Newsletter Highlights DPTSA'S Timeline of Events DPT Faculty Student Engagement in Research About Dr. Riopel Director of Moravian University’s DPT program Dr. Riopel is the founding Program Director and an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She has 14 years of full-time experience in academia and has served as both a core faculty and Director of Clinical Education in prior institutions. Dr. Riopel has expertise in teaching evidence-based practice, ethics, and professional development courses in both entry-level and post-professional DPT programs. Her clinical expertise is in the area of orthopedics and she has been an ABPTS Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics since 2002. She is also an APTA-credentialed clinical instructor with experience mentoring numerous PT students in the clinic. Dr. Riopel completed her PhD in Physical Therapy in 2015 from Nova Southeastern University. While there, she received the prestigious Adopt-A-Doc Award for her dissertation research on the promotion of professional behavior development in physical therapy students using standardized patient feedback. Dr. Riopel has an active scholarly agenda that focuses on interprofessionalism and the use of clinical simulation to facilitate learning in physical therapy and health professions students. She has served the profession on the state and national level. APTA Student Involvement Inside Scoop from CSM Perspective Pieces DPT Students Effective October 31, 2023, Moravian University has been granted Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706- 3245; email: accreditation@apta.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (610) 625-7213 or email riopelm@moravian.edu. Heard Around the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center Students of the DPT program were asked, “What is your favorite PT school memory so far?” Here are some of their responses! “Attending the Lehigh Valley Phantoms game with the DPTSA!” —Heather Alich, DPT Class of 2024 “My favorite memory of PT school thus far was getting the opportunity to observe surgery during my summer clinical rotation!” —Regina Wagar, DPT Class of 2024 “Late night studying at the SMRC listening to Big Time Rush with friends.” —Victoria Smith, DPT Class of 2024 “My favorite part of DPT school so far has been sitting on the front steps of SMRC during lunch. I always look forward to sitting with my friends and getting some sun!” —Megan McGloin, DPT Class of 2024 “Having the opportunity to meet and learn from our partners from the Good Shepherd SCI Support Group!” —Rachael McCoach, DPT Class of 2024 “One of my favorite moments of PT school was hosting the APTA Student Advocacy Brunch!” —Ashka Sevak, DPT Class of 2024 “My favorite PT school memory was playing in a football scrimmage after exercise physiology class.” — Terrance Walker, DPT Class of 2024 Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Association (DPTSA) The Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Association (DPTSA) aims to support the students of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and extend its name and reputation as a club dedicated to the highest standards in the education of student physical therapists. The organization was established in 2021 by its cofounders Steven Nakhlah and Macy Rauch of Moravian University’s inaugural DPT class. With the intent to engage in activities that elevate and promote the study and practice of physical therapy, members strive to inform the community about various healthcare issues, including health education and wellness. Another aim for the DPTSA includes supporting newly admitted Moravian University DPT students and assisting them throughout their transition from previous college and work experiences to graduate school through the establishment of mentorship relationships. Above all, the DPTSA serves to encourage and empower students to engage in activities that promote the practice of physical therapy. Leadership is vital to the success of the organization. Leaders of the DPTSA establish a vision and provide plans of action in order to build strong relationships and impactful events and activities. Thus, the DPTSA can accomplish incredible feats together. These leaders are listed below. 2024 Executive Board Members: President: Ashka Sevak Vice President: Christian Wiedman Secretary: Bryan Pedrosa Treasurer: Kevin Rogers Historian: Okechukwu “Junior” Mkparu 2025 Executive Board Members: President: Kyle Brandon Vice President: Madison Smith Secretary: Alicia Wallace Treasurer: Elysia Jennings Historian: Katie Mendoza 2024 Committee Head Members: Fundraising Committee: Marybeth Coyne Professional Service Committee: Hope Sasz Community Outreach: Cassidy Grather Social/ History Committee: Heather Alich Committee to the Faculty: Heather Alich 2025 Committee Head Members: Fundraising Committee: Tyler McCrone Professional Service Committee: James Castillo Community Outreach: Kyle Hill Social/ History Committee: Michael Corsetti & Connor Seed Committee to the Faculty: Steven Saba Newsletter Highlights DPTSA'S Timeline of Events DPT Faculty A Message from the DPTSA Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Madara We're thrilled to announce Dr. Kathleen Madara as the faculty advisor for the Moravian University Physical Therapy Student Association! Dr. Madara brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role and is already deeply engaged with mentoring the students. She's immensely proud of their hard work and dedication. What Dr. Madara loves most about advising is witnessing the students' innovative ideas and watching them confidently step into leadership roles. When she's not in the academic realm, you can find her indulging in her passions for gardening, trail running, and spending quality time with her beloved dogs, Tonks and Lupin, and fat cat Chiyo. Dr. Madara is also an avid video game nerd she currently recommends Stardew Valley as a cozy and relaxing game to wind down with. Her motto for advising is: “You get as much as you give, everything in life is just a ground reaction force.” Student Engagement in Research APTA Student Involvement Inside Scoop from CSM Perspective Pieces DPT Students Effective October 31, 2023, Moravian University has been granted Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706- 3245; email: accreditation@apta.