Yates Present Platform at CSM 2013
Dr. Charlotte Yates, Assistant Professor, presented a platform presentation entitled "Benefits of Kanagroo Care in Preterm Infants for Pain, Stress, and Cardiorespiratory Parameters" at the 2013 Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA . DPT students Eric Everson, Robin Smith and Anna Drinkwitz were co-authors and also attended the meeting held on January 23 in San Diego.
Faculty and Students Present Posters at CSM 2013
Dr. Chad Lairamore, Assistant Professor, presented a poster entitled "Functional Electrical Stimulation Increases Tibialis Anterior Muscle Activity for Patients With Neurological Injury".
Third year DPT Student Ashley Roughton presented a poster entitled "The Effect of Peripheral Electrical Stimulation on Reaction Time and Cortical Excitability" with co-author Laura Argetsinger and faculty members Dr. Chad Lairamore and Dr. Tiffany Huitt, Assistant Professor.
Dr. Steve Forbush, Assistant Professor, presented a poster entitled "Comparison of Contractions Between a New Technique of Supraspinatus Muscle Testing and Commonly Used Techniques of Testing Through the Use of Ultrasound Imaging" with co-authors D White, W Smith and third year DPT Students Vada Harrell, Dustin Howard, Josh Huffman, Divine Kuja and Eric Seaman.
PhD Student Presents Poster at CSM 2013
Dr. Leah Lowe, DPT Alumnus of 2006 and current PhD student, presented a poster entitled "Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Neonatal Swine: A Safety Study to Assess Skin Integrity and Cardiorespiratory Parameters" with Dr. Charlotte Yates and co-authors A. Mitchell and RW Hall. Dr. Lowe is currently employed at Pediatrics Plus Therapy in Conway.
PhD Alumni Present at CSM 2013
Also, Yasser Salem, an alumnus of the PhD program and current Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center in Fort Worth, presented two platform presentations entitled " A Multi-Year Observational Study of Community-based Exercise Programming for People With Parkinson Disease" and "Effects of Aquatic Exercises on Mobility Function and Quality of Life in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial".
Recent Grads Ayers and Davis Publish Article
Two of UCA's recent DPT graduates, Dr. Shannon Ayers and Dr. Karee Davis have had an article accepted for publication in the Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research. The article is titled Comparison of Lower Extremity Anterior Compartment Muscle EMG When Using the Nintendo Wii Fit™ and BAPS Board™: a Repeated Measure Trial.
Nancy Bond named UCA Employee of the Quarter
Nancy Bond, Administrative Assistant for the Department of Physical Therapy, is named Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2012 for the university. Ms. Bond joined the Department in June of 2008 and has been a valuable asset, great professional and coworker since.
"A brief history of physical therapy at UCA" by Jimmy Bryant
The Log Cabin Democrat has published an article regarding the history of UCA physical therapy written by UCA archivist Jimmy Bryant. The physical therapy program officially began in 1970 and graduated 16 students in the first class in 1972. The article includes quotes from original papers from the program's founder Mr. Joe Finnell as well as interviews with Dr. Nancy Reese, Dr. Leah Lowe and two current third-year DPT students Kane Moix and Robyn Smith. The article appears in the October 29 issue of the paper as well as on-line at the following link.
Class of 1972 to Celebrate 40th Anniversary
The first physical therapy class of UCA is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The Department of Physical Therapy is hosting a special reunion dinner on Friday, November 2 in Conway for the class of 1972. Open House and tours are planned for 5:30-7:00 at the PT Center also on Novebmer 2.
November 3 - Join us for the 2012 PT Alumni Weekend Cookout
The 7th Annual PT Alumni Weekend will be held on November 3, 2012. Alumni are invited to join the Department for a cookout from 4:00-5:30 at the PT Center prior to the UCA Football game (kick-off is 7pm). RSVP is appreciated, but not required.
2012 PT Alumni Weekend Continuing Education Courses
Also, Dr. Bruce Mendelson will be presenting an anatomy review in the Gross Anatomy Lab. Dr. Staffan Elglid will be presenting a course on core strengthening. Please contact Stacey Stephens at staceys@uca.edu or 501-450-5549 regarding late registration for the courses. See course brochure for details: UCA PT Course Brochure Nov 2012
Fant named UCA Employee of the Year
Charlotte Fant, MS, CHES, Program Advisor in the Department of Physical Therapy is the 2012 Employee of the Year. Ms. Fant was also a finalist for Employee of the Year in 2010 and 2011. Since 2004 Ms. Fant has led the Department's advisement of the BS in Health Science degree which includes over 400 students as well as mentoring the PrePT Club. In addition to advising students from UCA and other colleges and universities regarding the DPT program, Ms. Fant coordinates events throughout the year that bring hundreds of students to the Department. These events have been described as "one of the best and engaging departmental campus tours" by parents of prospective students. Ms. Fant accomplishes tasks with zeal. “We could not accomplish our mission without her excellent work”. Her contributions to the university and its students are significant and invaluable. She treats everyone with dignity and respect. Ms. Fant serves on the Staff Senate working tirelessly to enhance communication within the UCA community as well. She is a devoted fan and dedicated employee who is by far an asset to the university.
