Saturday, December 24, 2022

Happy Holidays from SLU's Program of Physical Therapy!

Happy Holidays from SLU's Program of Physical Therapy!

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucia Day, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, Omisoka, Yule, and Saturnalia!

2022 brought us endless amounts of joy and friendships and we cannot wait to see what 2023 will bring us! See everyone in 2023!

With Love, SLUPT






Tuesday, November 15, 2022

SLU's Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, and Nutrition and Dietetics Programs are awarded 1818 Grant


We are excited to announce a new SLU Community Partnership through the 1818 Grant titled Lifting Safely To Build A Better Future! SLU Physical Therapy Student Association, SLU Athletic Training Society, and SLU Dietetics Association are partnering with Lift For Life Gym! Lift for Life Gym is a non-for-profit organization that provides a safe after school environment for at-risk St. Louis City children, where they can participate in group workouts, complete homework, and eat dinner each evening. Lift for Life Gym provides an enriching environment that promotes holistic health and wellbeing for St. Louis Youth. Through this partnership, students from SLU’s Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, and Nutrition and Dietetics programs will be in the community with these youth, providing education on safe exercise and stretching techniques, nutrition, and tips for managing wounds and injuries, as well as introducing the gym members to these Allied Health Professions! We hope that this program results in a longstanding partnership between Lift for Life Gym and Saint Louis University and cannot wait for it to take place! Thank you to all that worked on the planning, writing, and presentation of this grant, we appreciate your hard work, and thank you SLU for selecting our proposal out of 55 other applicants! 
Link to the article

Friday, November 4, 2022

Dr. Carol Beckel Enjoys Her Visit To Some Of Our Clinical Partners Before ELC 2022



"Dr. Carol Beckel Enjoys Her Visit To Some Of Our Clinical Partners Before ELC 2022"
By Carol Beckel PT, PhD
Prior to the start of the 2022 Education Leadership Conference, Dr. Carol Beckel, took the opportunity to visit with several site coordinators in the Milwaukee area as well as some national Site Coordinators of Clinical Education (SCCE):

Fox Rehabilitation: Ronni Wagner and Debra Prox
Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy: Angie Domnitz
Athletico Physical Therapy: Allison Kosinski
ATI: Liam Michener and Kurt Gegenbacher
ProHealth Rehabilitation of Wisconsin: Megan Haley
Concentra Medical Center: Sarah Ebenhoe
Select Physical Therapy: Andrea Reed



Dr. Beckel enjoyed the opportunity to visit our clinical partners either in person on-site or via Zoom. If you are a clinical partner and would like to set up a visit with Dr. Beckel, please contact her at slu_pt_clin_ed@health.slu.edu

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

SLU SSM Health PT Women's Health Resident talks about lifelong learning


pictured:  Laura Erb, PT, DPT and Bri Mulhearn, PT, DPT

SLU SSM Health PT Women's Health Resident, Dr. Bri Mulhearn, talks about lifelong learning
By Bri Mulhearn, PT, DPT

I started my residency in August of 2022. My experiences in the first 2 months have already made in impact on how I present myself as a physical therapist. Being a resident is a unique, explorative, humbling, but rewarding experience. It has allowed me to discover where my passions lie within the field of PT. It has fostered curiosity and allowed for me to focus on my role as a lifelong learner. It has also opened up different opportunities as a PT besides direct patient care that I had not considered at this point in my career.  


It can be overwhelming going into a 16-month residency program, and now with only 14 months left I can say that it is still a little overwhelming. I have learned a lot about myself in the few short months I have been involved with the program. I have learned that I enjoy being an educator, where my passions within PT lie, and that I have so much room to grow as a clinician. Being in a Women's Health Residency Program already puts me in such a niche area of PT, but within that niche there are so many routes to go and so much to learn, which I love. The field of women's and pelvic health is constantly evolving with the new research coming out. The program has worked with me to create an environment where I am able to explore my interests and help me to figure out what I want to do with my career.  

The term "lifelong learner" is heavily applied to my experiences as a resident. I have learned so much from mentors and from students that I have interacted with in these first few months. I have learned to stay curious and continue to ask questions. 



The learning environment in residency is much different from PT school as it is more collaborative, allows for open discussion, and challenges my own views on different topics within the field of PT. Being a TA for the first year PT students at SLU has taught me how much I have truly learned in all my education up to this point in my career. 


