FPTA Spotlight: Casey Vogler, PT, DPT

💼 Professional Background

Where do you practice?

I have spent over the last 10 years practicing in outpatient clinics in the greater Pensacola area at Andrews Institute Rehabilitation (AIR) which is part of Baptist Healthcare, a regional healthcare system in the Pensacola area. At various points throughout my time with AIR I have served as a team therapist for the University of West Florida athletic teams, clinic director, clinical instructor for DPT students, ATC students and exercise science students, and a mentor for a Sports Physical Therapy Residency program.

Tell us about your practice.

Andrews Institute Rehabilitation is the outpatient therapy department for Baptist Healthcare. AIR serves Andrews Institute Orthopedic practice which was founded by famed Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Until his retirement 2 years ago, Dr. Andrews worked out of our Gulf Breeze location which had a very sizeable PT clinic to serve his patients which included many high profile professional and amateur athletes from all around the country/world competing in many different types of sports

What led you to become a physical therapist?

I wanted to become a Physical Therapist before I had graduated from high School. I enjoyed playing different sports growing up as a child, and unfortunately, I had several season ending injuries throughout the years of competitions. Getting back to playing was always difficult, and I never had formal therapy. I always thought having someone to help with the return to play process would be so beneficial. After attending a summer career program and meeting a few local PTs, I decided to volunteered at an outpatient clinic the spring of my senior year in high school. That experience affirmed the career path I wanted to take. Coincidentally, I also really enjoy History and ended up getting a bachelor’s degree in history while also taking my prerequisite courses for PT school.

What’s your favorite thing about being a PT?

I enjoy building relationships with all different types of patients. I have learned that our career as PTs affords us valuable time to spend with people to not only help them get better but also learn their story and often take invaluable life lessons for ourselves. Also, working with athletes gives a great opportunity to see the end result of their hard work under your direction as they return to play the sports that most have dedicated their lives to perfecting. In addition to catching former patients participating in athletic events, it's also great to see a former patient perform at a concert or recreational activity that they have put forth as their end goals for their therapy. 

🌟 Professional Involvement

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

I’ve been in APTA/FPTA for almost 20 years dating back to when I was a student. The relationships I have built and developed are definitely my favorite part of the Association and the most beneficial personally and professionally.

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

I would say always, keep an open mind, try to do as much continuing education early on in your career as possible, and do everything you can to help someone.

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

I think that reimbursement issues have forced an environment that can lead to burnout in clinicians in many different areas of practice.

💬 Fun & Personal Side

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

It would definitely be Jesus, historically and spiritually he is the most influential person in history.

 What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? 

Spending time with my wife and three-year-old twin children going to the beach, traveling and watching sports.