LIVE from the Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jenna Kantor, SPT guest hosts and interviews Bronté Miller, SPT on how to create a student special interest group in your state. Bronté Miller is a Student Physical Therapist at Stony Brook University, Class of 2019. Last year, she led a team of students to co-found the NYPTA Student Special Interest Group (SSIG). The SSIG is an organization designed to promote PT and PTA student professional engagement, networking, and inter-school collaboration. The SSIG is currently in its first term as an organization, with Bronté as President. Bronté believes that transforming our profession starts with empowering students to grow as leaders and problem solvers through earlier engagement in the physical therapy community. In this episode, we discuss: -The role of student special interest groups in the physical therapy industry -Considerations for working with a SSIG including how to balance the time commitment with school -How to recruit the right leadership team for success -The future of the NYPTA Student Special Interest Group -And so much more!   Jump starting a Student Special Interest Group in your state is both rewarding and feasible. Bronté recommends, “Have a plan from the get-go on how you’re going to do this.”   Working with a diverse and dedicated group of people is key to achieving better results as Bronté found that, ”Having such a fantastic team was absolutely essential for our SSIG to succeed.”   While developing a SSIG in your state can be challenging, Bronté advises, “Don’t be afraid to reach out to other students because I think you’ll be surprised how many want to really dive in and get involved.”   For more information on Bronté: Bronté Miller is a Student Physical Therapist at Stony Brook University, Class of 2019. Last year, she led a team of students to co-found the NYPTA Student Special Interest Group (SSIG). The SSIG is an organization designed to promote PT and PTA student professional engagement, networking, and inter-school collaboration. The SSIG is currently in its first term as an organization, with Bronté as President. Bronté believes that transforming our profession starts with empowering students to grow as leaders and problem solvers through earlier engagement in the physical therapy community.   For more information on Jenna: Jenna Kantor (co-founder) is a bubbly and energetic girl who was born and raised in Petaluma, California. Growing up, she trained and performed ballet throughout the United States. After earning a BA in Dance and Drama at the University of California, Irvine, she worked professionally in musical theatre for 15+ years with tours, regional theatres, & overseas (www.jennakantor.com) until she found herself ready to move onto a new chapter in her life – a career in Physical Therapy. Jenna is currently in her 3rd year at Columbia University’s Physical Therapy Program. She is also a co-founder of the podcast, “Physiotherapy Performance Perspectives,” has an evidence-based monthly youtube series titled “Injury Prevention for Dancers,” is a NY SSIG Co-Founder, NYPTA Student Conclave 2017 Development Team, works with the NYPTA Greater New York Legislative Task Force and is the NYPTA Public Policy Committee Student Liaison. Jenna aspires to be a physical therapist for amateur and professional performers to help ensure long, healthy careers. To learn more, please check out her website: www.jennafkantor.wixsite.com/jkpt   Resources discussed on this show: Bronte Miller LinkedIn Bronte Miller Twitter Bronte Miller Facebook Student SIG Leaders Facebook Group Email: elizabeth.b.miller@stonybrook.edu   Thanks for listening and subscribing to the podcast! Make sure to connect with me on twitter, instagram and facebook to stay updated on all of the latest! Show your support for the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes!   Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!   Xo Karen