Episode 11: Authentic Evidence Based Practice with Dr. Annemarie Everett, DPT, WCS

In this episode, we dive deep into PT practice, what it is and what it could be, with Annemarie Everett, DPT, WCS. She shares how she co-founded POPUp and the humbling lessons she learned to approach patients who have prolapse with dignity, honesty, and autonomy. 

This patient-centered approach to practice was shaped by her personal growth. At a low point, Annemarie realized that she had to stop assuming responsibility for other people’s happiness, fulfillment, and ability to achieve their goals. Something had to give. She started asking “what can I create for people and what can I see in people that I maybe didn't recognize before? And how can I feel okay?” She focused on authenticity, dropping facades that she “knew it all” and had all the answers. Now her focus “is making sure that I can show up as myself and practice in a way that sits well with my conscience.” 

No one warned us in PT school that we can’t fix how people feel and carry their burdens. So we discuss how PT schools and practitioners can do better by focusing on soft skills, the power of language, and the importance of mentorship. This is a thought-provoking and encouraging episode! 

Bio: 

Dr. Annemarie Everett is a Board Certified Women’s Health Specialist since 2017. She is passionate about making evidence-based and comprehensive care accessible and routine for pelvic health concerns, particularly in the pre-and post-partum populations. She is a co-founder and co-writer of POPUp, an online educational and community platform for people with pelvic organ prolapse and the providers who serve them. 

Highlights from our conversation in Episode 11

• Annemarie’s intro, current projects, and POPUp (0:34)
• Practicing with authenticity and focusing on patient autonomy (8:26)
• Annemarie’s backstory and dropping the ego from practice (13:23)
• PT education: how can it prepare us for the real world? (23:32)
• Soft skills and the power of language (29:26)
• How PT failed Annemarie when she was a patient (35:25)
• Reshaping PT practice: what we can do better (38:59)
• Creating a cognitive buffer for our patients (44:52)
• Mentorship to help challenge your clinical assumptions (54:30)
• Lightning Round (58:02)

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Resources from Episode 11

• To get in contact with Annemarie visit her website annemarieeverett.com
• Check out POPUp and follow on IG @popuplift
• Annemarie’s margarita recipe: 
  • Equal parts, lime, tequila, and cointreau, shaken and strained over some ice. Note: it’s strong!
• Find us on Facebook
• Connect over Instagram @TheConsciousClinician
• Connect professionally over LinkedIn with Sammy & Monika