What is Confluent Health’s PT Ambassador Program?
As part of Confluent Health’s commitment to investing in the future of physical therapy, we are proud to sponsor one exceptional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student to attend the APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). This sponsorship includes all expenses including travel, accommodation, meals, and conference registration—ensuring that the selected student can fully immerse themselves in the largest and most impactful event in the profession.
CSM offers unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. With over 15,000 attendees, the event features hundreds of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and keynote speakers. Check back in to to get the details on Ashley’s insider look at CSM from the convention hall floor to the happy hours.
Ashley’s Experience with Confluent Health
Ashley Price, a third-year DPT student at Bellarmine University, has earned her place as Confluent Health’s PT Ambassador through her dedication to clinical excellence and patient care. Set to graduate in May 2025, Ashley has already distinguished herself during her education, particularly during a 12-week clinical rotation at ProRehab-Jeffersontown in Louisville, Kentucky. There, she worked under the mentorship of Dalton O’Brien, PT, DPT, SCS, and the collaborative team at ProRehab, honing her skills in outpatient orthopedics.
During her rotation, Ashley treated patients with a wide range of needs, from athletes to individuals recovering from surgery. She credits the supportive and collaborative environment at ProRehab with helping her grow as a clinician, noting how teamwork enhanced her ability to provide patient-centered care.
A Patient Story That Shaped Her Path
One of Ashley’s most impactful cases during her rotation involved a patient who had endured chronic neck pain for over two decades. After undergoing a spinal fusion in 2024 and facing complications from an infection, the patient arrived at ProRehab with little hope for relief.
Ashley approached this complex case by incorporating manual therapy, stabilization exercises, and patient education. She also created a personalized home exercise program to ensure the patient could continue making progress outside of the clinic. Reflecting on this experience, Ashley emphasized how the collaborative support of her Clinical Instructor and colleagues empowered her to tackle the challenges and achieve meaningful results. This case reinforced her belief in the importance of working as a team to deliver exceptional care.
Career Ambitions
Ashley is eager to further her expertise through advanced certifications and continuing education. Inspired by her experiences at ProRehab, she hopes to pursue credentials such as the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) certifications. Both paths, she believes, will allow her to better serve her patients and deepen her knowledge in areas she is most passionate about.
Ashley is also interested in expanding her skill set through certifications in dry needling and vestibular rehabilitation, which she sees as critical tools for addressing diverse patient needs. She envisions a career where mentorship and collaboration play a central role, just as they did during her rotation at ProRehab. Eventually, she hopes to become a mentor herself, sharing her knowledge and fostering growth in the next generation of physical therapists.
Excitement for CSM 2025 in Houston
In addition to attending educational sessions, Ashley will be presenting her capstone research on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within DPT programs. This pilot study, conducted with her classmates, explores the experiences of underrepresented minority students and provides actionable recommendations for fostering inclusivity in physical therapy education. For Ashley, presenting this research on a national stage is a milestone moment, one that underscores her commitment to advancing the profession.
The Future of PT Through Ashley’s Eyes
Ashley’s vision for the future of physical therapy is shaped by her 12-week clinical rotation in Grosseto, Tuscany, where she observed a simplified approach to patient care. In Italy, private clinics operated without extensive documentation requirements, allowing clinicians to spend more time with patients and provide highly individualized care.
This experience inspired Ashley to envision a future where technology, such as artificial intelligence and streamlined EMR systems, reduces administrative burdens in the U.S., enabling therapists to prioritize patient interaction and deliver more effective, focused care.
Ashley’s PT Origin Story
Ashley’s journey into physical therapy began as a high school athlete recovering from a hamstring strain. Her firsthand experience as a patient inspired her to explore the field further, and shadowing physical therapists solidified her decision to pursue a DPT. Observing the variety of specialties within physical therapy, from sports to oncology and pediatrics, showed her the field’s potential to make a lasting impact on patients’ lives. This realization, paired with her passion for helping others, made physical therapy her number one choice.
Fun Facts About Ashley
Ashley grew up in Avon, Indiana, just outside Indianapolis, and remains a loyal fan of the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts. She also has a lifelong passion for volleyball, having played competitively at the collegiate level and recreationally with friends. Outside of the clinic, you’re likely to find her rewatching Gilmore Girls or exploring new ways to stay active.
In the clinic, Ashley’s go-to exercises include monster walks for the lower body and rows for the upper body. Both, she notes, are simple yet effective tools for building strength and improving functional movement.
A Future Leader
Ashley Price’s journey with Confluent Health reflects her dedication to patient-centered care and innovation in physical therapy. From her impactful clinical experiences to her vision for advancing the profession, she exemplifies the qualities of a future leader. As she steps into this next chapter, we’re excited to see her contributions shape the future of PT.