Some of the most powerful drivers of change in musculoskeletal rehabilitation aren’t researchers or administrators—but clinicians working shoulder-to-shoulder with their peers.

These so-called "local opinion leaders" often shape practice more effectively than top-down mandates or distant guidelines. And they're more than simply influencers or savvy social media marketers.

In today's episode, Dr Seth Peterson explores how local opinion leaders—those trusted voices within clinical settings—can play a pivotal role in translating research into practice. Dr Peterson shares practical strategies for fostering cultures of learning and supporting clinicians to lead.

Dr Peterson is a clinician-researcher based in Tucson, Arizona. He leads care at his clinic, The Motive, and teaches nationally with The Movement Brainery.

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RESOURCES

Empowering local opinion leaders in physical therapy systems: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2025.13508

Why higher standards are needed in physical therapist professional development: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2022.11377

2025 hip osteoarthritis clinical practice guideline: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2025.0301