May 20, 2013
Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, was an invited speaker at a recent panel presentation on “Physical Therapy as a Career Choice” for the Future Physical Therapists Organization (FPTO) at San Diego State University. The FPTO is a student lead organization with the mission to promote academic success, preparation for graduate school, professionalism and growth in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the general study of kinesiology.
May 13, 2013
Assistant Professor Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, was recently named as the Public Relations Chair on the Board of the Private Practice Group of California, a special interest group of the California Physical Therapy Association.
May 6, 2013
Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, was an invited speaker at the 7th Annual Health Professions Conference sponsored by the Mount San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) Caduceus Club. Over 1,000 students attended the all-day event recently held on the Mt. SAC campus with this year's theme being “Planting the Seed of Global Health, We are the future of Medicine.” Professor Vlad addressed two sessions of students each with a one-hour presentation on “Your Future in Physical Therapy.”
April 29, 2013
Success was achieved for the profession of physical therapy in California when SB 381, the bill that would prohibit physical therapists from performing joint manipulation, was defeated last week in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee with only one yes vote and six no votes. Thanks to all the support received in Sacramento from patients, therapists, and students who contacted the legislators to express their views.
April 22, 2013
Assistant Professor Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS, is an invited speaker for the Multiple Sclerosis Care Forum to be held Saturday, April 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles. This one-day program, sponsored by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in cooperation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, will provide attendees with the skills necessary to successfully manage the complex health needs and provide high quality, cost effective care to individuals with multiple sclerosis.
April 8, 2013
Chair and Associate Professor Dee Schilling, PT, PhD, was a speaker at the 11th Annual Trends in Autism Conference sponsored by Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation which was held April 6 at WesternU. Dr. Schilling addressed the audience on “An Inter-professional Approach to Autism: Oh the Possibilities” along with her participation in a panel presentation of autism specialists. This one-day conference is given each year as an introduction for parents, educators and those involved in autism treatment so that participants can learn about the latest research, most effective treatment approaches, how to access services, and what the opportunities are for those on the autism spectrum
April 1, 2013
Assistant Professor Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, performed at the La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m. This concert was a POPS fundraiser benefit of "Memorable Melodies" featuring Susan Egan, the Tony-nominated actress as the original Belle from the Broadway production of "Beauty and the Beast". Dr. Konecne, an established expert in physical therapy for performing artists, plays principal bassoon with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra. More information on this and future performances is available at www.lamiradasymphony.com.
March 25, 2013
Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, recently taught the two-day Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program from the American Physical Therapy Association. The course was held March 23-24 for over 60 participants at Presbyterian Intercommunity Medical Center in Whittier with Dorcas Tominaga, PT, DPT '06, serving as the course co-instructor.
March 18, 2013
The DPT Class of 2014 attended the Los Angeles Abilities Expo, held March 15-17, as part of their coursework this semester so that they could learn firsthand about the variety of opportunities available for persons with a disability. The 49 students, along with thousands of people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors, wounded veterans and healthcare professionals, attended the Expo held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. For the last 30 years, Abilities Expo has been the one show dedicated to educating and improving the lives of Americans with disabilities, senior citizens, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals and professional therapists. It has been the nation’s foremost event for companies to demonstrate their products and services to the largest community of end-users and industry professionals, and more Expos are planned to take place during 2013 in New York, Chicago, Houston, Boston, Singapore, and San Jose.
March 11, 2013
The DPT program recently hosted a meeting of the San Gabriel Valley District of the California Physical Therapy Association with about 40 physical therapists and students in attendance. After a short business meeting, there was a continuing education presentation on “Concussion Assessment & Management for the Physical Therapist” given by Dr. Aimee Miltenberger Diaz, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, Director of the Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program and Instructor of Clinical Physical Therapy at the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy.
February 25, 2013
Congratulations to the fourteen DPT students who supported the Free Wheelchair Mission in the recent "Run for Mobility" held at the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach. The WesternU DPT Team of seven runners, with participants from each of the DPT classes of 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, raised almost $3,600 which will provide 49 wheelchairs. In addition, seven students from the DPT classes of 2013 and 2014 served as volunteers for this annual event. Founded in 2001, the Free Wheelchair Mission is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations. The total participation of 70 volunteers and 110 runners in this event resulted in over $100, 000 being raised which will provide 1,376 wheelchairs worldwide.
February 19, 2013
Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, was an invited speaker for a workshop on “Physical Therapy as a Career Choice” for the Medical and Pre-Health Student Society (MAPSS) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). Their day-long Pre-Medical & Pre-Health Conference, which targets underrepresented students from all colleges and universities in Southern California who are interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare professions, was recently held on the CSUSB campus.
February 11, 2013
Associate Professor Dayle Armstrong, PT, MS, DPT, Associate Dean of Research and Professor Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD, and Mary Wardell, PT, DPT'08, recently had their manuscript entitled "Differences in function between children with sensory processing disorders, physical disabilities and typically developing children" accepted for publication in an upcoming issue of Pediatric Physical Therapy
February 4, 2013
Many faculty and almost 50 students participated in the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) which was recently held in San Diego. The four-day CSM focuses on programming designed by all 18 of APTA's specialty sections. The conference is held annually and this year was attended by over 10,000 physical therapy professionals from across the country. WesternU was well represented by faculty members Drs. Dayle Armstrong, Laurie Boulware, Casey Chaney, Mary Hudson-McKinney, Janet Konecne, David Selkowitz, and Professor Georgeanne Vlad in attendance. Professor Selkowitz PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM, was an invited speaker for an educational session on “Teaching, Learning, and Practicing Electrotherapy” and another session on “To Stim or Not to Stim: the Role of Electrical Stimulation in the Treatment of Muscle Denervation”. Adjunct faculty member Rose Hamm, PT, DPT, CWS, FACCWS, was an invited speaker for an educational session on “Dressings: From Basics to Biologicals” and on “Pressure Ulcers: Diagnosis, Staging and Treatment”. DPT 2013 students Erin Casselle, Katie Francesconi, Andrea Lopez, and Stacey May, under the mentorship of Associate Professor Dayle Armstrong, PT, MS, DPT and Professor Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD, had a poster presentation on their research "Identification of Caregiver Assistance Level in Typically Developing Children as Measured by the PEDI".
