FPTA Spotlight: Andrew Loscalzo, PT, DPT, ATC

💼 Professional Background

What inspired you to pursue a career in physical therapy/physical therapy assisting?

At age 19, I was changing my major to Sports Medicine/Athletic training and needed a P/T job for college tuition.  I visited my hometown hospital, and they had a P.T. Aide job available, and my P.T. journey began!

How long have you been practicing, and what setting do you currently work in?

I have been in private practice and home health arenas for 39+ years.

What’s your favorite part of working with patients or clients?

I love treating patient F/T to solve their P.T. issues, make them laugh, earn their trust, and simply have changed that 4-letter word “WORK” into infinite years of “FUN.”

🌟 Professional Involvement

How has being a member of APTA/FPTA benefited you professionally or personally?

Membership has benefited me in a multitude of ways. Meeting professional mentors, developing as a mentor, networking, building my professional and clinical skills, and lifelong friendships that are true and genuine! All have developed me into being the ultimate physical therapist I can be. With that said, I am eternally grateful and humbled with the incredible people. I’ve met through FPTA and APTA! 

What advice would you give to students or early-career PTs/PTAs?

Students have more challenges, diverse curriculums, doctoral requirements, etc.  but keep at the task, network with others at all levels, stay focused, endure the grind, and success will be there!

What do you think are the biggest opportunities or challenges facing the field right now?

We as a profession need to grind at the grass roots level to validate our medical expertise, stay focused to produce clinical outcomes to stand above the rest of the medical community, continual advancement of our education and skill levels to educate medical practitioners, insurance industry, government agencies, etc.

💬 Fun & Personal Side

If you could have dinner with any historical or famous figure, who would it be and why?

Abraham Lincoln (16^th President of the USA) a born “TRUE leader with enormous national challenges to face.  He addressed American problems at a critical time period/crossroads offering answers, solutions, direction and vision to our country!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?  I am “SPORTS NUT”

I have endeavored in over 20 + sports in my lifetime from running, weight training, college crew team, golf, bowling, etc., and my lifelong passion with competitive ice hockey, which I still do at age 67 (58+ years on the ice)!  Also, I enjoy traveling in my later years, being a grandfather, being a mentor, and always enjoy making new personal and professional friends!