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (610) 625-7213 or email riopelm@moravian.edu. Lupin (left) and Tonks (right), Dr. Madara‘s beloved dogs. DPTSA’s Timeline of Events DPTSA Summer Ice Cream Social (June 2023) In the summer of 2023, the DPTSA hosted its first ice cream social with the class of 2024 and 2025. Each student in the class of 2025 was paired with a student in the class of 2024 and the ice cream social was an opportunity for the students to mingle and meet their mentors and mentees! There were some great conversations over cookie dough, mint chocolate chip, and rocky road ice cream! All things that lead to a wonderful start to a great mentorship program! Anatomy Trip to the University of Delaware Cadaver Lab (August 2023) Each year at the end of the first summer semester, DPT students get the opportunity to visit and learn alongside PT students at the University of Delaware in their cadaver lab. With the guidance of Dr. Rompolski and Dr. Ebaugh, Moravian DPT students get to translate their anatomy knowledge from the Anatomage lab to the cadaver lab. After a hard day of learning, the DPT Class of 2025 rewarded themselves with some delicious ice cream from the famous UDairy Creamery! APTA PA Student SIG Advocacy Brunch (September 2023) The first student advocacy brunch was hosted at Moravian University in collaboration with the APTA Pennsylvania Student Special Interest Group (APTA PA SSIG)! Over 80 students and supporting faculty from the state of Pennsylvania gathered at Moravian University to learn about important topics surrounding advocacy in the PT profession. We had a chance to hear from a wide range of panelists and had a great time networking with students from across the state. This event left students feeling empowered and motivated to drive this profession forward and make a positive impact! Halloween Potluck & Costume Contest (October 2023) Have you ever seen a group of PT students so passionate about Halloween? From the cast of Shrek, to dressing up as the operation game, to goniometers and reflex hammers, the DPTSA members celebrated their annual halloween party with a potluck of delicious and yummy food. DPTSA Trivia Night (October 2023) The DPTSA hosted its first social event in the Fall of 2023! Trivia night was a hit and competition got heated as multiple teams were in the running for first place. Nonetheless, it was a great way to destress, disconnect from the academic environment, and have a fun social night with both the DPT Class of 2024 and 2025! Phantom’s Game Fundraiser (November 2023) The DPTSA partnered with the PPL Center’s Phantoms hockey team for a Moravian University DPTSA Phantoms Game Night! Members, faculty, friends, and family all joined together to root for the local Phantoms hockey team. We had over 50 individuals attend the event to support the DPTSA! Cupid’s Chase Race (February 2024) The Moravian DPTSA volunteered and participated in the Cupid’s Chase 5K. This 5K raises money and awareness for individuals with disabilities and provides them security of residential and employment opportunities through raised funds. Our students led a warm up, handed out metals, and some even participated in the race! APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2024 This year, the APTA Combined Sections Meeting was hosted in Boston, MA. We had great representation from Moravian University, both with faculty and student attendance. It was an amazing opportunity to network with other students and exhibitors, attend educational sessions, and stop by research platforms. We even had our very own faculty and students present their posters at CSM! We as a program and profession are grateful to have these opportunities to learn and grow into fine physical therapists as we embark on our professional journeys! Iron Pigs Fundraiser Game (April 2024) We had such a great time at the Iron Pigs Game this year. It was a blast to disconnect from the classroom with our last big hurrah before finals week! Iron Pigs Fundraiser (April 2024) PT Outreach Day (April 2024) This year, we were able to host our 2nd Annual PT outreach day! The intent behind outreach day is to reach out and introduce the field of PT to high school students. The DPT students in the graduating class of 2024 designed a full day of orthopedic and neurologic PT interactive sessions to engage with high school students and encourage them to consider PT as a future career option. It was a great day of learning and connecting with our community! Miles for Kids Fun and Fitness Day (April 2024) The Moravian DPTSA had the opportunity to volunteer at the first Miles for Kids Event! Cindy Miles was a well known pediatric physical therapist within the APTA and always believed in creating an inclusive space for children of all abilities. In her memory, her daughter Kristy organized this event and it was such a pleasure to volunteer for. We walked a mile and manned the ‘Kids Fun Zone’ where kids of all abilities were able to play