The conversation discusses the discontinuation of the Grad Plus loan program as of July 1st, 2026, highlighting its significance for PT students who primarily rely on this loan for financing their education. The implications of this change are explored, particularly how it affects students' ability to borrow money for their studies.

• As of July 1st, 2026, the grad loan program will no longer exist.

• DPT students primarily use Grad Plus loans for financing.
• The discontinuation of this program will impact many students and educational institutions.

In this episode of PT Outcast, Eric Robertson and Carly Lochala are joined by Elise Ruckert and Libby Krause of Trellis Ed to discuss the landscape of faculty development in education, sharing personal stories and experiences that highlight the challenges and opportunities in teaching. They explore the evolution of faculty development, the importance of mentorship, and the need for ongoing professional development. The conversation emphasizes the role of community in enhancing teaching practices and the ethical considerations surrounding adjunct faculty training. The episode concludes with reflections on morale and resilience in academia, advocating for a culture that values teaching and learning.

Check out Libby and Elise at: https://www.instagram.com/trellis.ed/ and linkedin.com/company/trellis-ed

Check out Brainsmith at: brainsmith.org and https://www.instagram.com/brainsmithed or

Elise Ruckert, PT, DPT, EdD, NCS is Assoc Prof at USC, Director DPT Mentor Program, Chair Education Research Lab, involved in multiple Academy of Education initiatives including National Prof Dev Committee and Clinical Educator Excellence Task Force. Involved in Neurologic residency leadership and mentoring for nearly 20 years. Currently editor of 3rd edition of Teaching and Learning in Physical Therapy: from Classroom to Clinic text.

Libby Krause, PT, DPT, NCS is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy at USC. Libby is a PT by training who has used her degree and other experience to find a place in the world of PT education and instructional design. Co-founder of Trellis Ed, educator development and instructional design.

A special collaborative podcast with the Movement and Climate Change podcast and PT Outcast. Paige Enfinger and Katherine Hendry, DPT students at Emory University and podcast hosts, Zach Walson, PT, DPT, OCS, who serves as Head of Clinical at Second Door Health, and Josh Engles, a PhD student at MIT join the discussion.

This thought-provoking conversation explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare, with a special focus on physical therapy. Perspectives from AI safety and interpretability, clinical practice, and academia share their perspectives on AI's game-changing potential while addressing ethical challenges and bias concerns. The discussion examines practitioners' responsibility to educate patients about AI tools and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks as AI rapidly evolves.

Speakers also tackle the environmental costs of AI development, how these technologies might address—or worsen—healthcare disparities, and questions of liability when using AI in treatment decisions. Join us as we reflect on this potentially society altering technology!

Link to: Movement and Climate Change Podcast