March 2022 Andrew Ray is leading an inspiring career in physical therapy and oncology research. Andrew an APTA New York member since 2008, works with lung cancer patients in outpatient physical therapy at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is also a professor of Oncology and provides valuable research in lung cancer all while helping his patients and teaching students. Andrew talks more about his background and how he manages a busy schedule in this month’s member spotlight. Read more about Andrew below.
1. How Long have you been a member of APTA New York?
I have been a member since approximately 2008.
2. What do you enjoy most about APTA New York?
Over the last few years, I’ve gotten involved with the NYPTA research group and have enjoyed meeting with other members, attending the board meetings and learning what others are doing across the state.
3. Tell us a little about your background, and how your path led you to where you are today.
After graduating PT school, I discovered that I enjoyed research and went on to complete a PhD in Exercise Science with an emphasis in respiratory physiology. During my post-doctoral work, I performed research that focused on improving exercise performance in athletes and U.S. Navy Divers by specifically training the respiratory muscles. Upon completing my Post-doc, I become a faculty member in the PT program at the University at Buffalo. There, I transitioned my work into a clinical population and began studying respiratory muscle weakness/dysfunction in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. However, during this time, my sister lost her battle with lung cancer which drove me to change my research and career focus into lung cancer/oncology.
In 2013, I received the NYPTA research award to examine shortness of breath in lung and breast cancer survivors. This data provided the necessary pilot work for my current NIH funded research program, performing pre-habilitation in Non-Small Lung Cancer patients eligible for lung resection surgery. Currently, I am an Associate Professor of Oncology and outpatient therapist at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo NY. My clinic time (2 days/week) is primarily spent helping lung cancer patients before, during and after treatment. When I’m not in the clinic (3 days/week), I work on and expand my research in lung and other cancer populations.
4. What’s the most rewarding part about your work and what are some challenges?
The opportunity to be a part of a team of providers and helping patients get through treatment and/or recovering from surgery faster is an honor. Mitigating the shortness of breath most of my patient’s experience is very rewarding because this can drastically improve their quality of life.
5. What is a typical day like for you?
Depends on the day. I spend two half days and one full day in the outpatient PT clinic every week. In the clinic I work mostly with lung cancer, but I also work with cancer patients who have COPD or those who are going to have prolonged surgery. While performing either aerobic or resistance exercise, I am always monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen, as well as exertion and shortness of breath. These measurements ensure safety and help to educate my patients on how to exercise on their own. Together, we also work on retraining and strengthening their breathing muscles.
On research days, I spend a lot of time at my desk writing grants and papers. I also go to the research laboratory where we examine many outcomes including maximal and submaximal exercise tests on cancer patients before, during and following cancer treatment as well as pre- and post-exercise specialized programs.
6. Who is one of your role models and why?
1) My father for teaching me about commitment and a strong work ethic. But most importantly, he taught me the value of family and how to be a great father to my two boys and husband to my wife.
2) I did an internship as an undergraduate Exercise Science Student in an outpatient PT clinic owned by Ron Schenk, PT, PhD. After watching Ron work with patients and his students, he increased my passion to be a PT as well as an educator.
3) My masters Advisor Frank Cerny, PhD who turned me on to exercise and respiratory research. Frank also knew the importance of family, hard work, integrity, and most importantly, regular exercise. He also married me and my wife!
7. What’s the most important trend you see today?
I’m finally seeing the importance of strengthening the respiratory muscles in many patient populations. But overall, I am glad to see PT’s finally becoming preventative medicine experts and helping patients work towards achieving national exercise guidelines to mitigate chronic comorbidities.
8. What advice would you give APTA New York members who are new to the profession and want to make a difference?
• As much continuing education and training as you can.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Get involved at a local or national level. Small or a lot, whatever you can handle.
• Follow your passion. Passion for what you’re doing will make you a better provider.
9. How do you make time to volunteer and be active in groups you’re involved with?
Its hard, you need to prioritize and plan accordingly but it’s important to make time for what’s important to you.
10. What else would you like your fellow APTA New York Members to know about you? (Feel free to tell us a little about yourself here, whatever you’re comfortable sharing – family, hobbies, pets, fun facts about you, etc.)
I’m a lifelong Buffalonian. I’m married with two boys, a 3- and 5-year-old. I’m an avid Buffalo sports fan (Bills and Sabres), but I also grew up a Yankees fan. I coached my sons T-ball team with tremendous help and support from my wife. As a family we like spending time outdoors. We downhill ski most winter weekends, and hike and bike in the summer. I love pugs! Go Bills!
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