and interact with one another! DPT Class of 2024 Pinning Ceremony In September 2023, the DPT Class of 2024 celebrated their pinning ceremony. This ceremony marks the beginning of their journey to become a physical therapist who embodies the characteristics of a caring and competent healthcare provider. DPT students, faculty, family, and friends all gathered to celebrate the Class of 2024 as they embark on this journey! DPT Faculty Mary Anne Riopel, PT, DPT, PhD Jennifer Elinich, PT, DPT Kathleen Madara, PT, DPT, PhD Alison Roll, PT, DPT, TPS Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy Program Director & Associate Professor Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy Assistant Professor Assistant Professor Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy Director of Clinical Education & Assistant Professor Krista Rompolski, PhD Michael Steimling, PT, DPT Kimberly D. Wynarczuk, PT, DPT, PhD, MPH, CHES Associate Professor Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Assistant Professor Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy Assistant Professor Graduate Assistant Engagement Class of 2024 Graduate Assistantships provide individuals the opportunity to deeply engage with learning or perform research on campus in collaboration with a faculty member. Graduate Assistant: Kimberley Coronel Graduate Assistant for Dr. Jennifer Elinich Current Research Projects: Burnout in physical therapists, inclusive teaching, classification in initially non-ambulatory stroke survivors “The focus of my research with Dr. Elinich is currently involving inclusive teaching. The project was already full steam ahead prior to me becoming her GA, but after learning more about this topic and becoming more involved, it helped me become more immersed in a topic such as this. After the team collected diverse images, which consisted of performing transfers, bed mobility, assessment, etc, the other phase of the project was to examine images in nursing and physical therapy textbooks to see if they were as diverse as the outside world. After further review, there is a lack of inclusive images, which can show that those who are pursuing careers in the healthcare field are lacking knowledge regarding diverse populations and how to be an effective and competent clinician. Diversity to me is greatly important and especially diversity/inclusion in the healthcare system is much needed in society currently. I believe that after experiencing clinical rotations in PA and NJ, these experiences have taught me that there should be workshops for current clinicians regarding how to treat a diverse population and how to deal with racial/discriminatory biases. My future interests in research would further pursue this topic on a more societal level. In addition, I hope to pursue a Master's in Public Health to become more knowledgeable about the topic and figure out solutions to these real life problems that society currently faces.” Graduate Assistant: Rachael McCoach Graduate Assistant for Dr. Steimling Current Research Projects: "Investigating the Association between Running Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Clinical Measures in Recreational Female Runners with Incontinence", "Running Kinematics and Injury Rates in Division 3 Collegiate Distance Runners: A prospective study", "Gait Retraining Women's Health Running Study" “Currently, I am completing my own research study titled "Investigating the Association between Running Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Clinical Measures in Recreational Female Runners with Incontinence". This study aims to evaluate whether a relationship exists between musculoskeletal clinical measures, including lower extremity strength, range of motion, and running biomechanics, including cadence and foot strike, with selfreported incontinence symptoms in recreational female runners. Establishing a relationship between the previously listed will help better inform treatment for females who experience incontinence while running. Additionally, I am assisting Dr. Steimling with two of his research studies. One being titled "Running Kinematics and Injury Rates in Division 3 Collegiate Distance Runners: A Prospective Study", with the goal to determine if there's a relationship between running kinematics and injury rates in Division 3 collegiate distance runners. And an additional one titled "Gait Retraining Women's Health Running Study", with the goal to determine if an increase in cadence can decrease women's self-reported incontinence symptoms while running. In terms of my future research, I am highly interested in continuing to focus on female runners. Specifically, I am interested in determining if there is a relationship between a woman's menstrual cycle and reported RPE during training runs and/or workouts.” Graduate Assistant Engagement Class of 2024 Graduate Assistant: Regina Wagar Graduate Assistant for Dr. Mary Anne Riopel Current Research Projects: “Currently I am involved in an interprofessional study alongside Dr. Riopel, analyzing and identifying themes related to the clinical simulation experience within the Moravian OT and PT programs. Our goal with this study is to be able to identify commonalities between both cohorts as well as within each cohort. An additional component of this study is to identify potential areas for growth. I have also been aiding in the preparation of the complex clinical reasoning course that is coming up this summer for the class of 2024! Dr. Riopel has given me an incredible experience within the realm of the qualitative research world. In the future, I would be interested in researching clinician perceptions of