January 28, 2013
Instructor Steven Snyder, PT, DPT, is the team captain for Team WDI with the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure bike ride in Long Beach on April 28. The team goal is $1000 with the option of riding the 31 or 62 mile course. The cost is $15/cyclist and each person in required to fundraise $175 to participate. If you would like to join the team or donate or have questions, contact Dr. Snyder directly at ssnyder@westernu.edu or go to the team page at http://main.diabetes.org/goto/teamwdi.
January 22, 2013
Lindsey Liggan, DPT Student Class of 2013. gave a presentation on "Gait Analysis" for a recent on-campus meeting of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA). Ms. Liggan addressed the need to learn how to observe a patient's gait so one can better understand how to reduce the risk of future falls.
January 14, 2012
Kathy Zack, PT, Advanced Standing DPT student, was recently elected as one of five members to the California Physical Therapy Association Nominating Committee and begins her three-year term this month. Ms. Zack graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with her degree in physical therapy and currently works at Beck and Cale Physical Therapy in San Luis Obispo.
January 7, 2013
Assistant Professor Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, will be performing at the La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts Saturday, January 12 at 8 p.m. The concert theme is “Golden Celebration” featuring works from Brahms, Strauss, and Copeland. During this 50th anniversary season of the La Mirada Symphony Association, concerts are free with donations at the door gratefully accepted. Dr. Konecne, an established expert in physical therapy for performing artists, plays principal bassoon with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra. More information on this and future performances is available at www.lamiradasymphony.com.
December 17, 2012
Professor David Selkowitz, PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM, had an article accepted which has been published on-line in the "Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy". Dr. Selkowitz collaborated on this research with colleagues from CSU Long Beach and USC. Prior to print publication, one can access the abstract now at JOSPT Express: Selkowitz DM, Beneck GC, Powers CM. Which Exercises Target the Gluteal Muscles While Minimizing Activation of the Tensor Fascia Lata? Electromyographic Assessment Using Fine-Wire Electrodes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther.
December 10, 2012
Alumnus Patti Nakagawa, PT, DPT'03, was recognized recently in "California PT Notes", an electronic memo produced by the California Physical Therapy Association. Dr. Nakagawa, who serves as Manager of Orthopedic and Sports Therapy, has celebrated National Physical Therapy Month with the staff at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton for the past 14 years and decided to honor their Director by making a generous donation in her name to the CAL-PT-FUND. The CAL-PT-FUND was established in 1977 as a non-profit organization to advance evidence-based physical therapy practice in California by promoting the development of researchers and clinical scholars.
December 3, 2012
Professor David Selkowitz, PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM has been selected to deliver a one-day pre-conference course in conjunction with the 2013 Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The Section on Clinical Electrotherapy and Wound Management of the APTA has scheduled Dr. Selkowitz to speak on "A User-Friendly Framework for Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Electrotherapy" at the course which is being held in January in San Diego.
November 26, 2012
Both DPT and DPM students were victorious in winning the recent championship sports games held in recognition of National Physical Therapy Month. In volleyball, the DPT 2014 team of Itsy Bitsy Spikers maintained their undefeated record by winning their playoff game with the DPT 2013 Face Spikes team. In basketball, team DPM Jeremy overtook team Hoops I Did It Again of the DPT 2015 class in a double-elimination tournament. The Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) wants to thank all the students, staff, and faculty who came out to compete and support their teams during the several weeks of tournament play.
November 19, 2012
Associate Professors Casey Chaney, PT, PhD, CSCS, OCS and Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA have been recently elected for a one-year term as a Representative from the San Gabriel Valley District for the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) Assembly of Representatives. This governing body of the CPTA meets annually and is comprised of over 110 elected representatives from twelve geographical regions of the state.
November 12, 2012
Associate Professor Casey Chaney, PT, PhD, CSCS, OCS, as an elected representative of the San Gabriel Valley District of the California Physical Therapy Association, recently attended the statewide Assembly of Representatives meeting in Santa Clara along with WesternU student representative Lindsey Liggan, DPT 2013.
November 5, 2012
Chair and Associate Professor Dee Schilling, PT, PhD, is serving as Co-Chair of the Benchmarks for Excellence in Physical Therapist Education Work Force, a sub-committee of the Academic Council Excellence Task Force with the American Physical Therapy Association. The committee has been charged with investigating and identifying mechanisms for determining and establishing excellence in PT education. The committee is responsible for submitting a proposal of evidence-based benchmarks of excellence against which programs could assess themselves and identify peer and aspirant programs
To wrap up National Physical Therapy Month, the Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) volleyball and basketball tournaments continue with the final games scheduled for this upcoming week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - November 5-6 and 8-9 in Centennial Park at 12:05 p.m. and 12:30 pm.
October 29, 2012
The Department of Physical Therapy Education, in partnership with Physiotherapy Associates, will be hosting a two-day seminar by Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA, on “Movement System Impairment Syndromes of the Lumbar Spine and Hip: Interactions and Evidence” on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Lecture Hall II of the Health Education Center. Dr. Sahrmann is a Professor of Physical Therapy, Neurology, Cell Biology and Physiology at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, and has made numerous national and international presentations over the years, including being a keynote speaker at the World Confederation of Physical Therapy. Contact Carrie Rogers at crogers@westernu.edu for more information.
In recognition of National Physical Therapy Month, the Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) volleyball and basketball tournaments continue with games scheduled for this upcoming week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - October 29-30 and November 1-2 in Centennial Park at 12:05 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.
October 22, 2012
In recognition of National Physical Therapy Month, the Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) will hold its Annual Barbecue this Wednesday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with delicious food, a raffle, games and music. Lunch tickets can be purchased from any DPT student for $5 prior to the event and for $6 at the BBQ. The PTAC volleyball and basketball tournaments continue with games scheduled for this upcoming week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - October 22-23 and 25-26 - in Centennial Park at 12:05 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Assistant Professor Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, will be performing at the La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts Saturday, October 27 at 8 p.m. The concert theme is “Celebration of Nature” featuring works from Handel, Vivaldi, and Debussy. During this 50th anniversary season of the La Mirada Symphony Association, concerts are free with donations at the door gratefully accepted. Dr. Konecne, an established expert in physical therapy for performing artists, plays principal bassoon with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra. More information on this and future performances is available at www.lamiradasymphony.com.
