From day one of physical therapy school, we are taught the various roles within the health care system: physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, nurse, and doctor. Each profession has a specific function within the health care wheel—refer, refer, refer; know your place.

I remember the first time this paradigm shifted for me as a new graduate. I was working in inpatient rehabilitation and my patient suddenly became pale and weak. I laid him down on the mat, elevated his legs, and took his blood pressure: 70/40mmHg.

That can't be right I muttered to myself. Take it again: 72/45mmHg.

Still not right.