Thank you, Dr. VanHoose!

Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy PTSA, faculty and staff welcomed Dr. Lisa VanHoose on April 27, 2022. The title of her discussion was: Finding your JEDI: To answer the higher purpose and contribute to the greater good. The session was moderated by student members of the Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA), Lexi Sims, and Mateo Reyes. The excellent presentation was followed by an engaging Q&A where Dr. VanHoose fielded questions from students, clinical educators, and faculty. Thank you to Dr. VanHoose!

SLU Giving Day 2022

SLU Physical Therapy invites you to join us for the Annual Giving Day 2022!

The SLU community changes live all over the globe. This year's theme is "Paint the World SLU Blue".

The fifth annual SLU Giving Day is on April 28. This annual 24-hour day of giving — is our biggest fundraising event of the year! — brings the SLU community together in support of important projects across the University.

Some of the scholarships we have available in our Program are:

• Cheryl L. Cavallo Endowed Memorial Fund
• Dr. Peter Mosher Endowed Memorial Scholarship
• Carolyn Gioia Memorial Scholarship
• Sister Imelda Pingel Scholarship
• Theresa Bernsen Endowed Memorial Award
• Eric Estill, DPT, Memorial Endowed Scholarship
• For and With Others Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) Scholarship

To support our scholarships, please visit SLU's Giving Page: http://giving.slu.edu/doisy

You can learn all about scholarships for students in the Doisy College of Health Sciences on our website here: https://www.slu.edu/doisy/about/scholarships-for-current-students.php

Welcome to the 2022 – 2023 cohort of the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women’s Health Residents

Brianna Mulhearn, PT, DPT, and Laura Erb, PT, DPT are excited to be returning to Saint Louis University’s Program in Physical Therapy.  Both are graduates of the Program in May 2021.  

Dr. Mulhearn…why are you pursuing Residency education? 

“Residency education offers me the best opportunity to further my practice and education, specifically in the field of pelvic health. The opportunity to work with and learn from clinicians who have years of experience in the field is so exciting to me. I cannot wait to collaborate with all of the pelvic health therapists on both SLU's and SSM's teams.” 

Dr. Erb…how did you become interested in Women’s Health Residency education?  

“I became interested in residency education because of my experiences at SLU. I always knew I had an interest in women’s health throughout PT school.  I want to use this opportunity during my residency to provide future PTs (as well as future patients!) with more information about this specialty.” 

What experience are you most looking forward to during the 16-month program?  

“I’m looking forward to being back at SLU and getting to collaborate with the best therapists at SSM Health Physical Therapy to further develop my skills as a pelvic health PT.”  -- Dr. Erb

“I am most looking forward to having the opportunity to get into the up-and-coming research in pelvic health. Being able to access the most recent research and also being able to contribute to future research is something that I have always wanted to do.”   -- Dr. Mulhearn

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Women’s Health Residency Program is an accelerated post-licensure program to advance the women’s and pelvic health skills of physical therapists.  We are pursuing ABPTRFE accreditation with our site visit scheduled during spring 2022.  This unique collaboration between Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy and SSM Health Physical Therapy.  The 16-month program has integrated experiences with the SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency.  In addition to clinical practice and teaching in the entry-level DPT program, each resident completes over 150 hours of mentoring and over 300 hours of educational experiences.

For more information on the 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.

SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Graduate Dr. Symone Carter “will always be a student of physical therapy”

Shining a Spotlight on the SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Graduates

Symone Carter PT, DPT, OCS (SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Graduate) ​

Dr. Symone Carter is a practicing physical therapist at SSM Health Physical Therapy in St. Louis, MO.  She earned her DPT degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Florida.  

Here are some highlights of connecting with Dr. Carter about her residency experience and practice as a physical therapist…

On the practice of physical therapy: "I will always be a student of physical therapy. I am constantly learning new techniques, exercises, and approaches to treatment from other PTs or the research. This keeps me humble and always searching for ways to better myself for my patients." 

On her professional accomplishments..."beginning my passion project screening volleyball athletes for injuries throughout the St. Louis region." would say having a resource of mentors/staff that would be flexible in their curriculum to fit your learning style is essential in your success of residency."