October 15, 2012
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Department of Physical Therapy Education at an Open House this coming Friday, October 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Compatriots Hall. In addition, there will be PT Continuing Education Seminars on Thursday and Friday, October 18 and 19, the "Downtown Dash" - a 5K Fun Run/Walk starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 20, and a BBQ from 12 noon to 3 p.m. also on Saturday. Contact Mary Hudson-McKinney at mhudson@westernu.edu or Carrie Rogers at crogers@westernu.edu for more information.
In recognition of National Physical Therapy Month, the Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) continues its lecture series with a speaker this week from the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The purpose of the WWP is to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members. Representing the WWP, Mary Quinteros Tallouzi will present "Warrior Speak: Life Redefined" on Wednesday, October 17, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in Lecture Hall West of the Health Sciences Center (HSC). A spaghetti lunch will be sold for $5 with all profits going to the WWP. Contact PTAC President Erin Casselle at ecasselle@westernu.edu for more information.
The PTAC volleyball and basketball tournaments continue with games scheduled for this upcoming week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - October 15, 16, 18, and 19 - in Centennial Park at 12:05 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.
October 9, 2012
In recognition of October being National Physical Therapy Month, Dr. James Syms, President of the California Physical Therapy Association, will be a featured speaker on "Physical Therapy Advocacy" at 12 noon on Tuesday, October 9, in Lecture Hall West of the HSC. Additionally, there will be volleyball and basketball tournaments with games scheduled to start this next week.
Department of Physical Therapy Education alumni, faculty, and students participated in the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) Annual Conference recently held in Santa Clara. More than 1,100 professionals from throughout the state attended this two-day event. As a sponsor of the conference, the WesternU logo was imprinted on the official conference tote bag given out at registration. In addition, the department had a booth in the exhibit hall to promote WesternU and the Advanced Standing (transitional) DPT degree for current physical therapists. Over 70 alumni, faculty, and students enjoyed a reception hosted by WesternU Alumni Relations. More than 40 students from the DPT classes of 2013 and 2014 attended the conference with many of them volunteering their time in a variety of roles. Professor David Selkowitz, PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM, gave a podium presentation on his research entitled "Comparison Among Different Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction Positions for Maximizing EMG Activity of Selected Hip Muscles".
October 1, 2012
In recognition of October being National Physical Therapy Month, there will be a series of guest lectures each week starting this Thursday, October 4. A four year-old boy who is living life to the fullest, despite multiple health problems, has inspired DPT students to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) by competing in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge later this month. There will be a “Team JJ Lunch and Learn,” featuring Joshua Miller and his mother, Laura, from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 4, in Lecture Hall West of the HSC. A pizza lunch will be available for $5 with all proceeds going toward the CAF race entry fees. Please go to www.teamjj.org to read more about this event.
September 24, 2012
DPT 2013 students Erin Casselle, Katie Francesconi, Andrea Lopez, and Stacey May, under the mentorship of Associate Professor Dayle Armstrong, PT, MS, DPT and Professor Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD, recently had their abstract accepted for a poster presentation at the next Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association. Their research, "Identification of Caregiver Assistance Level in Typically Developing Children as Measured by the PEDI", will be presented at this annual conference which typically includes over 10,000 attendees and will be held in San Diego January 21-24, 2013.
September 17, 2012
Adjunct faculty member Joseph Kolb, PharmD, DAAPM, presented a poster at the American Academy of Pain Management's 23rd Annual Clinical Meeting which is being held in Phoenix September 20-23. Dr. Kolb's research on "Inter-Disciplinary Pain Management: Impact on the Intensity and Amount of Medication Use" is in collaboration with his role at the Chronic Pain Program at St Jude Centers for Rehabilitation and Wellness in Brea. About 1,000 professionals from across the country are expected to attend this clinical meeting of interdisciplinary pain management clinicians, including physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse anesthetists, psychologists, physical therapists, and others who practice pain management. This will be the fourth year the conference is in partnership with the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.
September 10, 2012
The Department of Physical Therapy Education hosted a meeting of the San Gabriel Valley District of the California Physical Therapy Association Thursday, September 13, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Lecture Hall West of the HSC. In addition to the regular business meeting, there was a “Candidates Forum” with the opportunity to meet State Assembly candidate for District #49, Dr. Matthew Lin, Orthopedic Surgeon, and other candidates who will be in attendance. This annual event provides a dynamic forum to ask questions of those persons seeking office about health care, direct access and other issues that impact the Physical Therapy profession.
August 27, 2012
Justine Ho, DPT 2013, was featured in the May 2012 edition of the “Student Assembly Pulse”, a news publication sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students and faculty liaisons. Justine wrote an article featured on page 1 entitled “Patient-First Language: Embracing Mindfulness in the Health Care Field” which emphasizes that a health care provider see a patient first as a person and then second by their diagnosis, thus reflecting the APTA’s core values of compassion and caring.
August 20, 2012
Associate Professor Casey Chaney, PT, PhD, CSCS, OCS, presented a poster at the 7th Annual Evidence Based Practice Symposium held recently at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah. "The Effects of Wrist Straps on the sEMG of Selected Muscles During Pull-ups" was the title of the research poster Dr. Chaney and Guillermo Escalante, DSc, had accepted for the symposium. Dr. Escalante was awarded his doctoral degree in Athletic Training from Rocky Mountain University after defending his research this past spring at WesternU with Dr. Chaney heading his dissertation committee.
August 13, 2012
Professor David Selkowitz, PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM, has an abstract that was accepted for the California Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference in Santa Clara next month. Dr. Selkowitz will be giving a podium presentation on his research entitled "Comparison Among Different Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction Positions for Maximizing EMG Activity of Selected Hip Muscles".
August 6, 2012
Professor David Selkowitz, PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM, gave a podium presentation during the XIX Biennial International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology (ISEK) Congress which was held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia from July 19-21. Dr. Selkowitz, a conference co-chair for the biomechanics track, presented his research entitled "Activation of Hip Muscles Detected with Fine-Wire Electrodes During Four Common Therapeutic Exercises in Persons with Patellofemoral Pain". ISEK is a multidisciplinary organization comprised of members from all over the world in health-related fields and basic science with a common desire to study human movement and the neuromuscular system. The conference had a multidisciplinary cross section of over 400 delegates in Brisbane from basic scientists to practicing clinicians.
