From Combat Zones to the White House: The Physical Therapist Behind Two U.S. Presidents | Drew Contreras

Dr. Drew Contreras, a former Army physical therapist, shares insights from his unique experience working as the first full-time physical therapist in the White House, serving under Presidents Obama and Biden. Selected by Obama in 2010, Contreras discusses the importance of maintaining physical health in high-pressure environments, emphasizing that the demands of the presidency amplify personal strengths and weaknesses. He highlights the challenges faced by those in the executive branch, where personal lives often take a backseat to professional responsibilities, leading to a decline in health and wellness.

Contreras also reflects on the evolution of physical therapy, advocating for a shift towards a more holistic approach that prioritizes human performance and lifestyle medicine. He believes that physical therapists can play a crucial role in primary care, particularly for musculoskeletal issues, and argues for a hybrid model that includes both cash-based and insurance-based practices. As the current vice president of strategic affairs at the American Physical Therapy Association, he aims to push for changes that will make physical therapy more accessible and effective, ultimately benefiting both patients and clinicians.

In a poignant moment, Contreras recalls how he found perspective during challenging days by observing the awe of visitors touring the White House, reminding him of the significance of his role. He concludes by recommending the book "Legacy," which explores the principles of the All Blacks rugby team, underscoring the value of shared responsibility and teamwork in achieving excellence.

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What does it take to keep someone performing when their job leaves almost no room for downtime? In this episode of the Ready State Podcast, Kelly and Juliet Starrett sit down with longtime friend Dr. Drew Contreras, a retired Army physical therapist who went from supporting soldiers in combat to becoming the first full-time physical therapist embedded in the White House Medical Unit.

Drew shares what he learned caring for everyone from White House staff to Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden – and why the fundamentals of human performance matter even more when time is your most valuable resource. From encouraging naps during relentless work schedules to introducing walking meetings at the White House, Drew explains how small changes can help people stay functional under extraordinary pressure.

The conversation also explores the changing role of physical therapy, why PTs should be doing more than treating injuries one patient at a time, and how technology such as digital health and AI could reshape the profession.

What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat working with two sitting U.S. presidents taught Drew about keeping people functional under extreme pressure Why naps, walking meetings, and other simple interventions can make a major difference during sustained periods of high-stress work How physical therapists became a “force multiplier” for keeping soldiers healthy and operational during deployment Why Drew believes physical therapists should play a bigger role in performance and musculoskeletal primary care Why embracing new technology such as digital health and AI will be essential for the future of physical therapy Key Highlights: (00:00) Intro to Dr. Drew Contreras (02:55) How a Combat PT Got Handpicked for the White House (07:00) The Birthday Basketball Game That Started It All (12:05) Building a Wellness Culture in the White House (19:15) What Actually Moved the Needle on Health (22:05) Naps, Walking Meetings, & Reframing Work (26:30) Deploying as One of the First Combat PTs (31:00) PT as Human Performance, Not Just Rehab (33:20) Treating Obama vs. Biden – Different Ages, Different Needs (38:50) Leading the APTA & Scaling Physical Therapy (43:45) The Money Problem in Physical Therapy (53:30) PT as Musculoskeletal Primary Care (1:00:30) AI, Digital Health, & the Future of PT (1:04:21) What the Presidency Really Does to a Person (1:11:30) Infinite Shelf: Legacy by James Kerr

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