their own personal clinical reasoning. In this, I would hope to better understand potential areas to aide in maximizing clinician’s practice. I would also hope to be able to provide resources or continuing education recommendations upon the result of clinician responses. Another component that I would be interested in analyzing would be the progression of clinician clinical reasoning throughout their practice. I believe that this could provide impactful insight as to the overall development of clinical decision making.” Graduate Assistant: Sarah Wright Graduate Assistant for Dr. Kathleen Madara Current Research Projects: “Evaluation of Movement Symmetry in Patients with Unilateral Knee Osteoarthritis During Clinical Functional Measures Compared to Healthy Adults”, “What Is Normal Running Symmetry? Analysis of Division III Cross Country Runners Using the Normalized Symmetry Index”, “The Effects of Experimentally Induced Hip Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Pain on Movement, Pain Processing, and Perceptions in Healthy Adults”, “Development of an Eccentric Exercise Protocol to Elicit Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness in the Hip Musculature” “The focus of our current research is to assess the changes seen in movement during the disease process of knee osteoarthritis by determining limb symmetries in individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis throughout different standard functional measures. In conjunction with that study, we are interested in determining the relationship between self-reported pain perception and limb symmetry during standard functional measures in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Another study we are currently working on is analyzing the limb symmetries of Moravian Cross Country runners using a novel equation for symmetry index to better define “normal” symmetry in runners. Studies that we are close to finishing are focused on determining the best eccentric exercise that elicits delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the lateral hip musculature to ideally mimic the pain those with hip osteoarthritis experience as well as how the individuals who experienced DOMS perceived their pain and soreness. In the future, I am interested in pursuing research that integrates the biomechanical knowledge I gained from working with Dr. Madara with how the brain functions and processes information in order to find ways to maximize individuals’ functionality, specifically those with chronic conditions. In doing so, I hope to further the evidence associated with pain processing and pain perceptions when an individual has a disease or diagnosis that has caused an alteration in their body mechanics. Furthermore, I am interested in determining if there are specific biomechanics or ground reaction forces needed to maximize neuroplasticity and amplify motor relearning when regaining the ability to walk after a stroke, TBI, or neurodegenerative illness. Overall, I am interested in finding ways to optimize patients' function when they are experiencing chronic pain or have sustained a neurological injury or illness by providing better insight on the mechanisms behind the primary condition.” Graduate Assistant Engagement Class of 2025 Graduate Assistant: Osheonna Israel Graduate Assistant: Grace Snyder Graduate Assistant for Dr. Allison Roll Graduate Assistant for Dr. Kimberly Wynarczuk Current Research Projects: “Currently, Dr. Roll and I are constructing research from the DEI perspective when analyzing potential racial bias made within the DPT profession, specifically when looking at the relationship between the Student Physical Therapist (SPT) and Clinical Instructor (CI). Current Research Projects: “I am currently working on gross motor activities with children age 4-5 over at Bonaventure Academy. During our sessions we work with kids on movement of large muscle groups, balance, coordination, and body awareness. We typically start out sessions with a warm-up exercise, then the class completes 2 different obstacle courses, followed by some sort of "cool down" activity. Our hope for implementing this program with Bonaventure Academy is to create community opportunities for students to participate in. This is a great experience for those who are interested in working in pediatrics and want to increase their knowledge/experience in working with children. We hope to expand more classes into the Junior room, which is ages 3-4, in the fall, while also continuing classes in the Senior room. By incorporating different study methods, my goal is to be able to interpret whether the SPT elicits either intentional or unintentional racial bias toward the CI. Identifying racial bias as a prevalent factor that influences attitudes and impressions toward CI Physical Therapists of color will be analyzed throughout this line of research. Conducting this research will help to increase awareness and identify signs of racial judgment and discrimination. Comparing CI’s of minority descent to those considered as the majority will help to recognize intentional and unintentional biases through methodical design. Down the line with finalizing this research, I do see Dr. Roll and myself presenting at future conferences and hopefully at the next CSM location. I believe that increasing the awareness of racial bias within the DPT profession is an important endeavor to take part in especially when considering DEI. Being able to recognize and embrace DEI as a whole is an essential interconnected incentive that will be emphasized to its best intent with this current line of research. Cultivating this line of research drove me to become the DEI Chair