July 30, 2012
Omid Kajbaf, DPT 2013, and Anne Ellis, DPT 2014, attended the 9th Annual Magic of Mobility fundraiser last week as Ambassadors for Mobility with the Free Wheelchair Mission. Over 450 persons attended the program which included a reception and silent auction, and featured a man from Colombia who was the recipient of a wheelchair. More than $1,000,000 was raised from the event which will fund almost 16,000 wheelchairs. Founded in 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission is an international nonprofit organization headquartered in Irvine and dedicated to providing wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations. The founder of the organization visited WesternU last year to address the DPT students who have been involved with this organization over the last two years.
July 16, 2012
Professor David M. Selkowitz, PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM, was an invited speaker for a recent meeting of the Greater Los Angeles District of the California Physical Therapy Association. Dr. Selkowitz gave a presentation on “Electrotherapy – NMES for Strengthening: Evidence-Based Decision-Making” to the audience of about 40 persons at Glendale Memorial Hospital.
July 9, 2012
Chair and Associate Professor Dee Schilling, PT, PhD and Assistant Professor Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, recently attended PT 2012 - the Annual Conference and Exposition of the American Physical Therapy Association which had over 2,300 persons in Tampa, Florida, for three days of professional development and networking.
July 2, 2012
Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, recently taught the two-day Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program from the American Physical Therapy Association. The course was held last month at the Veterans Administration Healthcare System campus in Long Beach with Dorcas Tominaga, PT, DPT '06, serving as the course co-instructor. Included in the 36 participants was WesternU alumnus Eugene Melynk, MPT’96.
June 25, 2012
Assistant Professor Laurie Layton, PT, DPT, CSCS, recently participated in the USA Volleyball Open National Championships which were held in Salt Lake City. Dr. Layton competed in the "A" division team which finished ninth overall in the week-long competition. This event is one of the largest national championships in any sport in the United States, and the competition was open to both genders and athletes of all physical abilities. USA Volleyball is the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball in the United States and is recognized as such by the Federation International de Volleyball and the United States Olympic Committee.
June 18, 2012
Sara Wiese, DPT'14, recently appeared on the TV show “Let’s Make A Deal”. As part of her 48-hour wheelchair experience for the Psychosocial and Ethical Aspects of Healthcare class last fall, Sara ventured out to attend a taping of the show. Several audience members, including Sara, were approached at the end of the show and offered money if they could produce a certain object. While Sara did not have the required object, she did appear in costume in her wheelchair.
June 11, 2012
Assistant Professor Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS, was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valley Polio Support Group held at Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation. Dr. Hudson-McKinney spoke to the group about the role of student learning opportunities and the therapist-patient relationship with the group, along with introducing some new patient assistive devices.
June 4, 2012
Associate Professor Tony Mosconi, PhD, served as a judge for the 2012 California State Science Fair which was recently held at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. This annual event consisted of science projects submitted from almost 1,000 high school and junior high school students from over 400 schools in the state. A volunteer group of almost 300 scientists and engineers from private industry and higher education evaluated the projects to select winners in several categories for a total of $50,000 in awards.
May 29, 2012
Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, was an invited speaker at the 6th Annual Health Professions Conference sponsored by the Mount San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) Caduceus Club. Over 1,000 students attended the all-day event recently held on the Mt. SAC campus with this year's theme being "Don't Wait to Be Great! You are the Future of Medicine!" Professor Vlad addressed a group of almost 100 students with a one-hour presentation on “Your Future in Physical Therapy.”
May 21, 2012
Congratulations to Associate Professor Dayle Armstrong, PT, MS, DPT and Professor Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD, CAHP Associate Dean of Research, for their invited commentary on "Concurrent Validity and Reliability of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test Mobility Domain" published in the Clinical Bottom Line of Pediatric Physical Therapy, summer 2012, volume 24, number 2.
May 14, 2012
Alumna Carrie Sussman, PT, DPT ’06, and Barbara Bates-Jensen, RN, PhD, WOCN, FAAN, published the 4th edition of their textbook, “Wound Care: a collaborative practice manual for health professionals.” Dr. Sussman acknowledges the tremendous help and support from the WesternU research library staff and thanks them for helping make this book an evidence-based text. She donated a copy of the new edition to the Pumerantz Library.
May 7, 2012
Assistant Professor Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, will be performing at the La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts this coming Saturday, May 12, at 8pm. The concert theme is "Music of the Spheres" and will include a variety of selections such as “Come Fly with Me”, “Star Trek Through the Years”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, and “Music of the Spheres Waltz” by Strauss. During this 48th anniversary season of the La Mirada Symphony Association, concerts are free with donations at the door gratefully accepted. Dr. Konecne, an established expert in physical therapy for performing artists, plays principal bassoon with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra. More information on this and future performances is available at www.lamiradasymphony.com
April 30, 2012
Assistant Professor Janet Konecne,PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, is no stranger to being a volunteer, and in 2012 her efforts are being recognized. Dr. Konecne was one of five women recognized on Thursday, April 26, 2012 with the Annie Anaheim Accolade Award, which honors volunteers for exceptional service to the city of Anaheim in the areas of civic improvement, culture, education and philanthropy. Click here to read the full story.
April 23, 2012
Assistant Professor Victoria Graham, PT, DPT, OCS, NCS, was an invited speaker for the 21st Annual Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association Conference which was held last week in Memphis. Dr. Graham addressed a variety of healthcare professionals who attended the two-day multidisciplinary pre-conference "Clinical Skills Level One Course" in which she presented research on vestibular and gait considerations in the patient population with visual impairment.
April 16, 2012
The DPT students raised over $1,500 from their 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk for the American Physical Therapy Association’s Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge. About 100 persons attended the event and 60 persons participated in the WesternU run/walk that was coordinated by Natalie Forsberg, DPT ’12 and held recently at Red Hill Park in Rancho Cucamonga. Assistant Professor Laurie Layton, PT, DPT, CSCS, joined the 35 DPT students who were also present as runners/walkers. For the past 23 years, students at PT and PTA schools nationwide have made an impact on physical therapy research by supporting the Foundation for Physical Therapy through the Challenge. To date, students have raised more than $2 million to support the Foundation's doctoral and research grants, and currently over 30 schools across the country have pledged to participate in this year's Challenge.
