Faculty and Student News:
Dr. Ivan Mulligan, Ms. Mary Ann Wharton, Dr. Kay Malek and nine DPT 2/DPT 3 students attended the Annual Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association June 4 – 11, 2011 in Washington, DC. As PPTA president, Dr. Mulligan represented the state of Pennsylvania and Ms. Wharton represented the West Central District chapter of the PPTA during the House of Delegates meetings that took place during the conference at the beginning of the week. Dr. Malek attended the self-study workshop in preparation for the department's next cycle of accreditation preparation. On Thursday morning, the three faculty members participated in a rally of over 1,000 PT's who marched on Capitol Hill to demonstrate support for several pieces of upcoming legislation related to healthcare reform. Following the rally, the faculty members joined several other members of the Pennsylvania delegation in pre-arranged meetings with Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey's legislative aid and Representatives Mark Critz and Bill Shuster to request support on three pieces of legislation that currently impact physical therapy practice. Beginning Wednesday evening Ivan, Mary Ann and Kay along with our professional phase students attended numerous issues forums, continuing education courses, and networking activities completing the week of the conference.
The University has reached an agreement with a new full-time faculty member beginning June 6, 2011. Dr. William Stodart earned his B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh and his D.P.T. from Chatham University. He most recently held an appointment at Vantage Physical Therapy and taught as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Saint Francis University.
Ms. Peg Calvert PT, MS was elected to a three year term as chair of the Three Rivers Academic Consortium. This organization is composed of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. Its mission is to promote excellence in physical therapy education through the partnership of academic members with clinical facilities and their staff. Previously she had served terms as secretary and chair for the consortium.
Kara Kobal, PT, DPT was the invited speaker at the West Central District Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association‘s monthly meeting. Kara provided the continuing education topic entitled “Pediatrics 101: Tips for Treating Children in a Non-Pediatric Setting.”
Kara Kobal, PT, DPT along with Ivan Mulligan, PT, MPT, DSc, SCS, CSCS, attended the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association’s Strategic Planning and Board of Directors meeting on April 15, 2011 in Harrisburg, PA. Dr. Mulligan is the current President of the Pennsylvania Chapter. Dr. Kobal holds the position of Membership Committee Co-Chair for the PPTA. Mary Ann Wharton is also the current chapter Delegate to the American Physical Therapy Association’s House of Delegates, the designated voting body for the association.
Doctor of Physical Therapy enrollment
The 2011-2012 academic year for the physical therapy program began on June 6, 2011 for the 50 students (including eighteen transfer students at the graduate level) who will begin their first professional year; began on May 10 for the 38 students in the second professional year of clinical rotations; and began May 16 for the 36 students in the third professional year.
Physical Therapy Residency Programs
The DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness at Saint Francis University in conjunction with the Department of Physical Therapy, the Department of Sports Medicine, and the Department of Athletics is proud to offer two physical therapy residency programs for physical therapists interested in pursuing a career in either sports or orthopaedic physical therapy. Please review the folloiwng website for further information http://www.francis.edu/DiSepioResidency.htm
Relay for Life 2012 - April 14 - 15, 2012
The Physical Therapy Department, through fundraising and involvement of the Physical Therapy Organization, DPT 1 and DPT 2 students, and faculty, will have an enthusiastic presence. Please come out and join us in our efforts.
Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's - Saturday, September 24, 2011
Doctor of Physical Therapy students were one of 9 teams who participated in the Walk to End Alzheimers. 87 walkers raised $4,844, which will aid The Alzheimer's Association in their efforts related to Alzheimer's care, support and research.