of the APTA Student SIG. I am very grateful for this opportunity, as my hopes are not only to gain awareness regarding DEI within itself, but to be in a position where those who are in need of expressing their voice and their opinions can come to me without hesitation. DEI is something that I have grown to be passionate about and I hope to express this passion in the best way I can.” While I am not actively working on research with Dr. Wynarczuk, our focus for this project is to create community relationships and open up more opportunities to students. Bonaventure Academy has created a welcoming space for us to try out this new program and give it a test run over the Spring semester. They are very open to allowing students to continue their knowledge and education outside of class. Not only does this opportunity benefit current and future students but it also has an impact on the children at Bonaventure. While we are there running through our program, they are constantly learning new ways to perform activities and use different parts of their bodies. We have been focusing a lot on balance, planning skills, and body awareness. Through this experience I think it would be interesting to look at the effects of gross motor activities on kids over a period of time. I would be curious to see the changes that happen and where the biggest impacts would be. Gross motor activities do have a lot of physical benefits but I would also be interested to see what the cognitive benefits are through gross motor play. Dr. Wynarczuk and I have enjoyed setting up this program that we have running and hope that we can continue it for future classes to be apart of.” Graduate Assistant Engagement Class of 2025 Graduate Assistant: Alicia Wallace Graduate Assistant for Dr. Rompolski & Dr. Steimling Current Research Projects: “I am currently working with Dr. Rompolski’s research on weight bias science to determine if dissection plays a role in weight bias among Doctor of Physical Therapy Students. During the winter term and the beginning of the spring semester, we worked together to quantify the qualitative data collected from both Moravian and University of Colorado DPT students. Though we did not find a significant difference between the students who engaged in dissection in comparison to those who used virtual cadavers, it was unearthed that DPT students have a moderate level of both internal and external weight bias. To improve the study we can utilize a larger sample size and offer more clarification on the questionnaires presented to the cohorts. This initial data was presented at the American Association for Anatomy in Toronto, and we are currently working on the final paper that should be published within the year. As we are preparing for the incoming cohort, I have been developing ample study tools to allow the class of 2026 to have more resources when preparing for their laboratory practicals. This includes labeled images of the skeleton models with their respective insertions, nerve innervations and actions (for each muscle), and videos providing more clarification on difficult subjects in anatomy. In addition to my current full time clinical rotation this summer, I hope to allot some time assisting first-year students during their palpation and osteology lab sections. When I first accepted my role as Dr. Rompolski’s Graduate Research Assistant I started delving into the prevalence of neurodivergent individuals within Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs and other higher education programs within the health sciences. Upon further research it was discovered that this had never been investigated within the realm of physical therapy, and thus Dr. Rompolski, Dr. Lauri Kahan, and I had a well-thought meeting/discussion on how we can proceed and present this information. This is a continued ongoing inquiry and with time permitting, we hope to devise a plan of action to best present the information in regards to Autism Spectrum Disorder and those within the field of physical therapy. As I transition into my second year within Moravian’s DPT program, I am joining Dr. Steimling’s team as he further examines the relationship between pelvic floor function and those that participate in varying levels of running.” APTA Student Involvement The APTA Pennsylvania Student Special Interest Group (SIG) consists of PT/PTA students from various Pennsylvania schools. The student-run group provides networking and learning opportunities to SPT/SPTAs across the state of PA, bringing added value to your APTA Pennsylvania membership! The primary purpose of this group is to advertise upcoming student events and connect students from all PT/PTA schools in the state of Pennsylvania and in your area. We are proud to have three of our students serving on this year’s Student SIG! APTA PA SSIG Secretary Ashka Sevak APTA PA SSIG Advocacy Chair Hope Sasz APTA PA SSIG DEI Chair “Serving as the Director of SPTA relations on the Student Assembly Board of Directors in 2022, I was able to learn a lot about the importance of student voice on advocacy issues within the profession of PT. I got to experience firsthand the value and importance of student involvement and advocacy, as we are the future leaders of the physical therapy profession. As I progress into my professional career after graduation, I want to continue to spread awareness of important topics and connect with other student leaders who will hopefully be inspired to do the same! I look forward to meeting and working with other likeminded PT and PTA students to strengthen the student voice within the profession. I'm really looking forward to hearing the creative ideas that other