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...

Article

APTA Launches Mollie, an AI-Powered Search Assistant

APTA has launched Mollie, an AI-powered search assistant that helps users find relevant APTA information by asking questions in everyday language. Available

Column

Defining Moment | The Ten Yards to Hope

A short walk with a patient in a skilled nursing facility taught this PT that recovery is about more than simple movement.

Feature

Rethinking Rehab for Total Knee Arthroplasty

A revised clinical practice guideline strengthens the case for progressive exercise, embraces digital care, and offers clearer direction on what works,