APTA's Virtual NEXT conference is capping off its live streaming events with a very special offering — a rare chance to take a look behind the making of ESPN's "Project 11," a documentary that chronicles NFL quarterback Alex Smith's devastating injury and inspiring (and ongoing) rehab.
The live Q&A session begins at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30 — but attendees must register at least 48 hours ahead of time to have the chance to submit their questions
The session is part of APTA’s Virtual NEXT conference, which includes more than 20 hours of prerecorded sessions with related CEUs and is available for purchase through the end of the month at the low price of $20 for members and $40 for nonmembers.
"Project 11" tracks Smith through his early quarterback successes in high school and college, and on to his years with the Francisco 49ers, the Kansas City Chiefs, and, finally, with Washington, D.C.'s NFL team. That's where, on November 18, 2018, Smith experienced a compound fracture of his right tibia and fibula.
Though the break was severe, the initial outlook was positive — until about two days after surgery, when it became clear that Smith's leg was infected. The resultant necrotizing fasciitis required multiple debridement procedures and extensive limb salvage efforts. The documentary follows Smith and his family as they attempt to navigate recovery through 17 surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
The July 30 live session will feature Stephania Bell, PT, ESPN injury analyst and commentator, who spent more than a year documenting the story, as well as Seth Blee, PT, DPT, and Robin West, MD — two integral members of Smith's health care team.
The Project 11 live session is the last in a series of live events APTA offered as part of its virtual NEXT. Though the live offerings are wrapping up, virtual NEXT attendees can continue to view all NEXT content — and receive CE credits for selected presentations — through December 31. The deadline to sign up for Virtual NEXT is July 31.
To view this live online event and submit questions you must be a Virtual NEXT registrant at least 48 hours in advance. A recording of this session will be made available for all Virtual NEXT registrants. Each live online event has a limited capacity of participants on a first-come, first-served basis.