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

Quality Payment Program: What Physical Therapists Need to Know in 2026

Dec 22, 2025

In this review: If you see Medicare patients, changes to the Quality Payment Program in 2026 may have an impact on your practice. Review APTA's resources

Article

APTA Unveils Key Workforce and Income Trends in Physical Therapy

Dec 10, 2025

Collecting and sharing workforce data is essential for enabling APTA members to make informed decisions about their careers and practices. By understanding

Article

IDEA at 50: What the Education Law Has Accomplished and How to Protect It

Dec 10, 2025

Nov. 29 marked the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a groundbreaking federal law that ensures children with disabilities