A study conducted at Emory’s Center for Rehabilitation Medicine shows short periods of breathing low oxygen levels can help some patients with spinal cord injuries walk better.
The research was published in the Nov. 27, 2013 online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Congratulations to DPT Faculty member, Dr. Sarah Blanton, for receiving a 2-year career development award from the American Heart Association. The title of her grant is: A Preliminary Test of a Carepartner-Integrated Telehealth Rehabilitation Program for Persons with Stroke. To underscore the significance of Sarah’s achievement in this challenging funding climate, the association funded a total of 12 applications out of 67 applications reviewed, resulting in a 17.91% success rate for applications. Congratulations again to Dr. Blanton!
Emory University School of Medicine, in close collaboration with the Marcus Stroke & Neuroscience Center, will be part of a network of 25 regional coordinating centers from across the nation supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to revolutionize stroke clinical research by addressing new discoveries in prevention, treatment and recovery. Read more.
Emory University’s Physical Therapy School has a history of providing educational opportunities that challenge and promote visionary thinking and innovative leadership within the physical therapy profession. This October 12-13, 2013 was no exception, with Emory DPT’s Continuing Education Program organizing and hosting a nationally recognized event: “Exploring the Role of Physical Therapy in the Treatment and Prevention of Childhood Obesity: Clinical Practice, Educational Curriculum and Research Agendas.” The Symposium’s purpose was to discuss the physical therapist’s role as part of a collaborative response to optimize movement and quality of life for children confronted with obesity and to generate recommendations to guide physical therapy curriculum, research agendas, clinical practice and health care policy. To this end, pioneering practitioners within the physical therapy, nutrition and health policy/public health professions were invited to share their passion and practice for how our profession could join and collaborate with others in the fight against this epidemic.
Dr. Paul Rockar, President of the APTA, gave Saturday’s opening remarks and highlighted our profession’s responsibility, as well as our specific expertise in movement science and exercise prescription, in working with patients and families confronted with obesity. The remainder of Saturday was spent absorbing information provided by a panel of dynamic Faculty, inclusive of Dr. Cheryl Resnik, Director of University of Southern California’s School of Physical Therapy and “Fit Families” program, and Dr. Stephanie Walsh, Wellness Director of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s “Strong4Life” program, both of whom shared innovative models of interdisciplinary clinics that utilize community resources and collaboration between healthcare professionals to address community health and nutrition needs. Dr. Katie Brown, Education Director for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, shared the Academy’s vision and resources and was instrumental in identifying areas in which PTs could collaborate with nutritionists in treating and preventing obesity. Additionally, participants heard from several, leading PT researchers, Drs. Brian Wrotniak, Margaret O’Neil, Ira Gorman and Thube Kolobe, each of whom have dedicated their careers to working within this complex issue.
Sunday’s agenda was dedicated to break out sessions and discussion groups, and attendees gathered in groups to address the specific topics of research, clinical practice, educational curriculum and health policy/advocacy. Participants were challenged to share their ideas, current projects and future vision for where our profession may head in combatting both childhood obesity and health/wellness and prevention, and each break out session concluded with the creation of formalized action plans and strategies. These action plans were combined and discussed during Sunday’s concluding session and will serve as recommendations for how our profession should progress in increasing both our awareness and knowledge of this issue and visibility and collaboration within our practice settings. Additionally, attendees were asked to take specific, leadership responsibility, and each created a “commitment contract,” outlining his or her professional goals as they pertain to obesity, health/wellness or prevention.
he energy and communication initialized during this Symposium was groundbreaking, and Faculty and attendees are planning to correspond over the next year, as they keep one another accountable on their individual and collective goals. Currently, a panel of involved Faculty are in the planning stages of writing a journal article that will address the action plans and recommendations generated from the Symposium, and Leaders will convene at CSM in 2014 to discuss further how to maintain the momentum and vision collected during this October weekend.
If you would like additional information regarding the Symposium, or would like to join our efforts in promoting the physical therapist’s role in the treatment and prevention of childhood obesity, please contact Dr. Sarah Blanton at sblanto@emory.edu or Dr. Jenifer Markley at jbreshe@emory.edu.
Moving Day® is the National Parkinson Foundation’s annual fundraising walk event. This year it was hosted in Atlanta with a goal to raise $100,000.00 to benefit the Foundation. It is a fun and inspiring fundraising event that unites families, friends and communities both large and small in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. This celebration of movement featured a family friendly walk course, a kids area, a caregivers relaxation tent and a special Movement Pavilion featuring yoga, dance, Tai Chi, Pilates, etc. all proven to help manage the symptoms of PD. This year the event raised $136,855.09! Emory University’s third year DPT students, Anjali Malviya and Mackenzie Olson chose to walk the 5k, while third year DPT students Holly Compton, Meg Harris, and Lauren Rossbach worked at a booth in the Movement Pavilion to recruit participants for their ongoing research into the benefits of Adapted Tango for Parkinson’s patients.