I have learned to have grace with myself, like I do with the students as they are learning new things. That is why I think it is so humbling to be a resident. Transitioning from a full time clinician to a resident made me realize how much there is to learn and how important education is, at any point in one's life. This realization has also helped me discover a passion for educating others, be it the community, students, or colleagues.  



My overall experience as a resident, while it may seem like a lot, has been nothing short of eye opening. I am looking forward to the future in the program and watching myself grow as a not only a PT, but as a person.  


For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

SLU SSM Health PT Orthopedic Resident reflects on "favorite things"


SLU SSM Health PT Orthopedic Resident, Dr. Mark Welegala, reflects on "favorite things" 
By Mark Welegala, PT, DPT

I am a member of the 2022-2023 SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program. My experience thus far has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. Over the last two months, I have had the opportunity to work as a lab instructor, practice in an outpatient PT setting, and receive mentorship during live patient treatment sessions.  Pictured above with me is Pam Abbott, PT, DPT, OCS, (SLU Alumni, 2011) Residency Faculty member and member of the SLU DPT entry-level faculty.  Laura Erb, PT, DPT, SLU-SSM Health PT Women's Health Resident (SLU Alumni, 2021)  and Allie Wilson, PT, DPT, SLU SSM Health PT Orthopedic Resident.  
At the clinic in which I practice and at SLU, I am surrounded by clinical specialists who are always willing to provide any support needed to help me be successful. One of my favorite things about this residency program is their Jesuit Mindset.  (Just this past year, SLU celebrated the Ignatian Year:  https://www.slu.edu/mission-identity/ignatian-year.php )   

                       
I have been impressed with to level of excellence, professionalism, and kindness from each person that I have interacted with from the program. I am looking forward to advancing my skills as an educator, clinician, and researcher as I work to produce scholarly contributions for our profession. I am amazed each day at the number of opportunities for growth within this residency program!

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

 

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Dr. Jazmon Carroll, SLU SSM Health PT Resident, says October means Growth!




Dr. Jazmon Carroll, SLU SSM Health PT Resident, says October means Growth!
        By Jazmon Carroll, PT, DPT, ATC  (SLU AT Alum, 2019)

It is now October. To some, this means “sweater weather” or “pumpkin spiced lattes” or “All Hallows’ Eve”, but to me, it means I have been an orthopedic physical therapy resident for a little over two months now. Thus far, my time spent within the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program has been all about progress and growth. Being a new graduate and transitioning from a student role to a role as an independent clinician can be intimidating, but fortunately for me, I have the support of the residency program. 


                                     

 

My experience two months into the residency program has already provided me with various opportunities in and outside of the clinic. Currently, I am employed at the SSM Health Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic in Edwardsville, IL where I treat a wide variety of patients with diverse orthopedic conditions. I not only treat patients, but I also participate in didactics coursework and assist with lab instruction within the SLU’s entry-level DPT program on a weekly basis. Other opportunities provided to me consists of participation in pro bono services to the Saint Louis community and attending seminars that has allowed me to gain further expert knowledge and network with other professionals within my profession. 

Besides the opportunities above, one unique component that this program has to offer is the amount and level of mentoring that is provided. Unlike some residency programs, where they may have one or two available mentors, SLU-SSM Health has a multitude of clinical experts to serve as mentors. I have been lucky enough to have had four mentors thus far that have challenged my overall clinical reasoning in order to become more proficient and efficient. 

  

Overall, I can’t say that my time spent within this program has been easy, but I can definitely say that it has been rewarding. In a short amount of time, my practice and professional career has already grown beyond where I believe I would have been able to reach by myself, and I am excited to see my continued growth throughout the remaining months in this program. 


For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

SLU PT Alumni Spotlight - Elanna Arhos, PT, DPT, PhD


SLU PT Alumni Spotlight - Elanna Arhos, PT, DPT, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The Ohio State University

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Current Town/City: Columbus, OH

SLU DPT Class of 2018


Interests, Activities, Clubs, and Professional Organizations


Professionally, I am involved in the APTA, specifically as the Education Chair for the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy Knee SIG and on the membership committee for the Academy of Physical Therapy Research. Outside of work, I love to travel and explore new cities, spend time with friends and family, run, and read.

If you could come back to SLU and teach a class, which class would you like to teach?

