APTA Spokesperson Leo Arguelles is an assistant clinical professor and director of clinical education at the University of Illinois’ Department of Physical Therapy. He teaches in the DPT program and participates in committees related to student professionalism and admissions.

Prior to teaching, Arguelles worked as an acute care therapist, specializing in critical care, where he gained experience working on inpatient and subacute rehabilitation units. He helped develop protocols, including acute physical therapy evaluations in the emergency room, fast-track discharge planning for patients after elective joint replacement surgery, standardized therapist competencies for the management of patients with dizziness, and early mobilization of ventilated patients. Arguelles continues to work in the acute care setting monthly in two Chicago hospitals.

Arguelles is a board-certified clinical specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. He is the chair of APTA’s Acute Care Practice Management Committee and former chair of its Nominating Committee. He is also a co-host of Acute Conversations, the official podcast for APTA Acute Care. Arguelles also serves as an Ethics Committee member for APTA’s Illinois chapter. Arguelles is passionate about combat and endurance sports, having competed in amateur mixed martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, triathlons, and marathons.

To request an interview, please email Colleen Fogarty, senior public relations specialist, or call 703-706-3216.