Thursday, May 20, 2021

Program in Physical Therapy Honors DPT Class of 2021

The Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy celebrated its graduating Doctor of Physical Therapy students of the class of 2021 on Thursday, May 19, in an in-person event featuring University administrators, Program faculty, and graduates. Families joined the celebration from home via Zoom.

University president Dr. Fred Pestello, Interim-Dean of Doisy College of Health Sciences Dr. Tricia Austin, Interim-Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Dr. Lisa Dorsey, Program Faculty Member Dr. Ethel Frese, and alumna Carrie Hall (PT Class of 83) addressed the graduates. 

During the celebration, the Program in Physical Therapy presented its annual awards. The awards were presented by Dr. Ethel Frese, Dr. Randy Richter, Dr. Carol Beckel, and Dr. Gretchen Salsich.

Class representatives Josh Lai and Rachel Twohig addressed their class and faculty and presented the class superlatives at the end of the ceremony.

Here are the students recognized on Thursday evening with Program Awards.

Excellence in Community Service
Caroline Anne Lipic
Kathryn E O'Brien
Colette Florence Rudolph
Natalie Elaine Wright

Excellence in Service to the Profession
Alexis Marie Ardovitch
Kelsey Lynn Bequette
Martha Marilyn Briscoe
Erin Kathleen Campbell
Lauren Elizabeth Groszek
Stephanie Ji-Hyun Kim
Allison Nicole Klump
Caroline Anne Lipic
Sarah Elizabeth Melulis
Brandon Charles Moseley
Niamh Mairead Ryan
Nina C Valaitis
Natalie Elaine Wright

Excellence in Academics
Alexis Marie Ardovitch
Kelsey Lynn Bequette
Ryan Michael Blechle
John Theodore Cichon
Morgan  Erin  Fleming
Kathryn Kerry Gubics
Allison A Lackey
Kristen Michelle Maleski
Giahanna N. Martorano
Katherine Elise Maus
Hannah Joy McGrath
Brandon Charles Moseley
Alexandra Marie Schmid
Mary Elizabeth  Sells
Julia Therese Shankland
Marissa Anne Sinak
Lauren Domenica Stollman
Madison Lou Tisdale
Rachel J Twohig
Mariah Grace Weston

Excellence in Clinical Education
Alexis Marie Ardovitch
Kelsey Lynn Bequette
Natalie Elaine Wright

Excellence in Research 
Lauren Elizabeth Groszek


Photos provided by Dr. Carol Beckel, Director of Clinical Education

Fully vaccinated students, staff and faculty members are free to not wear their face masks, and to not be socially distant indoors and out on our campuses in accordance with CDC, state, city, and University guidelines. Learn more on the University website.

Story by Kristin Hrasky

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Resident Dr. Hiral Tailor Earns Foundations Certificate in University Teaching


Congratulations to Dr. Hiral Tailor, SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Resident, 2020-2021 Cohort on earning his Foundations Certificate in University Teaching!

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency offers three distinct pathways for individualized pursuit of interest.  One path emphasizes growing as an educator.  Partnering with the Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) at Saint Louis University, the Resident participates in a series of structured seminars to build a variety of competencies.  As a result of his focused studies and activities and the mentorship of Dr. Barb Yemm, Dr. Tailor has earned his Foundations certificate.  Of the experience, Dr. Tailor remarked:  
 
"The Foundations Certificate Program taught me more than just how to improve my teaching. I learned how to effectively build relationships (i.e., student-professor, professor-professor, etc.), critical thinking, not only as an educator, but as a regular person in their day-to-day lives, and a sense of philosophy for teaching.”
“One of greatest lessons I learned from completing my Foundations Certificate is that you learning as an educator. Embracing this lesson in learning has allowed me to engage in the most effective way possible with my students and has given me the utmost ability to improve on my reflections as an educator. Thank you, Saint Louis University and the Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning."
The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency is ABPTRFE accredited.  Established in 2014 and reaccredited in 2020, we accept three residents per cohort.  Residents participate in advanced training in clinical services, teaching in the entry-level program, research with local and national presentations, and service to the underserved in St. Louis, MO.  

We welcome inquiries orthoresidency@slu.edu and encourage you to visit our website:  https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Faculty Member Dr. Emily Britt Introduces Residents to Industrial Rehabilitation

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Spotlight - Emily Britt, PT, DPT, OCS

In May, 2021, the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residents (pictured) participated in a didactic, interactive session in the area of Industrial Rehab with Residency faculty member, Dr. Emily Britt (not pictured).  Dr. Britt practices at SSM Health Physical Therapy and onsite at the City of St. Louis Street Department.  
Dr. Emily Britt
Of the experience, she commented:  “It was so rewarding to introduce the residents to the unique concept of onsite Physical Therapy and Injury prevention education, and to show them how truly functional therapy can and should be.” 
The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency is ABPTRFE accredited.  Established in 2014 and reaccredited in 2020, we accept three residents per cohort.  Residents participate in advanced training in clinical services, teaching in the entry-level program, research with local and national presentations, and service to the underserved in St. Louis, MO.  

We welcome inquiries orthoresidency@slu.edu and encourage you to visit our website:  https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php

Photo credit, headshot: SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy

Friday, May 7, 2021

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Alumnus, Dr. Adam Kays, instructs Residents in psychomotor techniques

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Spotlight - Adam Kays, PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT
Dr. Adam Kays
In February, 2021, the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residents welcomed Adam Kays, PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT for an on-site, psychomotor lab focused on cervical spine examination and interventions.  Dr. Kays is a remote Residency faculty member with current professional practice in Indiana.  He is a graduate of the ABPTRFE accredited SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Residency and is  Fellow-in-Training at the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy.  
The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency is ABPTRFE accredited. Established in 2014 and reaccredited in 2020, we accept three residents per cohort. Residents participate in advanced training in clinical services, teaching in the entry-level program, research with local and national presentations, and service to the underserved in St. Louis, MO.  
We welcome inquiries orthoresidency@slu.edu and encourage you to visit our website:  https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

SLU PT Students Serve with Relay for Life to Support the American Cancer Society


SLU PT Student Service Spotlight - Relay for Life
By Alysa Janke, DPT Class of 2023

This year’s SLU Relay for Life was a huge success! While the shift to a virtual platform proved to be difficult, the members of Relay’s Executive and Event Leadership Teams rose to the challenge and put on an incredible event to support the American Cancer Society. SLU Relay raised $72,295.17, all of which goes toward services like Hope Lodge (free residence for people going through cancer treatment), a 24/7 cancer helpline, and experimental research programs aiming toward curing cancer. 
Relay had a large population of healthcare science majors on their Event Leadership Team this year, including several Physical Therapy and Nursing majors. The Executive Team also had PT representation coming from PY1s Amy Eckardt (Communications Chair), Alysa Janke (Overall Co-Chair), and Alex Suellentrop (Administration Chair). 

The website from Relay’s event is still active, and you can view it at slurelayforlife2021.org. As always, you can check out our Facebook page for information on how you can participate in next year’s Relay!

Story by Kristin Hrasky