May | 2026 | Acute Conversations

Episode Description:

What happens when burnout becomes a turning point instead of an exit?

In this episode of Acute Conversations, Abby Catamas joins co-host Nicole Neveau and host Leo Arguelles for a candid and energizing conversation about identity, advocacy, and growth as a physical therapist assistant in acute care.

Abby shares the pivotal moment when she nearly stepped away from the profession—and how stepping into leadership as PTA Member at Large helped her rediscover purpose. Together, they unpack what it means to practice at the top of your license, the evolving role of PTAs in high-acuity environments like the ICU, and why representation and voice matter now more than ever.

This episode also dives into the Advanced Proficiency Pathway for PTAs, highlighting opportunities for clinical growth, recognition, and long-term career development. From navigating interprofessional dynamics to building trust within PT/PTA partnerships, Abby offers a grounded perspective shaped by real bedside experience.

If you’ve ever questioned your “why,” this conversation is a reminder that it can evolve—and that growth often starts with using your voice.

Today’s Guests:

Abby Catamas, PTA

APTA Acute Care PTA Member At Large

johnsonabby96@gmail.com

IG: @rose17abby

Guest Quotes:

6:55 “ I think my best advice is just. You don’t have to give up your initial why, but maybe try to find a different why. It’s part of growth. It’s part of developing in your career too.”

25:46 “ Archana and I presented on APTA conference actually about like improving PT-PTA collaboration for like bi-directional mentorship and Partnership for improved patient outcomes. It all comes down to communication too. If I never communicate with my PT about what’s going on or questions I may have, how is my supervising PT on that floor? Going to feel comfortable that I’m doing an adequate chart review or that I know what I’m doing with my patient if I never update them with how a patient’s doing.”

30:32 “ She’s even though we supervise the PTAs, we are not like, you’re not above or below anybody. We’re supposed to work together. And that is the truest that is the truest statement I’ve heard as far as our profession is concerned, especially in acute care.”

Rapid Responses:

Give us another podcast that you would recommend for our listeners to listen to.

“Morning Cup of Murder: It’s this day in history of what happened in the past of like different unsolved mysteries.”

You know you’re an acute care therapist when…

“Your closet is primarily scrubs.”

Links:
https://academy.aptaacutecare.org/products/2025-09-29-more-than-just-a-pta

🎧 Connect with Our Hosts

Leo Arguelles (pronounced LEE-O R-GWELL-IS)

📧 largue2@uic.edu

🐦 Twitter: @LeoArguellesPT

Nicole Neveau, PT, DPT, NCS

📧 ngunder1@gmail.com