Why PTs Don’t Need to Specialize to Be Great

Описание: Recorded LIVE from APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2026 in Anaheim, Jimmy sits down with Ben Lindaman, Assistant Professor at Tufts University and board-certified neuro specialist, to challenge a growing trend in healthcare:

The obsession with specialization.

In a profession increasingly defined by niche credentials and subspecialties, Ben makes the case that being a generalist isn’t a fallback — it’s a strength.

They discuss:

Why PTs feel pressure to specialize
How early specialization can limit clinical growth
What we lose when we undervalue generalists
The impact of value-based care on PT identity
Why rural and primary care PTs must think broadly
How young clinicians can define identity without rushing into a niche

If you’re a PT feeling “less than” for not pursuing specialization — this episode will reset your mindset.

It’s not about titles.

It’s about competence, confidence, and ownership.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Generalist Vs Specialist
02:45 – Why PTs Feel Pressure
05:10 – Value Based Care Debate
06:55 – Rural PT Reality
08:40 – Advice For Young Clinicians
11:45 – Clinical Identity Shift

(Structured per Apple Podcast chapter best practices )

👤 Guest

Ben Lindaman, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor – Tufts University (Seattle)
PRN Clinician – Good Shepherd Penn Partners & Magee Rehabilitation Hospital