The Good Samaritan Health Center Back to School Clinic and Block Party was held on Saturday, August 3rd, outside the Good Samaritan Health Center of Atlanta building. Five DPT students volunteered along with Rob Riesing, PT, DPT, and Becca Grant, PT, DPT, PCS, to provide a Backpack Clinic for the children in attendance. At the Backpack Clinic station the students educated children and their parents on the appropriate placement and weight of backpacks to prevent back pain and injury. The children tried “racing to class” with both with a heavy pack and then with a pack of the appropriate weight to compare.
The APTA and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend that children carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight in their backpacks. The children were weighed and 10-15% of their body weight was calculated and recorded for their parents’ reference in preparation for return to school. The event was a great success. DPT students and children enjoyed the learning experience.
The Emory DPT Program announces with great pleasure that Dr. Kathleen Geist has successfully completed the requirements for recognition as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) in September. The “Fellow” is a physical therapist who has demonstrated advanced clinical, analytical, and hands-on skills in the treatment of musculoskeletal orthopedic disorders and is internationally recognized for their competence and expertise in the practice of manual physical therapy. Our “hats off” to Dr. Geist who pursued this credential over the last several months while serving as a full time faculty member and shepherding the Emory Orthopaedic Residency Program to a successful accreditation. Join us in congratulating Dr. Kathleen Geist, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT!
DPT Students, Katie Moise and Elizabeth Griffith, attended the APTA Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, UT. They had the privilege of accepting both the Award of Merit and the Biggest Stretch Award won in the Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge for 2012-2013. Elizabeth and Katie, co-chairs of the Class of 2015 Philanthropy Committee, accepted the awards on behalf of the Emory DPT Program which raised $8,748.54 in donations for the challenge.
Dr. Herdman has been a member of VEDA since 1993 and serves on VEDA’s Board of Medical & Scientific Advisors. Dr. Herdman is the director of vestibular rehabilitation at the Dizziness & Balance Center at Emory University, and is known internationally for her work in vestibular rehabilitation. Her courses in vestibular rehabilitation have become an industry standard.
Dr. Herdman strongly supports VEDA, and asks you to join her by making a contribution to her personal campaign page: Copy and paste the following address https://vestibular.org/drherdman.
The goal of Balance Awareness Week is to help people recognize the symptoms of a vestibular disorder. Through increased awareness among patients and professionals we can better advocate for improved training and diagnostic protocols, and increased coverage of vestibular disorders by insurance companies. Together we can make a difference!
Thanks for all you do to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from inner ear balance problems!
In May we reported that our students raised $8,748.54 in donations to the Foundation for Physical Therapy for the 2012-2013 Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge and won an “Award of Merit” given to schools who’s fund raising efforts exceed $6,000.
In addition to the Award of Merit, our students recently received the “Biggest Stretch” Award for the 2012-2013 Marquette Challenge! This is due to an increase in funds raised of $2,888.33 over last year’s total of $5,860.21.
Congratulations to our students once again for their outstanding endeavors!
On May 13th, Emory University held its 168th Commencement with over 4,100 graduates participating. Former U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winner, Rita Dove delivered the keynote address. In a separate Diploma Ceremony following the Main Commencement on the Quadrangle at Emory, 62 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program graduates were hooded and awarded their individual degrees. The ceremony took place in the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Auditorium followed by a reception on the plaza level. Three of the DPT 2013 Class graduated with Dual Degrees (two Masters of Business and one Masters of Public Health). The DPT Diploma Ceremony speaker was distinguished Emory alum and Edward L. Ratledge Professor & Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at University of Delaware, Dr. Stuart Binder-McLeod.
The Student Marshall was Brad Johanson and the Class Speaker was Maurice Middleton.
Congratulations to all the 2013 Graduates!
Emory DPT Program earned runner-up status in the GA Publix Marathon Hydration Station Challenge. As runners-up in this challenge, US Roadsports will donate $500 to the charity of the runner-up’s choice. The DPT Program has chosen the Good Samaritan Health Center which is the pro-bono clinic run by the Emory Division of Physical Therapy, where students and faculty provide PT services once a month. Physicians and other health professionals who work there volunteer their time as well. However, the clinic is always looking for funds to purchase items such as diapers and formula for new mothers, medical supplies, and medications.
The faculty and students did an amazing job and we would like to thank Dr. Ainsley Rossi, in particular, for leading our effort.
DPT/MBA Class of 2014 Student, Christine Pieton and friend, Marissa participated in a 50K (31 mile) Run for Lymphedema Research on Sunday, April 7th. They swept first and second place in their age group and raised close to $15,000 which exceeded their original goal by $5000!!!
Christina and Marissa had an amazing time of 7hours, 30minutes, climbed over 6000ft of elevation in the Berkley Hills area. Impressively it was done without injury! Congratulations to Christina and Marissa.
Trumbower’s research funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP) is highlighted on the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) website.