students have and building a network to build up the field of physical therapy.” “It's always been important to me to have a voice as a student in the PT profession. I believe that us students, the future leaders of physical therapy, are able to make an impact to drive our profession in a positive direction as we make conscious efforts to educate ourselves and other students on important advocacy issues. Having served as the Advocacy Chair on the APTA PA SSIG in 2023 and as the Director of SPTA relations on the 2021-2022 APTA Student Assembly Board of Directors (SABOD), I understand the importance of early exposure to these topics as we build ourselves into future physical therapists, so that we can continue to advocate as we flourish in our careers. I also serve as the student ambassador for the APTA PT Moves Me campaign at my school, in hopes to increase the awareness of the importance of physical therapy to the next generation of physical therapists. I look forward to engaging with other like-minded PT and PTA students and working with them to advance our career and profession!” “I serve as DEI Chair for the APTA Pennsylvania Student Special Interest Group (SIG) Board! I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside such wonderful individuals who display the same ambitious character as myself. I am also excited to create new connections and relationships with everyone eager to enhance the profession through creativity. Moreover, I am very grateful to be granted the opportunity to improve and promote new innovative ways to increase awareness regarding DEI within the PT profession. I believe that expressing new ideas will help to enhance a better perspective amongst driven individuals who are all eager to make a career out of the profession. Understanding the importance behind building a foundation of leaders is essential for those who aspire to be future physical therapists. Creating an environment where diverse cultures can collaborate with one another is my goal that I will prioritize as DEI Chair.” An Inside Scoop from CSM! Each year, the American Physical Therapy Association holds a Combined Sections Meeting where PTs, PTAs, SPTs and SPTAs gather for a weekend of networking, learning, and fun! This annual physical therapy conference is an amazing opportunity for career development, as students and faculty mingle with professionals and exhibitors. This year, many of the Moravian DPT students and faculty were able to attend and present posters and research at CSM. It was certainly an opportunity of a lifetime! Dr. Katy Blessing Poster Presentation: Sternal Precautions Post Median Sternotomy: A Hybrid Approach to Gain Surgeons Trust with Good Outcomes Dr. Kathleen Madara Platform Presentation: Orthopedic Section: Shoulder Dr. Elizabeth McCormick Poster Presentation: Patient Satisfaction Mobility Improvement Using High Intensity Gait Training in Individuals Following Stroke Dr. Kelly Repka Strategies for Successful Mentoring Program to Improve Employee Engagement Dr. Thomas J Shaughnessy On the Rise: Soft Tissue Infections Associated with People Who Inject Drugs An Inside Scoop from CSM! Each year, the American Physical Therapy Association holds a Combined Sections Meeting where PTs, PTAs, SPTs and SPTAs gather for a weekend of networking, learning, and fun! This annual physical therapy conference is an amazing opportunity for career development, as students and faculty mingle with professionals and exhibitors. This year, many of the Moravian DPT students and faculty were able to attend and present posters and research at CSM. It was certainly an opportunity of a lifetime! (From left) GA Rachael McCoach, Sarah Wright, Dr. Michael Steimling, and Dr. Kathleen Madara Running Kinematics and Injury Rates in Division 3 Collegiate Distance Runners: A Prospective Study (From left) GA Regina Wagar and Dr. MaryAnne Riopel Clinical Reasoning, What do Students think? Dr. Colin Tomes Observations of Undulating Training with a Novel Water-Filled Training Implement and Barbell Dr. Kimberly Wynarczuk, Dr. Jennifer Elinich, Dr. Alison Roll Using Diverse and Inclusive Images in Educational Materials Impact on Health Professions Students Perspective Pieces The Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Association aims to amplify students’ voices, create a sustainable cycle of student organizing, and form partnerships with students at the forefront. No matter the experience or background of our students, we strive to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our communities. Four of our students share their journeys and experiences that led them to Moravian University. Kevin’s Story Kevin Rogers, SPT Class of 2024 The journey that led me to pursue physical therapy as a career has certainly had its ups and downs. Ever since I was very young, I have been fascinated with the human body and continue to marvel at its complexity and synergy. This fascination led me to athletics, which quickly became something at which I excelled. It was during this time that I first learned about the importance of exercise and nutrition. I began to grow very passionate about exercise, and it developed into more of a lifestyle than just something done for sport. As I grew and I began to consider my future, my father, a registered nurse, exposed me to career opportunities in healthcare. I’ll never forget the day he took me to a job fair at the hospital where he worked, and I got to hear healthcare professionals speak about their various specialties. After the presentations, those in attendance had an opportunity to meet with these professionals and ask questions about their work. I was like a moth to a flame