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program is an accelerated post-licensure program to advance the orthopedic skills of physical therapists. It is the only ABPTRFE accredited orthopedic physical therapy residency in Missouri. Founded and accredited in 2014-2015, this unique collaboration between Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy and SSM Health Physical Therapy currently has 3 Residents and has graduated 16 licensed physical therapists. In addition to clinical practice and teaching in the entry-level DPT program, each resident completes over 150 hours of mentoring and over 300 hours of educational experiences.

For more information on the 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 SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Graduate Dr. Timothy McArthur Encourages Mentorship During Residency

Shining a Spotlight on the SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Graduates

Timothy James McArthur, PT, DPT, ATC (SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Graduate)

Dr. McArthur is a practicing physical therapist in Colorado Springs, CO. He earned his DPT degree from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.

Here are only some of the many highlights of connecting with Dr. McArthur about his residency experience and practice as a physical therapist…

on the practice of physical therapy: The "way you practice and how you interact/care for patients" is what defines you as a physical therapist."

...and lessons learned from the residency. On the importance of self-reflection, it "helps you improve your overall clinical judgement to ensure patients are being progressed appropriately during the course of their plan of care."

Dr. McArthur's advice to those considering residency education: "Everyone's experience with residency is different and definitely varies greatly across the board. I would say having a resource of mentors/staff that would be flexible in their curriculum to fit your learning style is essential in your success of residency."

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program is an accelerated post-licensure program to advance the orthopedic skills of physical therapists. It is the only ABPTRFE accredited orthopedic physical therapy residency in Missouri. Founded and accredited in 2014-2015, this unique collaboration between Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy and SSM Health Physical Therapy currently has 3 Residents and has graduated 16 licensed physical therapists. In addition to clinical practice and teaching in the entry-level DPT program, each resident completes over 150 hours of mentoring and over 300 hours of educational experiences.

For more information on the 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 Program in Physical Therapy Annual Irma Ruebling Distinguished Speaker Event Focused on Innovation in Physical Therapy Research

The Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy hosted its annual Irma Ruebling Distinguished Speaker Event on site with a simulcast on Zoom on Thursday, March 24, 2022. We welcomed Dr. Terry Ellis and her presentation entitled “Innovative Approaches to Optimize Performance in the Real World in Persons with Neurological Conditions”. 

The Irma Ruebling Distinguished Speaker Series was the vision of Irma Ruebling, former chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. It was her goal to bring nationally renowned speakers to Saint Louis University to highlight ongoing research and important topics and to foster a dialogue with faculty, students, and guests about the importance of research in advancing our profession.

Saint Louis University Professor Dr. Gretchen Salsich hosted the event and acknowledged leadership in the Doisy College of Health Sciences for their ongoing support for physical therapy research. Dr. Salsich recognized Dr. Tricia Austin, interim Dean, Dr. Jesús García-Martínez, Associate Dean for Research, and Dr. Chris Sebelski, interim Chair for the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. Efforts to strengthen the research profile of the Doisy College of Health Sciences are central to the college’s strategic plan. Events like this inform, inspire, and connect us to research. The Department’s ongoing support of this event since its inception nineteen years ago has contributed to its growth and success.

Also acknowledged were the 2022 Ruebling Research Fund recipients. The Irma Ruebling Endowed Research Fund was established in 2006 to ensure the continued development of research activities fostering the growth of the profession, improvement of the health of patients and clients, and enhancement of the education of physical therapy students and practicing physical therapists. Three Program in Physical Therapy Faculty were recognized as the 2022 Irma Ruebling Endowed Research Fund Recipients. 

• Dr. Ann Hayes received funding to support her project titled, “What Additional Radiographic Measures Taken Pre and Post Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercise Better Demonstrate Successful Outcomes for Adults with Spinal Deformity?” 
• Dr. Jason Longhurst received funding for his project, titled, “Mapping brain activity preceding freezing of gait episodes in individuals Parkinson’s disease”. 
• Dr. Elissa Held Bradford received funding for her project titled, “Breaking Down Barriers to Rehabilitation Outcome Measurement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis”.

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Terry Ellis, Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, and director of the Neurological Physical Therapy Residence program at Boston University. Her research focuses on investigating the impact of exercise and rehabilitation on the progression of disability in individuals with Parkinson's disease. 

