Dr. Shirish Sachdeva PT, DPT, MS, PGDipPPHC, DipDN, BPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with 15 years of experience specializing in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, diagnostic ultrasound, and lifestyle medicine. He is also an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor and Fellow in Orthopedic Rehabilitation.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your work and how POCUS relates.
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy with 15 years of experience, primarily in outpatient orthopedics, but also in hospital, neurological center, and long-term care settings. I have also held entrepreneurial and management based roles in my career. Clinically, I specialize in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, diagnostic ultrasound, and lifestyle medicine, approaching patient care with a holistic perspective. That means combining a detailed history, a thorough physical exam, and—thanks to POCUS—a window into what’s happening beneath the skin. This integration allows me to make timely, precise decisions—whether determining the severity of a muscle tear, identifying complications, triaging referrals, or customizing rehabilitation plans based on tissue healing.
Beyond patient care, I am an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)-credentialed clinical instructor, actively involved in research, and teach ultrasound skills to Doctor of Physical Therapy students, orthopedic and sports residents, and other clinicians. I also advocate for the integration of diagnostic ultrasound into physical therapy, serving on committees, presenting at conferences, and publishing on POCUS applications in musculoskeletal care. This dual role as clinician and educator has strengthened my collaborations with physicians, radiologists, and other healthcare providers—ensuring patients benefit from coordinated, high-quality care.
One of the most rewarding aspects of using POCUS is how it strengthens collaboration. Working closely with physicians, radiologists, and other healthcare providers ensures patients receive coordinated, high-quality, and timely care.
Q: Why did you pursue POCUS certification and how did you find the process to be?
I’ve always believed that better information leads to better care. As a physical therapist with a deep interest in diagnostic musculoskeletal imaging, pursuing Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) certification was a natural progression for me. It gave me the ability to look beneath the surface in real time, at the point of care, and make informed, confident decisions without delay.
The certification process was rewarding indeed. It provided a solid foundation in ultrasound principles while challenging me to refine my scanning skills across multiple anatomical regions. I appreciated the clarity and structure of the program—it was organized in a way that allowed me to build my knowledge step-by-step, while also ensuring I was applying those concepts in a clinical context. By the end, I felt not only more technically skilled but more committed than ever to integrating imaging into my rehabilitative care approach.
Q: Share a positive message or quote with the community:
“Clarity in diagnosis leads to confidence in care.”
My message to colleagues is this: in an era where AI is reshaping healthcare, staying curious and committed to lifelong learning isn’t just an advantage—it’s a need and responsibility. Every skill we add is another way to serve our patients better.
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