APTA Public Relations is recruiting physical therapists to join our group of spokespersons, the APTA Media Corps. This group consists of APTA member physical therapists, representing various specialties, who will be professionally media coached to serve as regular and familiar spokespersons for the association. APTA PR staff facilitate requests from a variety of national media outlets who are interested in the many symptoms and conditions PTs treat. We respond to an average of more than 130 requests a year, not including proactive opportunities.
APTA is looking for eight new spokespersons across most specialties, with a particular need in the following areas: geriatric, pediatric, pelvic health, orthopaedics, and arthritis-patient care.
Each new member will be required to attend a media coaching workshop at APTA headquarters later in 2024 (expenses reimbursed by APTA). Your 3-year term will start January 1, 2025, with an option to renew for one more term.
Position Objective
To represent APTA, with the support of APTA PR staff, to members of the media seeking information on physical therapy and/or APTA’s stance and positions (if applicable).
Position Requirements and Responsibilities
Timely responses to media inquiries and interview requests, in coordination with APTA staff, are required, including:
· Ability to articulate information, with the support of APTA PR staff, about physical therapy and APTA’s stance and positions (if applicable) via media interviews with print, broadcast (radio and television), and online media outlets.
· Willingness to provide evidence or anecdotal information to reporters when appropriate.
· Commitment to becoming familiar with materials, such as APTA messaging playbooks and interview tips provided by APTA.
· Readiness to promote approved consumer messaging, your status as an APTA spokesperson, and other official consumer resources such as APTA’s Find a PT database and APTA’s consumer-facing website ChoosePT.com.
· Enthusiasm to serve as an ambassador and amplifier for the ChoosePT brand and related public awareness campaigns.
The spokesperson’s commentary and responses to media inquiries must conform with existing APTA policy positions and statements (if applicable).
Expression of personal opinions should not be stated when representing the association as a member of the APTA Media Corps.
Opinions should not be expressed in contradiction with approved APTA consumer messaging, policy, or positions in an interview and on other public platforms, e.g., social media.
Please contact APTA PR staff if you have any concerns about an APTA policy or position.
Time Commitment
In addition to the responsibilities mentioned above, the average estimated time commitment is approximately two hours per month, depending on the number and type of media requests received. The hours of services requested, if any, will fluctuate each month.
Training and Preparation
You will be required to participate in a one-day media coaching workshop at APTA headquarters (expenses covered) with the other new spokespersons. You will learn the basics of handling an interview, including developing key messages, responding to questions, body language, etc.
Qualifications
You must be an APTA member in good standing and be interested in and committed to raising awareness of the profession through media relations. You must be willing to be recognized as an APTA spokesperson and have your name (including professional title) appear in the media.
Job Support
· APTA PR staff.
· Media coaching.
· Key messaging playbooks.
Media Training Benefits
You will be part of a small (no more than 16 persons) group of media savvy APTA spokespersons from across the country. In your role, you will become known to the media and consumers as a reliable source of information about the benefits of physical therapy. As such, you must conduct yourself with utmost professionalism during interviews and honor your scheduled interview commitments. You will have access to APTA PR staff, who will guide you in all aspects of your responsibilities and provide the information and materials that you will need to become an effective media spokesperson. The skills you develop during training and working with the media will benefit you in public speaking, meetings, teaching, etc.
Questions? Contact: public-relations@apta.org.