Clinical Gait - I loved learning about the biomechanics of gait, different ways to measure movement in a motion analysis lab, and thinking through interventions to address gait pathology. It was my first peek into clinical research and is the foundation of my research focuses today.


What was the most valuable lesson — inside or outside the classroom — you learned at SLU?

I will always be grateful for the way that SLU approached PT education. There was such a clear emphasis on patient-centered care, and I felt that above all I graduated as a well-trained, empathetic clinician. From the beginning of undergrad, we were encouraged to be ‘men and women for others,’ and that truly showed throughout all 6 years I was there. These values have stayed with me as I move through my career, keeping the patient at the center of why I do what I do. For me, this means striving to deliver quality, patient-centered evidence that will ultimately improve the lives of patients.


What advice do you have for students getting ready to graduate with their DPT?

Be open-minded, keep learning, and put yourself out there. A lot of the experiences I’ve been involved in after graduating from SLU PT have been because of conversations I’ve had at conferences, cold-call emails I sent, and being open to new opportunities. We have such an amazing profession and there are so many different places within PT to make a difference. The center of our profession is patient care, but there is also research, residency training, education, advocacy efforts with regulatory agencies, and so much more. Without all these pieces our profession would not continue to be promoted within the public health space. Talk to people you see in positions that interest you and stay flexible- you never know where your career path will take you.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

My experiences at SLU set the course for my career, and I am so thankful for the faculty there who guided me as I was navigating my way through PT school. It was because of early mentorship in my time there that I had the vision to apply to do my PhD and move towards the clinical research career I find so much joy in today. 

This is one of several posts featuring SLU PT Alumni experiences. The Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy wants to recognize the exciting and innovative things our alumni are doing, here in St. Louis and around the world. For more information for and about SLU alumni experiences go to: http://www.slu.edu/alumni-and-donors/.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Laura Erb, PT, DPT (Women's Health Resident with SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Residencies) on Opportunities


Dr. Laura Erb (Women's Health Resident with SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Residencies) on Opportunities

by Laura Erb, PT, DPT  (SLU Alum 2021) 



My name is Laura Erb (pictured here on the left with my colleague Dr. Bri Mulhearn on the right). I'm a physical therapist and proud SLU alum (2021), and I'm a current resident in the Women's and Pelvic Health Residency in conjunction with SSM Health Physical Therapy. During PT school, I hadn't anticipated wanting to apply to residency programs, but after a year of practice I found myself wanting to know more, do more, and experience more within the field of physical therapy and all the options it has to offer.  


Thus far, residency has provided me with opportunities to be involved in one-on-one mentored patient care, allowing me to ask questions and further develop my clinical reasoning in complex patient cases. I am also involved in several lab courses at SLU Program in Physical Therapy throughout the next year, with opportunities to teach, guide, and collaborate with current SLU DPT students in various parts of their curriculum. I'm especially looking forward to working with the Professional Year 3 (PY3) students in delivering pelvic health-specific didactic and lab material in their musculoskeletal curriculum. I also have access to all the resources SLU has to offer to create a scholarly product throughout my residency with potential to publish my finished product. 


I have a true passion for pelvic health, and some of my favorite conditions to treat include urinary dysfunction and pelvic pain. In addition to pelvic health, I am also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and am completing my ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation certification, allowing me to receive mentorship and resources in working with these patients during residency.  

 

As one of only 15 ABPTRFE accredited Women's Health residency programs in the country, I am so thrilled that my two worlds of pelvic health and Saint Louis University could come together into this opportunity in a community I hold dear to my heart. 


For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.


For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Dr. Andrew Elston, SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Resident, talks about the Residency Journey

Dr. Andrew Elston, SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Resident, talks about the Residency Journey
By Andrew Elston, PT, DPT (SLU Alum 2021)

For PT month... Though it has just begun, in such a short window of time I have already experienced many different relative avenues for growth in the profession of physical therapy. What makes this experience so special is the unique way the SLU SSM Health PT Residency Program is tailored to the resident's individual choices. In a stark contrast to formal PT graduate school this program provides you the learner with any and all opportunities you might wish to pursue during this year long process.  

The process begins just like that and the introspection needed in the beginning requires far more energy than anything I have experienced up unto this point. It's daunting to have to decide what path you may take, but that is what is enjoyable about it. You get to decide. You get to choose. You get to be the writer, editor, and publisher of the journey that is unfolding That is the fun part of the process, as during this short time it provides a lens to see yourself grow in many different ways as a professional, some in which 3 short months ago I wouldn't have even considered.  

