Rizing Tide Named Philanthropic Partner for Second Edition of "Called to Care"

Dr. Larry Benz will donate 100% of proceeds from the book to support scholarships for future physical therapists from underrepresented backgrounds 

PHOENIX, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rizing Tide, a foundation dedicated to expanding access to physical therapy by creating a more inclusive workforce through scholarships and professional development, has been selected as the philanthropic partner for the second edition of Dr. Larry Benz's bestselling book, "Called to Care: A Medical Provider's Guide for Humanizing Healthcare," launching Sept. 15. Benz, a longtime supporter and advocate of Rizing Tide, will donate 100% of proceeds from the second edition to the foundation's scholarship programs. He will also provide a copy of his book to every Rizing Tide scholar attending the North Star Summit from Oct. 2–3 in Phoenix, where he will also be a keynote speaker.

"I've been fortunate to get to know the foundation and see firsthand the students and clinicians it benefits," said Dr. Larry Benz, PT, DPT, FAPTA, MBA, OCS, MAPP, and CEO of Dental Care Alliance and founder of Confluent Health. "The whole point of 'Called to Care' is that healthcare is ultimately about people and the connections we make with them. Championing the next generation of physical therapists through Rizing Tide is a practical way to put that idea into action."

The second edition of "Called to Care" expands on Benz's original book about bringing greater empathy and human connection to healthcare. The updated edition addresses changes in healthcare since the book was first published, including artificial intelligence, virtual care, provider burnout and patient engagement.

Benz has also supported Rizing Tide by volunteering as a screener for its Crest Scholarship program and by committing $10,000 to sponsor a Surge Scholarship, funding one DPT who's pursuing residency training in 2026.

"Larry has been a committed member of the Rizing Tide community, and his support has gone well beyond financial contributions," said Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, founder and CEO of Rizing Tide. "He has given his time and expertise to help us identify and support promising future physical therapists, and now this partnership will help us reach even more students. We're grateful to have someone who continues to find new ways to invest in our scholars and our profession."

Applications are also open for Rizing Tide's 2026 Surge Scholarship, which is awarded to graduating physical therapy students and licensed physical therapists from historically underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds who are entering accredited residency programs. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Oct. 6, 2026.

To learn more about "Called to Care," visit calledtocarebook.com. To learn more about the Surge Scholarship and apply, visit rizing-tide.com/scholarships/surge.

ABOUT RIZING TIDE:

Rizing Tide was founded in 2020 by Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, to help bridge the diversity gap in the physical therapy profession. She is the co-founder of WebPT and a physical therapist with 30 years of experience in the rehab therapy industry. The foundation annually awards scholarships to DPT students and residents from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds in an effort to make a meaningful, generational impact on the physical therapy industry, and has pledged a total of $2.5 million to students to date. This achievement underscores the foundation's unwavering commitment to the success of its beneficiaries and its mission to create a more inclusive future for the physical therapy profession. Learn more at www.rizing-tide.com.

SOURCE Rizing Tide