Academy Leadership Pathway Story: Matt Harville, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT, PRPC

Positions Served

EPSIG, MSIG, Nominating Committee

Motivation & Decision to Run

I wanted leadership experience and the opportunity to make an impact in the specialty area I am passionate about. If you are unsure whether you are ready, I encourage you to reach out to current leaders to learn about their experiences and what they have found rewarding.

Skills & Professional Growth

I have developed leadership skills and strengthened my ability to collaborate with colleagues. I gained experience in program development and in navigating the Academy’s organizational structure. This role also prepared me for speaking engagements—both within Academy webinars and at external events.

Involvement & Pathways

I first became involved with the Academy through the Early Professional Special Interest Group. Since this was during COVID, it was a unique experience, but it gave me the chance to participate in a low-risk setting. That experience helped shape my path toward pursuing additional leadership roles within the Academy.

Impact & Benefits

While serving on the Male Health Special Interest Group, we organized a pop-up event where experts gave specialized talks on various aspects of male pelvic health. The event drew many attendees and was incredibly inspiring for me as a leader involved in planning and scheduling. Beyond events, being able to advocate for the field at conferences and in professional spaces has been especially meaningful—and it’s encouraging to see so many professionals excited about pelvic health.

Value of Service

I believe these roles offer a wonderful opportunity to develop leadership and interpersonal skills in a low-risk, manageable way. They also provide a meaningful way to give back to the profession.

What would you tell a colleague who doesn’t think they’re “qualified enough” to run?

I would encourage them to reach out to current or past leaders for advice and insight. Hearing others’ experiences can be reassuring and can also provide guidance on how to prepare for a leadership position in the future.

About the Author

Matt Harville, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner

Matt Harville PT, DPT is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health and has a primary clinical focus in the treatment of pelvic health conditions for all ages and genders and the treatment of lymphedema. Currently, he is a Faculty Development Resident at Duke University. He earned bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Forensic Biology in 2010 from Virginia Commonwealth University. Later, after working as a scientist for several years, he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA.

Dr. Harville has experience working in outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation settings. He has a keen interest in men’s health, HIV/AIDS rehab, and health equity. Dr. Harville is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). He has served in various volunteer and leadership positions with the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy and the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy. His experience also includes serving in the HIV/AIDS special interest group with the World Physiotherapy International Physical Therapists for HIV/AIDS, Oncology, Palliative Care Empowerment (IPT-HOPE) subgroup.