 As my current journey begins my path draws me to the education side of things. The avenue of teaching has always been something that I've been drawn towards.  The SLU SSM Health PT Residency Program offered many opportunities to get involved in different aspects of higher education. As try to take hold of all these incredible situations I can't help but take a step back and look at things from a different perspective. To give reference I am a previous graduate from the SLU PT program and have had the privilege to come under the tutelage of many of the previous residents that come before me. Now I certainly cannot say I was the brightest student in my class but there is something mildly surreal about being able to see the full circle of the education process from the beginning as a freshman in college to your last years in graduate school and now onto teaching. What impresses me the most is the amount of thought and intention that goes into each and every decision made, even of the most minute details there are dozens of incredible minds constantly changing molding and modifying every aspect of the program to best fit the needs of the students. Being a part of something like that truly gives meaning and drive to what I'd like to pursue in my professional growth.  
Another facet of this program is the emphasis on clinical excellence, and provides you with the course work and training necessary for you to pursue that. One thing everyone starting in a field starts to realize is that what you learn in school only grazes the surface of what is potentially out there to pursue. What this Residency Program does provide -- diverse scope of educational material as possible, allowing you to view situations and treatment from the perspective of a variety of different schools of thought. The program also benefits from the ideas of my fellow resident colleagues, who all have a variety of different backgrounds when it comes to the schooling we all received. This allows for a diversity throughout the learning process of our didactic material which only incites a higher level of thinking an reasoning during these courses. Through this and the mentoring sessions each week I'm constantly being pushed to analyze and adapt my clinical reasoning during my treatments and evaluations, pushing me to be as well rounded of a clinician as possible.  

In conclusion, though residencies may not be every PT's primary choice once finishing school, my short experience with the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency program has driven and pushed me in ways that I don't think I would of ever found on my own accord. I look forward to the challenges that I will face in the future and would encourage all PT's out there to challenge themselves and their knowledge base to be better more well-rounded clinicians 
For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.


Monday, October 24, 2022

Happy Physical Therapy Month from Dr. Allie Wilson, SLU SSM Health PT Orthopedic Resident


Hello and happy PT Month! My name is Allie Wilson, one of the current SLU-SSM Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residents. I am originally from Bakersfield, California, however I spent 7 years in Texas receiving my undergraduate and DPT education. 




I decided to pursue orthopedic residency training as a new grad to elevate my clinical reasoning and psychomotor skills in order to become a truly excellent clinician and provide the highest quality patient care possible. I was particularly drawn to the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency because of the seemingly infinite resources and opportunities for growth made available to the residents. The unique partnership between SLU and SSM provides a wide variety of top-notch mentors and clinical sites for continual learning opportunities over the 12 month program. Clinical practice, scholarship (as both a learner and teacher), and leadership are just a few areas I've grown in tremendously in these first two months of residency as a result of the resources and mentorship provided thus far.


As we continue to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of this profession and associated with an incredible group of co-residents dedicated to transforming society through movement as future Orthopedic Clinical Specialists.  

 

Highlights of Residency (so far):  

  • Getting to know my co-residents as both clinicians and individuals: Each of us brings a unique personality and approach to patient care, making weekly didactic sessions an inclusive space for discussion and learning.  


  • Role as a lab instructor in Basic Exam: One of most energizing parts of my week is assisting in Basic Exam lab on Tuesday mornings. It is a privilege to be surrounded by such dedicated educators to prepare the future leaders of this profession.  


  • Clinical practice at the SLU PT Clinic: The majority of my time as a resident is spent here treating students and faculty affiliated with SLU. This has been a unique environment to grow in my practice independently, while also feeling supported by fellow clinicians with expertise in orthopedics.  


  • SSM Health collaboration: From continuing education, regular employee networking/social events, and an inspiring PT month breakfast celebration  – there has been no shortage of opportunities to engage with SSM Health as a resident in a variety of capacities.    

 

Non-residency Highlights (work/life balance is key):  

  • Exploring the vastness of Forest Park  

  • Frozen custard from Ted Drewes  

  • Visiting The Arch for the first time  



For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

For more information on the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women's Health program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-womens-health-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Jill Imgarten at jimgarten@ssm-select.com OR the SLU Director of Residency Education, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.