FPTA Spotlight: Melissa Lazinski, PT, DPT

💼 Professional Background

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

This was a long time ago, but initially when I started college, I thought I wanted to be a research biologist, so I was majoring in microbiology. Then I met a girl in my science classes who was going to be a physical therapist. I didn’t even know what that was, but it sounded interesting. The only healthcare jobs I knew were physician or nurse. The next time I was home I volunteered in the rehab department at the hospital. Once I spent time watching the PTs work and talking with the patients, I knew I wanted to pivot. When I went back to school, I set a goal to apply to major in PT.

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

I majored in physical therapy, and my entry-level degree was a bachelor's. Those degrees have not been offered for quite some time. In fact, 1999 was the last year the University of Florida awarded a bachelor’s in physical therapy, and that was the year I graduated. I have now been a physical therapist for 26 years. During the first half of my career, I worked in clinical practice across a variety of settings. Since 2011, I have been teaching physical therapy. Currently, I serve as the program director of the DPT program at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

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

My clients are now my students. I always try to make the classroom fun, but my favorite part of working with my students is getting to work one on one with them. I especially enjoy mentoring them toward their professional goals like residency or advocacy. These are the times I feel like I can make an impact on the direction of their career and the kind of physical therapist they ultimately become. 

🌟 Professional Involvement

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

My membership has always help me see that I am part of something bigger. I was with one of my students at the Fall conference this year. As we were talking, I said hello to multiple people and pointed out several others to her and explained their roles in the FPTA. It helped me see through her eyes something that I have grown to take for granted and that is the excellent community of professionals we have in the state of Florida. Being part of that community has helped me in my career clinically and now in academia through the contacts I have made and the mentoring I have received from other members.

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

Be a member and get involved. This profession will be what you make of it! Start small with a committee, special interest group, or local district meeting. The pressures facing healthcare and physical therapy will not be eased by sitting on the side lines. We all have different strengths we can bring to the table that collectively can make a difference.

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

I believe the greatest challenge facing our profession is the economic viability of a career in physical therapy. Reimbursement rates continue to decline, while the cost of education keeps rising. Addressing reimbursement requires ongoing advocacy and a consistent effort to influence legislation, so that physical therapists are compensated fairly for their services.

The rising cost of education is a deeply personal concern for me. If we want our profession to have a bright future, we must ensure a steady supply of PTs and PTAs to meet growing demands. Delivering high-value education while keeping it affordable is a significant challenge. However, I am confident that it is not only necessary and vital for our profession’s survival—it is also achievable.

💬 Fun & Personal Side

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

If I could share a meal with any historical figure, I would choose Elizabeth I. As a female monarch, which was controversial to say the least, she overcame immense adversity and led England through a period of dramatic change. Her intelligence, resilience, and vision set her apart as a remarkable leader. I would love to hear firsthand how she navigated political intrigue, made difficult decisions, and inspired loyalty in her people—especially as a woman facing unique challenges. Her perspective on leadership and perseverance would be both fascinating and incredibly valuable.

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

I am an avid gardener with a passion for Florida native plants. I prefer ornamental gardening using native plants over vegetable gardening, but I do both. Planting native plants supports our unique ecosystem and provides homes and food to our animals and insects. I love to see all the species that I attract with my plants. One of my favorites is native firebush which attracts all types of butterflies and bees and birds eat its berries. When I am not at work, you can find me working in my yard covered in dirt or just relaxing and taking it in.