FPTA Spotlight: Stephane Larocque, PT, DPT

💼 Professional Background

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

As a high school athlete who suffered an MCL injury, I experienced physical therapy firsthand and was deeply impressed by the treatment I received. The engaged and energetic environment, along with the teamwork I witnessed between staff and patients, created a promising and engaging atmosphere that felt fulfilling. It was an environment that promoted learning and healing for and with others, which inspired me to pursue this career

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

I have been a physical therapist for 35 years, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and later earning a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2021. My experience spans primarily outpatient orthopedics, but I have also worked in pediatrics and home health, across private clinics and hospital systems. While I have held roles in clinical management and administration, my passion remains in direct clinical care, team leadership, and program development. I currently work at Cora Physical Therapy, an outpatient setting, treating primarily orthopedic patients, but I also have the opportunity to work with pediatric case, those with general neurological disorders, amputees, and spinal injured patients. 

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

The most rewarding part of my work is the impact we make on patients and their families, especially for those who feel other healthcare professionals have given up on them. Our influence often extends beyond the individual to positively affect their work, families, friends, and communities. I am continually inspired by the trust patients place in us, sharing their personal struggles as well as medical issues, and celebrating their transformative success stories.

🌟 Professional Involvement

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

I joined the association later in my career, the past four years have revealed the tremendous strength of our advocacy group and its significant impact on our profession. The association has helped increase our practice independence and mitigated the challenges posed by cost-cutting and reimbursement issues. Attending events and social gatherings has allowed me to connect with passionate colleagues committed to the profession’s growth and our communities.

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

I advise seeking out environments that offer structured mentoring, facilitated training, continuing education, and professional development. It is important to work with individuals who are passionate about the impact physical therapy can have and, above all, to genuinely care about the work we do.

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

One of the biggest challenges is the rising cost of physical therapy education combined with increasing administrative burdens in patient care, while reimbursement growth fails to keep pace. Another significant development is the integration of artificial intelligence in patient care—not only for managing documentation but also for providing additional care methods. AI is already being used in the UK, and its eventual incorporation here will be crucial, especially as a shortage of physical therapists demands new approaches to care delivery.

💬 Fun & Personal Side

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

I would choose the Dalai Lama, who has said many impactful things such as, “be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” He embodies compassion, gratitude, and growth from adversity despite great personal struggles. I would be fascinated to learn how one attains such acceptance, happiness, compassion, determination, and continuous personal development.

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

My wife and I live on a working farm where we board horses, own donkeys, keep dairy goats, manage an apiary with bee hives, and have recently started growing exotic fruit. We also have several cats and dogs. Recently, I have been training my donkey to pull a two-person cart with the goal of giving donkey cart rides at our next Christmas party, which has been a fun and rewarding.