Mike Connors and Ricardo Fernandez come onto HET Podcast to discuss their experiences and perspectives serving overseas as physical therapy clinicians and educators. Mike & Ricardo provide tremendous and helpful insight and this is a must listen to anyone interested in pursing international service opportunities.

Ricardo’s Email Address: fernandez23@usa.net  

Ricardo’s Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/fernandez23_ 

Mike’s Email Address: mjconnorspt@gmail.com  

Mike’s Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/mconnorspt 

Health Volunteers Overseas Website: https://hvousa.org/ourwork/programs/physical-therapy/

Stand: The Haiti Project Website: http://www.standhaitiproject.org/

APTA’s List of Pro Bono International Opportunities & Organizations: http://www.apta.org/ProBono/International/

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

U.S. Department of Travel Information: https://www.state.gov/travel/

Ricardo Fernandez’s 1st episode on the Healthcare Education Transformation Podcast talking about being an Item Writer for the NPTE/OCS Exams and being on a PT State Disciplinary Board: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ricardo-fernandez-npte-ocs-question-creator-disciplinary/id1244609366?i=1000392329303&mt=2

Mike Connor’s interview with Karen Litzy on the Healthy, Wealthy & Smart Podcast discussing advocacy, preventative care & burnout: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/235-dr-mike-connors-advocacy-preventative-care-burnout/id532717264?i=1000377046452&mt=2

The PT Hustle Website: https://www.thepthustle.com/ 

Schedule an Appointment with Kyle Rice: www.passtheptboards.com   

HET LITE Tool: www.pteducator.com/het    Anywhere Healthcare: https://anywhere.healthcare/ (code: HET)   Biographies:   Michael Connors, PT, DPT, OCS, PhD received his Master of Physical Therapy degree from University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ-Rutgers University in May 2003 with honors.  Dr. Connors obtained his post professional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in December 2008.  He became a board certified specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in June 2011. He completed a PhD degree in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in August 2017. Dr Connors is the current President of the Texas Physical Therapy Association. He also is an assistant professor within the UNT Health Science DPT Program.       Ricardo Fernandez has been working as a physical therapist for the past 28 years. He quickly rose in the healthcare profession and has worked in a variety of settings including acute care, out-patient clinics, private practice clinics and in education. He has also been an adjunct instructor at Governors State University, Morton College, Northwestern University and Oakton Community College. He has served as a clinical instructor for 87 students during their clinical affiliations throughout his career. Ricardo has been involved with protecting the public and has written physical therapist licensure exam questions and orthopedic specialty exam questions for physical therapists sitting for board certification in orthopedics. He was re-appointed to serve on the Illinois Physical Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board in 2012 and served as the chairperson until 2016.  Ricardo has generously donated his time to community based organizations and has presented over 150 physical therapy/health related lectures to various groups. Additionally, he has presented over 150 professional presentations across the country to physical therapists and other health care professionals for continued education. He is a licensed physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist and he is currently enjoying clinical practice.