April 9, 2012
The DPT Class of 2013 recently attended the Los Angeles Abilities Expo as part of their coursework this semester so that they could learn first hand about the variety of opportunities available for persons with a disability. The 46 students, along with thousands of people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors, wounded veterans and healthcare professionals, attended the Expo held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. For the last 30 years, Abilities Expo has been the one show dedicated to educating and improving the lives of Americans with disabilities, senior citizens, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals and professional therapists. It has been the nation’s foremost event for companies to demonstrate their products and services to the largest community of end-users and industry professionals, and more Expos are planned to take place this year in New York, Houston, Atlanta, San Jose, and Chicago.
April 2, 2012
Assistant Professor Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, participated in the Walk for Kids 2012 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. Along with over 10,000 participants, Dr. Konecne took part in the 5K walk in Anaheim which was held in conjunction with walks in several other locations throughout Southern California.
March 26, 2012
Congratulations to several faculty members who were recently elected to positions within the San Gabriel Valley District of the California Physical Therapy Association. Associate Professors Casey Chaney, PT, PhD, OCS, CSCS, Sandra Stuckey, PT, MA, PhD, and Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA will hold the office of Assembly Representatives, while Dr. Chaney will also serve on the Nominating Committee.
March 19, 2012
This coming Saturday, March 24, is the DPT students’ 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk at Red Hill Park in Rancho Cucamonga to raise money for the American Physical Therapy Association’s Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge. There is a $20 registration fee and the run/walk begins at 9 a.m. at 7484 Vineyard Ave. While same day registration is available starting at 8 a.m., please get additional sponsorship and registration information, or pre-register now by contacting Carrie Rogers at crogers@westernu.edu or 909-469-5300. Each year, for the past 23 years, students at PT and PTA schools nationwide have made an impact on physical therapy education and research by supporting the Foundation for Physical Therapy through the Challenge. To date, students have raised more than $2 million to support the Foundation's doctoral and research grants, and currently 33 schools across the country have pledged to participate in this year's Challenge. To date, sponsors for the current DPT event include Target, In-N-Out, Road ID, Mint Leaf, Espiaus Restaurant, Bert and Rockys Ice Cream, Starbucks, Salon Bloom, and Bikram Yoga.
March 5, 2012
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS and Professor/Associate Dean of Research Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD for their research on "Comparison of Fallers and Nonfallers at an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility: A Retrospective Review" which was published in the January/February 2012 Volume 37, Issue 1 of Rehabilitation Nursing. In conducting this study, Drs. Hudson-McKinney and Redman-Bentley collaborated with two other physical therapists and the Director of the Research Institute at Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center in Pomona
February 27, 2012
As of today, WesternU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates from the Class of 2011 have scored a 100 percent pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination for licensure, based on results from a Jan. 30, 2012 exam. Click here to read the full story.
February 21, 2012
Several faculty and students participated in the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) which was recently held in Chicago. The four-day CSM focuses on programming designed by all 18 of APTA's specialty sections. The conference is held annually and this year was attended by over 10,000 physical therapy professionals from across the country. WesternU was well represented by faculty members Drs. Mary Hudson-McKinney, Laurie Layton, Dee Schilling, David Selkowitz, Sandy Stuckey, and Professor Georgeanne Vlad. In addition, the following 20 students represented their respective classes at the conference: DPT 2012 students Jared Bair, Ericka Martin, Erwin Menguita, Kathy Reeves, Mark Rivera, Krista Wendt, and Chelsea Yokoyama; DPT 2013 students Megan Borjon, Erin Casselle, Joe Estes, Terri Jemison, Omid Kajbaf, Brandon Kusakabe, Lindsey Liggan, Rebecca Lisonbee, and Theresa Mendoza; and DPT 2014 students Tamra Campbell. Sharon Malek, Parichehr Mohtashamifard, and Sara Wiese.
Professor Selkowitz was an invited speaker for six hours of educational lecture sessions on “A User-Friendly Framework for Evidence-based Decision Making in Electrotherapy, Parts 1 & 2” and a lab for an “Electrotherapy Workshop”. Associate Professor Vlad presented her research at a podium presentation on “Empathy Among Healthcare Professions Students”. This research is associated with the WesternU Interprofessional Research Grant ”Measuring Humanism Across Western University’s Health Professions in Response to Interprofessional Education (IPE)” which was awarded to Professor Suzie Kovacs (CVM), Dr. Beth Boynton (CVM), Dr. Richard Sugerman (COMP), and Professor Vlad (CAHP).
February 13, 2012
Chair and Associate Professor Dee Schilling, PT, PhD, recently became the Editor of The Academic Review, the official newsletter of the Academic Council of the American Physical Therapy Association. The purpose of the Council, which was formed in 2010, is to advance the enterprise of academic physical therapy by promoting the highest standards of excellence in academic programs/departments/schools.
February 6, 2012
Massiel Delgado, DPT 2012, recently gave a presentation in Spanish on "Fit to a T - Osteoporosis and Bone Health" to about 40 senior citizens in conjunction with the Los Angeles Commission on Health at the East Los Angeles County Services Center. This presentation is part of the US Bone and Joint Decade's response to the Surgeon General's first-ever report on bone health and osteoporosis. In partnership with the Public Library Association and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, this education program is called "Fit to a T" because the T-score is the measure of a person's bone density and susceptibility to fragility fracture.
January 30, 2012
The Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) recently had Don Schoendorfer speak on "Giving the Gift of Mobility: Free Wheelchair Mission" to an audience of students, faculty, and staff. A biomedical engineer from MIT who resides in Santa Ana, Dr. Schoendorfer is President and Founder of the Free Wheelchair Mission which has provided more than 595,000 wheelchairs to people in 81 nations since its inception in 2001. Over 26 DPT students have raised almost $5,500 to date and participated in the 7th Annual Run for Mobility at the Surf City USA Marathon and Half Marathon in Huntington Beach on February 5.
January 23, 2012
Twenty-six persons from the DPT program attended a Holiday Open House held in December at the Montclair office of California State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod. Senator Negrete McLeod currently represents the 32nd District which includes Pomona. Chair and Associate Professor Dee Schilling, PT, PhD, Associate Professor Sandy Stuckey, PT, MA, PhD, and Assistant Professor Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS, representing the DPT faculty, participated in the event along with the following students representing each of the three DPT classes 2012, 2013, and 2014: Stephanie Brog, Tamra Campbell, Erin Casselle, Anne Ellis, Joe Estes, Allison Fitzsimons, Joel Kim, Randy Larson, Kristen Lee, Lindsey Liggan, Lindsey Machado, Stacey May, Ashleigh Miller, Parichehr Mohtashamifard, Veronica Natividad, Van Ngo, Jennifer Northcutt, Raquel Ochoa, Kathy Reeves, Katie Swisher, Quoc Tran, Sahar Vafadar, and Heidi Vander Woude.
