Kelly Collins, PT, DPT, CLT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy & Assistant Professor has recently become the Co-Chair of the Lymphatic Diseases Special Interest Group (SIG). This committee is part of the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). In 2021 Dr. Collins will serve as the co-chair, and then in 2022 will become the chair of the committee. According to the APTA “Lymphedema is a common side effect of cancer treatment impacting many survivors. The Lymphatic Diseases SIG serves to help disseminate information for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants working with patients with lymphedema, through related literature, updates on lymphedema legislation, and shared information between therapists experienced in treating the condition. Our common purpose is to enhance the quality of life of patients with lymphedema that we treat.”

During her time as co-chair and chair, she will work on advocacy and promotion of the lymphatic SIG, continued communication and education on lymphatics, and share current research for lymphatic management. The SIG also helps to contribute exam bank questions to the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), the national exam to become a licensed physical therapist, and also the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities, which provides education and exams for therapists to become board-certified specialists in ten areas.

This leadership position within the APTA will allow Dr. Collins to advance her clinical expertise and career, provide networking opportunities, and learn about diverse treatment considerations used across the country. It will also help ensure she is up to date on her evidence-based practice. Also, as a younger member of the SIG, she hopes to ignite interest in physical therapy and in this specialty area.