Karen Wilson, Dual Degree Candidate for 2013 was selected to receive the SPT (Student Physical Therapist) Minority Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence. This is an annual award offered to minority physical therapist students by the Physical Therapy Fund, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization supported by the APTA. The purpose of the award is to acknowledge and reward demonstrated participation in minority affairs activities and services, the potential for superior achievements in physical therapy and academic excellence. The scholarship is awarded annually to physical therapy students in their final year of physical therapy education. Karen will graduate in May of this year with Master of Public Health and Doctor of Physical Therapy Degrees.
Thanks to efforts by the philanthropy committees, the Emory DPT Program will donate $8,749 to the Foundation for Physical Therapy for the Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge this year. This will qualify our Program for an “Award of Merit,” designated to schools who’s fund raising efforts exceed $6,000.
Recognition is owed to the hard work of the class of 2015 Philanthropy Committee, chaired by Elizabeth Griffith and Katie Moise and the class of 2014 Philanthropy Committee, chaired by Mackenzie Olson and Caitlyn Kruer as well as the many class volunteers. The students are excited to have improved on last year’s total and hope to continue this trend in the future.
Congratulations to Kaitlin Stewart who based on her scholastic achievements, among other things, was nominated by the DPT faculty and has been selected to receive the award as a member of the 2013 Class of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
Out of all of the Emory University 2013 graduates (professional, graduate and undergraduate), Kaitlin has been selected as one of these top 100 students. Kaitlin is a third-year DPT student and will graduate from Emory in May, 2013.
The Emory University DPT Faculty hosted a reception during the APTA/CSM Conference in San Diego, CA for its alumni and students. Over 100 people attended, including current and former faculty, students and Emory physical therapy alumni from around the country. The Clinical Instructors who attended the reception received a small token of appreciation for their valued time and teaching with Emory DPT students. This reception was held in the Sapphire Room of the Hilton Bayfront Hotel overlooking the Bay.
The Division of Physical Therapy has embarked on an innovative, exciting new venture: one Saturday per month, DPT faculty, alumni and students operate a pro-bono physical therapy clinic in downtown Atlanta. The clinic is a partnership with the Good Samaritan Health Center which serves the medical and public health needs of an indigent, underserved population in the metro area. DPT faculty, alumni and students hold monthly PT clinics, working alongside Emory School of Medicine physicians, medical students, Physician Assistants (PAs) and PA students. This has already proven to be a unique opportunity for both student learning and inter-disciplinary collaboration between SOM departments and has garnered overwhelming participation from students, faculty and alumnae to provide service to the community.
On Sunday, November 3rd, Emory University DPT hosted the Fall Fit Fest in partnership with Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome awareness center, and Chastain Horse Park. This fall carnival aimed to promote awareness and provide tools for the children and families at Gigi’s Playhouse to build healthy living habits. A committee of 11 Emory University DPT second year students planned the event with Dr. Rogozinski and the generous support of Gigi’s Playhouse and Chastain Horse Park. Overall, 64 Emory University DPT first, second, and third year students volunteered by leading over 120 children and their families through the day’s activities.
The Fall Fit Fest included a variety of games, obstacle courses, music, dancing, crafts, and the opportunity to interact with horses. All attendees were encouraged to participate, but the activities were specifically targeted toward the Down syndrome population. Each activity focused on strength training, coordination, balance, cardiovascular endurance, and nutrition. Additionally, Emory University DPT students created and provided resources for the families with information on current fitness guidelines and ideas for physical activity at home. Of the participants who completed a satisfaction survey, 100% strongly agreed the event was well organized, enjoyable, and valuable. It was also agreed that the volunteers were highly helpful and friendly. The Fall Fit Fest generated excitement for future events and a continued partnership with Gigi’s Playhouse and Chastain Horse Park.
On June 29, 2013, 38 physical therapists and physical therapy assistants attended a full-day course focused on reviewing and applying biomechanical principles to common gait compensations found in individuals who have sustained neurological or orthopedic injury. Attendees to “Get a Leg Up on Gait Analysis and Intervention: Applied Biomechanics as a Foundation for Clinical Decision Making,” experienced Emory’s state-of-the-art Motion Analysis Laboratory, worked alongside one another in learning advance-level foot and ankle mobilizations, and were introduced to the latest research in gait retraining principles and interventions, inclusive of the use of fast treadmill walking combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) as a gait retraining technique for individuals post stroke. The day was instructed by Emory DPT Faculty, each of whom are leading researchers and clinicians in clinical biomechanics and gait analysis, and included Dr. Benjamin Rogozinski, Dr. Trisha Kesar, Dr. Marie Johanson, Dr. Kathleen Geist and Laura Zajac-Cox, PT, NCS. By all accounts, the course was a great success, with at least one Attendee raving “Great course! Best I have been to in a long time. All Instructors are experts, and it was really evident that they have a passion for research and teaching.” Thank you to our outstanding Faculty for their dedication and time, and to and our eager participants for their rapt attention and enthusiasm.