January 16, 2012
Professor Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD, College of Allied Health Professions Associate Dean for Research, and Dr. Janice Hoffman, College of Pharmacy Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, authored the article “Comparison of faculty and student attitudes toward teamwork and collaboration in interprofessional education,” that was recently published in the Journal of Interprofessional Care. Click here for more information.
January 9, 2012
Assistant Professor Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS, was recently a guest presenter for the Los Angeles Support Group of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation that was held at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Hudson-McKinney spoke on “Effective Exercise Strategies for Managing Dystonia” for this group that is open to persons with any form of dystonia, as well as their family members, friends, caregivers and others wishing to learn more about dystonia.
January 2, 2012
Congratulations to Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, on her recent appointment for a three-year term to the Ethics Committee of the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA). Professor Vlad joins four other CPTA members on this committee that investigates and holds hearings on complaints of violation of ethical standards, makes disciplinary recommendations to the Judicial Committee of the American Physical Therapy Association, and develops educational programming regarding ethics.
December 12, 2011
Congratulations to Sheryl Low, PT, DPT ‘05, DSc, PCS, for her recent election to the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) Chapter Board in the position of Director. As one of four Directors representing over 6,000 physical therapist and physical therapist assistant members in the state, Dr. Low joins the nine-member Chapter Board which serves as the governing body in presiding over the CPTA.
December 5, 2011
Congratulations to Patti Nakagawa, PT, DPT'03, for being recognized recently in "California PT Notes", an electronic memo produced by the California Physical Therapy Association. Dr. Nakagawa had celebrated National Physical Therapy Month with her staff at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton for the past 13 years by giving out pens and buttons from the American Physical Therapy Association. This year she decided to honor their Director and the entire physical therapy staff by making a generous donation to the CAL-PT-FUND. The CAL-PT-FUND was established in 1977 as a non-profit organization to advance evidence-based physical therapy practice in California by promoting the development of researchers and clinical scholars.
November 28, 2011
Assistant Professor Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS, presented at two one-day courses “Rehab in Multiple Sclerosis – Strategies for Physical and Occupational Therapists” sponsored by Interface Rehab, Inc. Dr. Hudson-McKinney was one of three invited speakers who participated in each of the day long courses which were offered recently at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles and at The Center at Founders Village in Fountain Valley.
November 21, 2011
Congratulations to Julia Chui, DPT Class of 2014, for having co-authored a research manuscript that has been published by PLoS ONE. The manuscript title is Oral Treatment with γ-Aminobutyric Acid Improves Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Sensitivity by Inhibiting Inflammation in High Fat Diet-Fed Mice with authors Jide Tian, Hoa N. Dang, Jing Yong, Wing-Sheung (Julia) Chui, Matthew P. G. Dizon, Catherine K. Y. Yaw, and Daniel L. Kaufman. PLoS ONE is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access, online publication published by the Public Library of Science (PLoS), a nonprofit organization.
November 14, 2011
Six DPT students volunteered their time at a sled hockey clinic in Riverside for persons who were born with or have suffered a permanent physical injury. Jennifer Shire (DPT 2012), Erin Casselle and Stacey May (DPT 2013), and Joel Kim, Sharon Malek, and Heidi Stahlberg (DPT 2014) helped put sleds together, fitted each participant with gear, and pushed some of the almost 80 participants around on the ice. The clinic was funded both by USA Hockey and PossAbilities which is a community outreach program developed by Loma Linda University Medical Center to provide activities to individuals with a disability.
November 7, 2011
Professor David Selkowitz, PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM, recently presented at the International Patellofemoral Pain Research Consortium’s second biennial symposium, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Proximal, Local, and Distal Factors: An International Research Retreat, in Ghent, Belgium. Dr. Selkowitz was one of 36 invited attendees and presented a poster of his research "Hip Muscle Activation in Persons with Patellofemoral Pain during Therapeutic Exercise: A Pilot Study Using Fine-Wire Electrodes".
October 31, 2011
The Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) continued its lecture series in recognition of National Physical Therapy Month with a speaker from the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The purpose of the WWP is to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.
Representing the WWP, Norberto Lara presented "Warriors Speak" on October 27, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Lecture Hall East of the Health Sciences Center (HSC) with over 100 persons in attendance.
The PTAC volleyball and basketball tournaments continued with games scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - October 25, 27, and 28 in Centennial Park at 12:05 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.
October 24, 2011
In recognition of October being National Physical Therapy Month, the Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) and the Alumni Association co-sponsored the Annual PT BBQ at the Health Education Center Esplanade on October 19. In addition to lunch, snow cones and baked goods were sold as a fundraiser. The PTAC volleyball and basketball tournaments continued with games scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - October 18, 20, and 21 in Centennial Park.
Assistant Professor Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, performed at the La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, October 22. The concert theme was "A Halloween Spooktacular" and included such selections as “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, “Phantom of the Opera”, “Night on Bald Mountain”, and “Symphonie Fantastique – March to the Scaffold and Witches Sabbath”. Dr. Konecne, an established expert in physical therapy for performing artists, plays principal bassoon with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra.
October 17, 2011
James Syms, PT, DSc, ATC, SCS, President of the California Physical Therapy Association, was a featured speaker in Lecture Hall West of the Health Sciences Center. The Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) hosted Dr. Syms who addressed "Physical Therapy Advocacy" in recognition of October being National Physical Therapy Month.
The volleyball and basketball tournaments continued with games scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - October 11, 13, and 14 in Centennial Park.
October 10, 2011
In recognition of October being National Physical Therapy Month, there were volleyball and basketball tournaments with the first games scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - October 4, 6, and 7 in Centennial Park.
October 3, 2011
In recognition of October being National Physical Therapy Month, the Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) had a presentation by Lilian Chen-Fortanasce, PT, DPT, OCS, on “Training Olympic Athletes” today from 12 to 1pm in Cooper Hall in the University Research Center. Dr. Chen-Fortanasce served as the Chief Rehab Specialist at the Training Bureau of the Sports General Administration of China for the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games.