toward the PT that day, which led to great conversation. It was that day that it became abundantly clear that a career in physical therapy was a perfect match for me. PT would allow me to combine my passion for exercise, my natural compassion and empathy, and my desire to make a difference all at the same time. It was a no brainer. However, when I was in high school, I was not yet emotionally mature enough to be able to commit to pursuing something that would require extensive effort and work. At that time, my life was on autopilot and I was just coasting through it. My highest priorities had become having fun and being social with friends. So when I graduated high school and began my college career at the local community college, my ideas of pursuing physical therapy became just that, while my misguided priorities led the way. Most of the classes I took my first two semesters had nothing to do with PT, and it began to look like I would end up going in a different direction. That is, until one fateful day that literally changed the direction of the course of my life. It was a wet and chilly March morning, and I was driving to class like any other day. However, on this day, I was involved in a serious auto accident that could have easily ended my life. I had lost control of my vehicle and my brakes stopped functioning. I was run off the road, pulling the E-brake for dear life until I finally came to a halt. I was physically safe but severely traumatized. No other cars were involved, and thankfully nobody was hurt, but while everything was happening, I truly believed that those were my last breaths. The truck was totaled, and I felt like my life was as well. I began to question my own existence. What am I doing? Why am I here? What is it I really want out of life? This anguish I felt from this incident left me believing that I wasn’t capable of being very much in life, let alone a physical therapist. After much thought and reflection, I came to the realization that I had been given another chance. It was now crystal clear to me that how I was living my life was not working, and my choices were not leading me toward anything sustainable. Kevin’s Story (cont.) From that moment forward, I vowed to get my act together and began to commit to living my best life. This included my dream of a career as a physical therapist. I began to seek out volunteer opportunities in PT, internships to see PTs in action, and any opportunity I could find to experience the profession. One of my experiences involved working in the inpatient setting as a rehab aide. I worked in the hospital for about two years (where I was able to work with patients with a myriad of neurological conditions, as well as some major surgical cases). One particular patient, with whom I worked regularly, cemented in my mind that I had chosen my career well. I will refer to this patient as “Chris.” I met Chris in 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and stress in the hospital was high across the board. Chris was not only suffering symptoms from the COVID-19 infection, but he was also dealing with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. In the beginning, Chris was very depressed and afraid. So much was happening, and he had felt he lost all sense of control. Despite Chris’s fears and anxieties, with my help, he began to think more positively, and that fueled his desire to get well. I encouraged him to keep his sense of humor during this time, and we both looked forward to our sessions. Slowly but surely, he began to progress. Watching Chris develop from struggling with bed mobility to the point where he was walking with a single point cane showed me how vital physical therapy can be to recovery. Not only was he making strides with his physical well-being, but also his fear was reduced, and his anxiety level was improving. Through hard work and determination, Chris grew in strength and endurance, and more importantly, once again found his smile. This may have been the most important aspect for me. Meeting Chris at his absolute lowest, from being unable to get out of bed, to watching him walk out of the hospital on his own two feet, was the most rewarding experience I ever had. Playing an integral role in restoring Chris’s loss of function and independence gave me such a sense of personal satisfaction and pride that I now need no more reminders that this was where I belonged, that I was on the right path, and that I did have what it takes to be a practicing physical therapist In five years, I would likely want to be working in an inpatient rehab setting with aspirations of potentially going back to school to earn an MBA. Terrance’s Story Terrance Walker, SPT, LAT, MS, ATC Class of 2024 When I began my undergraduate studies, physical therapy was not listed as one of my future career paths. Approaching a major was a little bit of challenge because I was unsure as to which area of the medical world I would want to make a career out of. As a huge sports fan that wanted to be a part of the action, I decided to gain knowledge and skills with athletic training. It wasn’t until the fall semester of my senior year that I would develop an interest into the field of physical therapy. As a student athletic trainer in a high school setting, I was given the reigns to work on a student athlete’s rehabilitation program. On a weekly basis, my clinical instructor would discuss the physician’s plan of care and how we could implement treatment. With time, the student athlete became comfortable and eager to come to rehab. Working as a collaborative team 3-4 times a week was a new learning opportunity. As we advanced through the week-to-week