Skip to main content

EmbeddedPTs-banner.png

Pictured: Drew Contreras, accompanied by his wife Roseann, is promoted by President Barack Obama to the rank of lieutenant colonel.


Retired Lt. Col. Drew Contreras, PT, DPT, says one reason for his successful career is that he does his best to treat every patient the same.

That skill especially helped him not to be starstruck when he served from 2010 to 2017 at the White House as the first embedded PT in its medical unit. In addition to serving as President Barack Obama's PT (a role he still fills for the now ex-president), Contreras treated members of Obama's cabinet, senior White House officials, Secret Service agents, and the entire resident staff — including chefs, groundskeepers, and repair personnel.

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.


You Might Also Like...

News

Aetna Updates Policy to Better Align With PT Practice and CPT Code Definitions

Nov 4, 2025

The win is a continuation of APTA’s efforts to promote the adoption of payer policies that are favorable to the profession and patients.   

Article

Physical Therapy in the News: October 2025

Nov 4, 2025

"Physical Therapy in the News" is a monthly series that highlights recent media coverage of the profession and APTA members, with an emphasis on stories

Feature

A Responsibility to Innovate: Managing the Trends Shaping the Future of Rehab

Nov 1, 2025

The APTA Future of Rehab Therapy Summit highlighted emerging technologies and partnerships changing rehabilitation and patient care.