September 26, 2011
Department of Physical Therapy Education alumni, faculty and students participated in the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) Annual Conference held last weekend in Long Beach. This two-day event was attended by more than 1,200 professionals from throughout the state. As a sponsor of the conference, the WesternU logo was imprinted on the official conference tote bag given out at registration. In addition, the department had a booth in the exhibit hall to promote WesternU and the Advanced Standing (transitional) DPT degree for current physical therapists. Over 100 alumni, faculty, and students enjoyed a reception hosted by WesternU Alumni Relations. Students from each of the three entry-level DPT classes of 2012, 2013, and 2014 attended the conference with many of them volunteering their time in a variety of roles.
Professor David Selkowitz, PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM, gave a podium presentation on “The Influence of Patellofemoral Pain on Hip Muscle Activation During Therapeutic Exercise: A Pilot Study Using Fine-Wire Electrodes”, and Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, gave a podium presentation on “Empathy Among Healthcare Professions Students”. Associate Professor Dayle Armstrong, PT, DPT, MS, and Professor Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD, Associate Dean for Research, College of Allied Health Professions, had a poster presentation on “Effectiveness of Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Index (PEDI) in Measuring Differences in Capability and Performance Between Children with Sensori-Motor Disorders, Physical Disability and Typically Developing Children”.
Associate Professors Sandy Stuckey, PT, MA, PhD, and Casey Chaney, PT, PhD, CSCS, OCS, as elected representatives of the San Gabriel Valley District of the California Physical Therapy Association, recently attended the statewide Assembly of Representatives meeting in Long Beach along with WesternU student representatives Natalie Forsberg, DPT 2012, and Lindsey Liggan, DPT 2013.
September 19, 2011
Assistant Professor Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, recently consulted with a veterinary dentist in Orange County about the challenges of proper ergonomics and body mechanics for this unique clinical setting.
September 12, 2011
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Christine Eddow, PT, DPT, OCS, WCS, CHT, on her recent appointment to the Scientific Review and Mentorship Board which is part of the Research Division of the American Society of Hand Therapists. Dr. Eddow is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) as awarded by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission, and has both Orthopedic (OCS) and Women’s Health (WCS) Clinical Specialization from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
September 6, 2011
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Vicky Graham, PT, DPT, OCS, NCS, Assistant Professor Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS, and Professor/Associate Dean of Research, CAHP, Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD, for their role in receiving a grant for the multidisciplinary study “Effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) Alone or in Combination on Balance and Visual Function in Patients with Vertigo and Somatic Dysfunction.” The $99,790 grant was awarded through the American Osteopathic Association and will support this two-year study involving COMP-OMM and the College of Optometry.
San Diego Triathlon Challenge fundraiser
A 3-year-old Claremont boy who is living life to the fullest despite multiple health problems has inspired Doctor of Physical Therapy students to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation by competing in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge. WesternU DPT students held a “Team JJ Lunch and Learn,” featuring Joshua Miller and his mother, Laura, on Wednesday, August 31. Please click here to read more and to view a slideshow. Click here to donate to the WesternU DPT Team JJ.
August 29, 2011
WesternU and Team JJ Help Challenged Athletes
POMONA, Calif. - - A 3-year-old Claremont boy who is living life to the fullest despite multiple health problems has inspired Western University of Health Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF).
Joshua “JJ” Miller was born with Werner mesomelic dysplasia with Hirschsprung’s disease and double outlet right ventricle. He has undergone various surgeries, including heart surgeries and having both legs amputated above the knees.
Students from WesternU’s College of Allied Health Professions Department of Physical Therapy Education met Joshua and his parents while volunteering at Camp No Limits in Big Bear in June. They formed an instant bond and, more recently, third-year DPT students Jennifer Shire and Natalie Forsberg spent an afternoon with Joshua in the park and at the Miller’s home.
“As he warmed up to us it wasn’t long before this little boy was holding your hand and telling you how excited he was to play ‘Chutes and Ladders’ with you,” Shire said. “He had the ability to melt your heart in an instant. He is so full of life and does not let his disability stop him, nor does he ever mention it or talk about it.”
Forsberg and her classmates volunteered to form athletic teams for “Team JJ,” which consists of Joshua and his support crew of family and friends, financial supporters and athletes who compete in his name to benefit people with physical challenges. A group of 25 DPT students, alumni and their friends that will compete in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge on Oct. 23, 2011 in La Jolla, Calif.
They are raising money to cover the entry fees, which benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life, according to CAF’s website.
The Miller family had thought about fundraising for the organization when Joshua turned 6 or 7, but the DPT students' excitement about competing this year convinced them to start now, said Joshua’s mother, Laura Miller. They are inspired by CAF and by Rudy Garcia-Tolson, the first double above-knee amputee to finish an Ironman Triathlon.
“That gave us hope and encouragement that Joshua will be able to do things as he grows up,” Miller said. “My husband is also a double amputee. He never rode a bike in his life until he received a hand-cycle as an adult. When we learned about Joshua’s legs at 20 weeks during pregnancy, I had the thought that he might never be able to play little league.
“Our prosthetist, Minh Tran, from Loma Linda University Medical Center, introduced us to Rudy and he showed us that it will be possible with the advances in prosthetic equipment for our son to run and ride a bike,” she said. “CAF makes it possible for individuals to get grants to receive adapted equipment above and beyond the basic necessities that medical insurance covers. Not only may Joshua be able to ride a bike but he also one day will be able to run with adaptive running legs. Something the rest of us take for granted.”
WesternU students will hold a “Team JJ Lunch and Learn,” featuring Joshua and Laura Miller, from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011 in the Health Science Center, Lecture Hall West, at WesternU, 450 E. Second St., Pomona, Calif. A pizza lunch will cost $5, with all proceeds going toward the race entry fees. This event is open to WesternU faculty, staff and students.
Supporting Joshua has helped unite the DPT students, with more than half of the Class of 2012 participating in the triathlon, Forsberg said. She has never competed in a triathlon, but she is working out every day in the gym for Joshua.
“He’s a huge motivator. He’s already a huge inspiration to people and he’s only 3 years old,” Forsberg said. “With his spirit and joy he’s already doing so much.”
