Ask most physical therapists how they chose the profession, and you’ll likely hear about a passion for helping others, a love of movement, or a drive to make a meaningful impact. For Bart McDonald, it was all of the above, and all began with a knee injury on a college ski trip, an unexpected detour that would ultimately shape a lifelong career in physical therapy.
Today, Bart isn’t just a PT. He’s a leader pushing the profession forward through innovation, diagnostics, and a focus on patient care. His journey is a great example of how one person’s experience can evolve into something greater.
From Injury to Insight
While many college students head to the slopes for fun, Bart’s ski trip ended in a knee injury that would set him on a new path. His own experience with physical therapy sparked a deeper appreciation for what PTs do, not just helping people recover, but improving lives. It was this encounter that lit the fire.
While studying at Emory University School of Medicine with plans to earn a master’s in physical therapy and eventually pursue a PhD, motivated by a long-standing desire to teach, Bart came to a realization. Despite spending hours in the lab conducting research and running tests on mice, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. He wanted to work directly with people. That desire to work directly with patients ultimately won out, and physical therapy became his chosen path. And now he’s able to get the best of both worlds by teaching and innovating PT by being surrounded by people!
Building Relationships, One Patient at a Time
What stood out to Bart early on, and what continues to drive him, is the personal connection PTs build with their patients. Unlike many healthcare professionals who see patients briefly, physical therapists get to know the individuals they treat. Bart sees this as one of the biggest privileges in the profession.
“Understanding someone’s goals and being part of the journey to get them there that’s what makes this work so meaningful,” he states.
Starting a Practice from the Ground Up
Bart moved back to his home state Idaho after graduating and opened his first private practice in 2004. Like many small business ventures, it started with a lot of hustle and heart. Over the years, the practice expanded focusing heavily on sports and outpatient orthopedics.
But as the clinic grew, so did the challenges around diagnostics.
The Diagnostics Gap: A Common Frustration
One of the biggest issues Bart encountered was the lack of access to EMG (electromyography) and nerve conduction studies. Patients often had to wait weeks, sometimes months and travel long distances just to get these tests done. Not only was this inconvenient, but it also delayed treatment and complicated recovery.
Bart knew there had to be a better way.
Recalling his training at Emory, where physical therapy professors were performing EMGs, Bart began exploring how PTs could fill this diagnostic gap. With the right education and equipment, why couldn’t PTs be part of the solution?
Expanding into EMG and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Bart took a bold step and added EMG testing to his clinic’s services. The community responded quickly. Shorter wait times, better access, and faster diagnoses meant improved care for patients.
Around this same time, a collaboration with a sports medicine physician introduced Bart to musculoskeletal ultrasound. While most people associate ultrasound with pregnancy, this tool is incredibly effective for diagnosing soft tissue injuries like rotator cuff tears, tendon issues, or knee problems.
The ultrasound’s test-retest model lets clinicians monitor changes in real time, adjust treatment plans, and make sure patients are progressing as expected. In Bart’s words, “It’s like having a diagnostic superpower in the clinic.”
Teaming Up with Mountain Land
Bart’s vision got even bigger when he partnered with Mountain Land Physical Therapy, a group that shared his belief in PTs as front-line providers capable of delivering diagnostic care.
This strategic partnership allowed diagnostic services like EMG and ultrasound to expand across multiple clinics.
Better Tools = Better Outcomes for Patients
The integration of EMG and ultrasound changed how patients experience care.
These diagnostic tools allow therapists to:
- Guide treatment with accurate information
- Track progress over time
- Avoid unnecessary imaging or referrals
- Provide cost-effective care that gets results
In many cases, Bart explains, these tools help differentiate between similar conditions like tendinosis vs. a partial tear so patients get the right treatment from day one.
Training the Next Generation of PTs
Bart knows this movement can’t rely on just one person. That’s why Mountain Land is investing in education and certification programs like the SMSK certification to prepare PTs to take the RMSK exam and master musculoskeletal ultrasound.
Leaders like Matt Okelberry and Ryker Spackman have helped drive this initiative, ensuring that diagnostic skills are taught, supported, and continually improved across the network.
Patients can have confidence that their physical therapist is up to date with the latest diagnostic technology to ensure patients get the proper care they need.
Looking Forward
The future of physical therapy is diagnostic. Bart McDonald and his team are proving that with the right tools, training, and teamwork, PTs can offer patients faster diagnoses, better care, and more efficient healthcare delivery overall.
By blending traditional rehab with modern diagnostics, Bart is helping to define that primary care physical therapy can look comprehensive, connected, and patient-centered.
Final Thoughts
Bart’s journey from injured college skier to innovative PT leader is a reminder that personal experiences can lead to powerful change. His story is more than just about one clinic or one career, it’s about where the field of physical therapy is headed and that benefits you as a patient!
Want a faster diagnosis and better care? Schedule an appointment with us today!