stages of their rehabilitation, I noticed that the patient felt distant and no longer a member of the team. At this point, I knew it was time to adjust the treatment plan. Following the approval from my instructor, we decided to move the rehab outside to the football team practices. With this change of scenery, the student athlete had changed their attitude and became encouraged. Occasionally they gained more motivation following a compliment or cheer from their teammates. Making the appropriate adjustments, incorporating patient center care, and being creative with therapeutic interventions allowed the student-athlete to heal and return to play. When they played in their first game since injury, they made a few impactful plays in the game helping their team win. After the game, the athlete ran my direction to high five and bear hug me. To see the joy on their face was inspiring. Following this experience, my interest into physical therapy flourished. I was intrigued with how well patients respond to treatment and how much of an impact we can have on people. Fast forward to today, I reflect on this experience as an eye opening moment into physical therapy. In the next five years, I believe I’ll be full time in an inpatient or outpatient setting. I would like to be included/develop an education or community outreach team with the company I work for. I plan to continue to be an advocate for patients and the healthcare profession. Lately the role of a clinical instructor has drawn some interest. My crystal ball isn’t well lit, but I like to believe my future is! Shannon’s Story Shannon Taby, SPT, LAT, ATC Class of 2025 I chose to undergo a career change and become a physical therapist and further my education as a clinician. I worked as an athletic trainer for almost 7 years and counting, until I made the decision to go back to school and pursue a career in physical therapy! I wanted to know more about what I could do as a healthcare professional to better serve my patients. Helping people has always been an interest and passion of mine and I experience a great deal of reward seeing my patients succeed in reaching their goals. One of my favorite skills is having the ability to build rapport with my patients and give them hope when they are feeling their worst. Overall, this side of healthcare is more rewarding than people may think! Physical therapy has so many different specialties that we as students can pursue and I love that our possibilities are truly endless! This program has allowed us to experience these different aspects of physical therapy and I greatly value the opportunities we are given here at Moravian. In the next five years, I see myself working in either an orthopedic clinic or in an acute hospital setting doing my best to improve the health of my patients. Kyle’s Story Kyle Hill, SPT Class of 2025 As a sophomore in undergrad, I had the chance to shadow a PT over the course of four weeks where I met a young individual with multiple cognitive and physical impairments. Each visit, we got closer and closer and he always insisted I was the one who brought him back to the gym. We would talk about everything under the sun, including the multiple girlfriends he had, music and sports. On my last day, he gave me a handwritten card, along with a cut out of his favorite comic book magazine. This experience played a pivotal role in my decision in pursing physical therapy. I chose physical therapy because it provides the opportunity to connect with patients on a unique level that's absent in other healthcare professions, which I believe is crucial for rehabilitation! Being a physical therapist allows you to utilize your intensive knowledge of the body, hands-on skills, and creativity to assist individuals in feeling better, getting back to doing what they love, and living pain free. I'm super passionate about this field and can't wait to make an impact as a physical therapist! In five years, I see myself working in a sports setting and perhaps pursuing a residency. DPT Inaugural Class of 2023 Graduates Congratulations Class of 2023! DPT Class Of 2024 Heather Alich, SPT Brittany Bill, SPT Taylor Calvagna, SPT Kimberley Coronel, SPT Marybeth Coyne, SPT Cassidy Grather, SPT Youstina Hanna, SPT Jenna Hartzell, SPT Ahmed Hassan, SPT Devon Irvin, SPT Connor James, SPT Kira N. Lewis, SPT Rachael E. McCoach, SPT Megan McGloin, SPT Okechukwu (Junior) Mkparu, SPT Bryan Pedrosa, SPT Marissa Petronzio, SPT Matthew Riggins, SPT Kevin Rogers, SPT Orlando Sanabria, SPT DPT Class Of 2024 Hope Sasz, SPT Ashka A. Sevak, SPT, PTA Miriam Shalaby, SPT Victoria Smith, SPT Regina Wagar, SPT Terrance AD. Walker, SPT, LAT, MS, ATC Brianna M. Waselus, SPT Christian Wiedman, SPT Sarah A. Wright, SPT Lena Young, SPT DPT Class Of 2025 Gianna Arias, SPT Amara Bitting, SPT Kyle Brandon, SPT James Castillo, SPT Michael Corsetti, SPT Amber Diehl, SPT Kyle Hill, SPT Jesse Hoke, SPT Osheonna Israel, SPT Elysia Jennings, SPT Phillip Mamauag, SPT Tyler McCrone, SPT Kaitlynn Mendoza, SPT Jaelyn Mitchell, SPT Steven Saba, SPT Thariana Salazar Henriquez ,SPT Cameron Searfoss, SPT Brandon Seed, SPT Connor Seed, SPT Madison Smith, SPT DPT Class Of 2025 Grace Snyder, SPT Christian Saphr, SPT Shannon Taby, SPT, LAT, ATC Alyssa Vega, SPT Alicia Wallace, SPT Jaime Zurflueh (Hoehn), SPT Natalie Taclan, SPT Thank you for being a part of the Moravian community and we look forward to connecting with you in the near future! Stay Connected with Us! Follow Us on LinkedIn! Moravian University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Follow Us on Instagram! Moravian University DPTSA For more information about our program, visit our website!
