February 2021
Julie Wolfley is an active member of NYPTA. She currently serves as the Western Chapter Director and has been an invaluable asset to NYPTA. Julie is passionate about her career in outpatient orthopedics, and values the excellent mentorship she received from her role model, Susan Bennett, who was a pioneer at Julie’s alma mater, Daemen College. Read more about Julie, this month's NYPTA Member Spotlight.
Take a few minutes and get to know this month's member spotlight with us! Enjoy the Q&A with Julie below.
1. How Long have you been a member of NYPTA?
I have been a member of the NYPTA since 1998, I joined when I was a PT student. I have served as Western District Corresponding Secretary for two years, District Chair for 4 years and am currently serving as Chapter Director.
2. What do you enjoy most about NYPTA?
The part I enjoy most about being a member of the NYPTA is how it connects you to other PTs in the state on a personal and professional level. Even during this pandemic, the NYPTA has been able to effectively connect us virtually.
3. Tell us a little about your background, and how your path led you to where you are today.
I graduated from Daemen College in 1999 with my BS, returned to Daemen for my DPT in 2004 and received my Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in 2013. I have been practicing in outpatient orthopedics for my entire career, with a short period of time in pediatrics. I practiced in a traditional outpatient clinic for a majority of my career and in 2019 opened an out-of-network/cash-based PT clinic to provide 1:1 intervention with two accomplished female PTs; Amy Barbasch, PT, DPT, OCS & Allison Hoestermann, PT, DPT.
4. What’s the most rewarding part about your work and what are some challenges?
The most rewarding part of my work is restoring a patient back to their personal health goal, all while, establishing a bond with that patient. A current challenge of my work is effectively communicating the difference between an in network and out of network outpatient orthopedic PT treatment session, to a new patient who has yet to arrive at our clinic.
5. What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me consists of treating orthopedic and vestibular patients 1:1 in our clinic, located within a gym. I communicate regularly with my patients and problem solve with my co-owners about our small business. A constant in my typical day is a work out and caring for my family.
6. Who is one of your role models and why?
One of my role models is Dr. Susan Bennett, who sadly passed away in 2020. She was also a Daemen grad (first graduating PT class), a previous NYPTA president, a passionate female physical therapist who was a leader, educator and mentor to every PT that crossed her path.
I would be remiss in this APTA Centennial year not to include Mary McMillian, our founding PT mother, as another one of my role models.
7. What’s the most important trend you see today?
The most important trend that I see today is the use of, and increased utilization of telehealth in Physical Therapy. Personally, it went from a service I rarely used to a permanent tool I use in my toolbelt to provide PT services to my patients.
8. What advice would you give NYPTA members who are new to the profession and want to make a difference?
The advice I would give to new PTs and PTAs new to our profession is to utilize the NYPTA’s well established network to become involved in legislation and join a committee that you are passionate about, to make a difference. Stay open minded to your ability to positively influence and advance the field of physical therapy. Maintain long-standing connections with your patients, they will be your strongest advocates and you will make a significant difference in their individual lives. As your career evolves, align with other specialists to allow for a full circle treatment approach.
9. How do you make time to volunteer and be active in groups you’re involved with?
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart” -Elizabeth Andrew.
Volunteering for a program or group that you are enthusiastic about makes finding the time easy and enriching.
10. What else would you like your fellow NYPTA members to know about you?
I am a proud mother of 3 children, married to a Physician Assistant, grew up in Owego, NY before moving to Western NY in 1995. I’m an exercise enthusiast, avid reader, “Uber” driver for my children and Netflix addict. I love attending my kids' sporting and school events, enjoy spending time outdoors and with friends.
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