Laura Miller said she hopes this is the beginning of a long-term relationship with WesternU. During the lunch, she will tell Joshua’s story and how Team JJ and WesternU can help others.
“If you’re going into working with people with disabilities, students might want to get involved when they’re young and energetic,” she said. “(The triathlon) could be an experience where they make contacts and see a big population of people with amputations and disabilities.”
Shire said that working with the Millers reminds her of why she wants to be a pediatric physical therapist.
“It's the driven, motivated family that will do anything for their 3-year-old boy to have the best life he can,” Shire said. “It's the little boy that holds your hand and tells you how excited he is to play with you. It’s being a physical therapist and teaching that little boy to walk and lead a normal life. But I also think this is why so many DPT students jumped on this opportunity to race in the triathlon and be a part of Team JJ. All of us have this passion to help individuals in any way we can without even meeting someone. All we need is one story of how we can help people and everyone jumps on board. I think this shows a lot about our program and our dedication to being physical therapists.”
For more information, please visit the websites www.teamjj.org and www.facebook.com/goteamjj. To donate to the WesternU DPT Team JJ, please visit http://sdtc11.kintera.org/dpt2012westernu.
August 22, 2011
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Vicky Graham, PT, DPT OCS, NCS, for having two abstracts accepted for poster presentations at the Annual Conference of the American Academy of Optometry which takes place October 12-15 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Dr. Graham and Assistant Professor Kierstyn Napier, OD, FAAO (College of Optometry) authored the abstract “Screening for Mobility Problems: A Case Series”. In addition to Drs. Graham and Napier, Anne Song, OD’13, co-authored the abstract “How Does Visual Impairment Impact an Individual’s Physical Activity?”
August 14, 2011
Congratulations to Associate Professor Dayle Armstrong, PT, DPT, MS, and Professor Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD, Associate Dean for Research, College of Allied Health Professions, for having their research, “Effectiveness of Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Index (PEDI) in Measuring Differences in Capability and Performance Between Children with Sensori-Motor Disorders, Physical Disability and Typically Developing Children”, be accepted for a poster presentation at the upcoming California Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference which takes place September 22-23 in Long Beach. Dr. Mary Wardell, PT, DPT’08, is the third author on this study.
August 8, 2011
Congratulations to Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, for having her research, “Empathy Among Healthcare Professions Students”, be accepted for a podium presentation at the upcoming California Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference which takes place September 22-23 in Long Beach. This preliminary research is associated with the Interprofessional Research Grant ”Measuring Humanism Across Western University’s Health Professions in Response to Interprofessional Education (IPE)” which was awarded last year to Professor Suzie Kovacs (CVM), Dr. Beth Boynton (CVM), Dr. Richard Sugerman (COMP), and Professor Vlad (CAHP).
August 1, 2011
Congratulations to Professor David Selkowitz, PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM, for having his research, “The Influence of Patellofemoral Pain on Hip Muscle Activation During Therapeutic Exercise: A Pilot Study Using Fine-Wire Electrodes”, be accepted for a podium presentation at the upcoming California Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference which takes place September 22-23 in Long Beach.
July 25, 2011
Seven members of the DPT Class of 2012 recently volunteered at Camp No Limits in Big Bear Lake. They joined physical therapists, occupational therapists, and prosthetists in working with children who have limb loss, on stretching, core exercises, obstacle courses, and functional activities. Camp No Limits is a non-profit organization providing camps for children with limb loss, and education, mentorship and support to those children and their families. The program, whose mission is to educate and empower young people with limb loss to discover and develop a healthy, happy and independent lifestyle, started in Maine in 2004 and now has locations in Florida, Idaho, Maryland, and Missouri, in addition to Southern California. The DPT Class of 2012 volunteers included Kelli Crouse, Natalie Forsberg, Dani Jasso, Julie Kelman, Ericka Martin, Jillian Olson, and Yvonne Ramirez.
July 18, 2011
Associate Professor Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA, was a speaker at the 5th Annual Health Professions Conference sponsored by the Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) Caduceus Club. About 1,000 students attended the all-day event recently held on the Mt. SAC campus with this year’s theme “Piecing Together the Future of Medicine: Where Do You Fit In?” Professor Vlad participated in two panel presentations in the morning and in the afternoon addressed a group of more than 50 students interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy.
July 15, 2011
WesternU Doctor of Physical Therapy Class has perfect pass rate on National Licensure Exam
POMONA, Calif. - - All 39 graduates from WesternU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2010 passed the National Physical Therapy Examination for licensure.
The national average pass rate is 87 percent. From 2006 to 2010, the overall pass rate for WesternU DPT students is 97.8 percent for 137 students, said Dee Schilling, PT, PhD, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy Education.
This success speaks to the quality of students coming to WesternU, coupled with the many layers of support available within the university, she said.
“It’s a combination of dedicated faculty, of students committed to learning, and the staff that supports those students and faculty,” Schilling said. “The opportunity for faculty to be able to go to continuing education, the ability for us to have equipment, is the result of university administrative support.”
The DPT program, part of the College of Allied Health Professions, reached this perfect milestone for the third time as a doctorate program. All 13 students in the charter DPT Class of 2006, all 29 students in the Class of 2008, and all 39 students in the Class of 2010 have passed the national licensure exam. Prior to 2006, graduates earned a master’s degree.
“The PT faculty are uniquely prepared through education, experience and research to provide our students with knowledge that assists them in being prepared for the National Boards and entry into the PT profession,” said College of Allied Health Professions Dean Stephanie Bowlin, EdD, PA. “Our PT students are dedicated to the PT profession, they spend long hours studying their craft, and they truly take their education seriously.”
July 11, 2011
Congratulations to the Department of Physical Therapy Education faculty for achieving 100% membership in the American Physical Therapy Association and being recognized on page 4 of the Saturday, June 11 edition of the Daily News "E"-dition of PT 2011 Daily News from the APTA’s Annual Conference and Exposition held in National Harbor, Maryland.
Congratulations to the American Physical Therapy Association student members in the DPT classes of 2013, 2012, and 2011 for achieving Silver Status in the APTA’s Student Membership Challenge. WesternU was recognized on page 8 in the Friday, June 10 edition of the Daily News "E"-dition of PT 2011 Daily News from the APTA’s Annual Conference and Exposition held recently in National Harbor, Maryland.