes ACAPT can accomplish by harnessing the expertise and perspectives of its members.

The episode also considers some of the larger questions facing the academy: How can DPT programs respond to change without becoming reactive? How do we balance innovation with the core purpose of professional education? And where does academic physical therapy need a stronger, more unified voice?

Throughout the conversation, one message is clear: ACAPT's future will not be shaped by one leader alone.

It will depend on members sharing ideas, raising challenges, volunteering, mentoring, advocating and contributing their expertise to the work of the organization.

A presidency built on participation

As she begins her term, Ross encourages members to see themselves as active participants in ACAPT's next chapter.

Whether through ACAPT's Institutes, committees, advocacy efforts, educational programs, research, member communities or volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to contribute to the future of academic physical therapy.

Listen to our newest episode of FlexCast.

And as ACAPT welcomes its next president, consider:

What should ACAPT prioritize as we work together to advance academic physical therapy?

FlexCast is ACAPT's podcast exploring the people, ideas and issues moving academic physical therapy forward.