Following the keynote presentation, there was a question and answer session with clinicians, faculty, and students. The decision to simulcast the event ensured that it was more inclusive of our community members who could not attend in person. It was a memorable evening of inspiring discussion and special recognition of SLU PT faculty!

SLU PT Student Elizabeth Liese had an Encouraging Clinical Experience at Select Physical Therapy in Greeley, Colorado

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight – Select Physical Therapy in Greeley, Colorado

By Elizabeth Liese (Class of 2022)

"At Select Physical Therapy, I treated a variety of simple to complex orthopedic and medical conditions with an emphasis on concussion and vestibular physical therapy. My clinical instructor, Micah Maley, taught me so much, but first and foremost, he taught me the true power of simply listening to my patients, which is especially important when working with patients who have suffered concussions or have vestibular impairments. He fostered a very safe environment for all of his patients and immediately established trust with them. These interactions demonstrated the importance of viewing my patients as humans first and patients second. We worked with several patients who had not been heard or truly listened to by previous healthcare providers; Micah handled these patients with grace and after the fact, engaged me in conversation about how sometimes the most therapeutic approach is giving your patients a chance to use their voice and to make them feel heard. 

Another area of care that Micah prioritized was patient education. He reinforced the importance of providing our patients with information to make educated decisions and encourage self-efficacy. With every patient he worked with, he took the time to have sincere conversations, providing resources- pamphlets, pictures, etc.- and explaining the pathology of their injuries/conditions as well as the trajectory of their plan of care. These interactions made it very clear how deeply Micah cares about his patients; this also translated into my experience working with him as a student. He often initiated one-on-one conversations with me to discuss the ""soft skills"" of our profession and how those are the skills that make a good clinician great; additionally, he never failed to encourage me in the moments when I needed it the most. I truly enjoyed my experience working with Micah; I notice a significant increase in my confidence as a clinician and feel more empowered to make a difference in my patients' lives while also allowing my patients to make a difference in my life. "

Micah, thank you for passing along your experience, knowledge, and advice to me. Most importantly, thank you for treating me as an equal and for constantly asking and valuing my opinion on clinical and professional matters. You taught me countless lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom and watching the way you interact with and empower your patients was inspiring. You challenged me to rise to many occasions and I feel so much more confident and prepared to be a full-time practicing clinician after working with you. Thank you for teaching me to never stop caring for every patient who walks through the clinic doors. You're the best!

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

SLU PT Student Molly Mitchell had a Compelling Clinical Experience at Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in Columbia, Missouri

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight – Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital Encompass Health, Columbia MO

By Molly Mitchell (Class of 2022)

I had the opportunity to learn from my clinical instructor, Katee Hinkle, in a dynamic and medically complex setting that allowed me to put what I had learned at SLU into practice! She helped me apply my textbook knowledge to clinical scenarios and walked me through the importance of adaptability in any therapy setting. Katee displayed the PT core values of excellence throughout my time as Rusk, always seeking to expand her knowledge base for the improvement of her patients and the betterment of herself. From her, I learned how much I can grow when I push myself outside of my comfort zone.

Katee, thank you for making learning so much fun! You are a great role model and have played an integral part in my development as a clinician. I look forward to being a Doctor of Physical Therapy and joining you and so many others in an ever-changing field that is consistently dedicated to serving others with compassion and excellence.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

SLU PT Student Jay Urgello had an Amazing Clinical Experience at Athletico in Darien, Illinois

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight – Athletico Physical Therapy in Darien, IL

By Jay Urgello (Class of 2022)

My clinical experience was at an outpatient clinic with many high school athletes, Medicare patients, and post-operative knee/hip replacements. I learned a lot of different manual techniques and refined my clinical decision-making skills. I had the privilege to also work closely with the athletic trainers in neighboring high schools and further my knowledge of sports-specific rehabilitation.

I would like to thank my clinical instructor, Claire Dreschsler, for always taking the extra time to teach me everything that you know! You made me feel confident as a future clinician. Your dedication to your patients and to your craft continues to inspire me to aim higher. I had such a great time as your student and I'll always remember our time together as a very formative time for my professional growth.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program