Yates named Finalist for Teaching Excellence Award
Charlotte Yates, PhD, PT, PCS, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, is a 2012 Finalist for the UCA Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Yates’ teaching responsibilities include Neuroscience, Integumentary, Pediatrics and the Pediatrics Elective coursework as well as mentoring Pediatric Residents and PhD students. Dr. Yates has “the great ability to take extremely complex subject matter like that contained in Neuroscience and convey it to students in a way that makes it understandable and applicable to their future careers as physical therapists.” Students praised her teaching excellence based on her inspiration, motivation, engagement, and enthusiasm as well as going above and beyond by providing one-on-one assistance, opportunities for shadowing and serving as role model for future physical therapists. Her focus on her students both as scholars and human beings has garnered respect, admiration, and appreciation from her students and peers.
Clinical Instructor Credential Course - April 27-28
The Department of Physical Therapy hosted the APTA Clinical Instructor Education and Credential Course on Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, 2012. Dr. Misty Booth served as the course instructor. The 15 hour course is open to PT and PTAs. Another course will be planned for Fall 2012 or Spring 2013. Cost for the 15 hour course is $150 for APTA members and $240 for non-APTA members. For more information contact Stacey Stephens at 501-450-5549 or staceys@uca.edu.
Students and Faculty Attend CSM - Chicago
Nearly 55 DPT students recently attended the Combined Sections Meetings of the APTA held in Chicago on February 8-11.
Alumni Weekend CEU Course October 29, 2011
Physical Therapy Alumni Weekend will be held on Saturday, October 29. Nat Grubbs will present Clinical Update: Rehabilitation of Common Hip and Knee Conditions. This CEU Course will be held from 8:30-3:00 at the PT Center. Topics will include (1) The ACL Epidemic: Causes, Prevention and Rehabilitation, (2) Patellofemoral Joint Rehabilitation: A Concise Yet Comprehensive Overview and (3) Emerging Trends in Hip Arthroscopy: Practical Rehabilitation Implications. Please contact Stacey Stephens at staceys@uca.edu or 501-450-5549 if you are interested in attending. The Department will also host the traditional tailgating cookout in front of the PT Center from 3:00-5:00 for all PT Alumni and their guests. The UCA Homecoming Football game kick-off is set for 6:00.
DPT Student Awards Presented
Congratulations to the 2011 Outstanding DPT Student Park Tipton! Park was selected by his classmates and recognized on August 12 during the Physical Therapy Convocation Ceremony held in Reynolds Performance Hall. Physical Therapy Student Scholarship recipients for 2011 were also announced. Nat Grubbs and his wife Traci presented the Madeline Ann Grubbs Scholarship to Morgan Purkiss of the 2012 DPT Class. Dr. Margaret McGee presented the Thomas Meadows Scholarship to Ashley Roughton of the 2013 class. Dr. Nancy Reese presented the Joe Finnell Scholarship to Elizabeth Davis, Class of 2012 and Gabriel Harris and Ashley Roughton, both of the 2013 class. Pictured right from left to right are Ashley Roughton, Gabriel Harris, Elizabeth Davis and Morgan Purkiss. The Department of Physical Therapy Faculty recognized DPT Graduates for newly created Excellence Awards to recognize exceptional academic, clinical, research and service achievements. Park Tipon was the 2011 Service and Leadership Excellence Award Recipient. Erica Cason received the Clinical Excellence Award based on clinical instructor nominations. The Research Excellence Award recipients were Allison Burba Horgan, Brittany Sexson, Jill Womack and Park Tipton. The Academic Excellence Award recognized five students who maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the DPT curriculum including Erica Cason, Joshua Eaves, Brittany Sexson, Park Tipton and Jill Womack.
August 12, 2011 - DPT Graduation Ceremonies
Graduates of the 2011 Doctor of Physical Therapy program will be honored on Friday, August 12 at the University of Central Arkansas. Physical Therapy Convocation will be held at 2:00 PM in Reynolds Performance Hall followed by a reception in the Student Center Ballroom from 3:00-5:00. During Convocation guest speakers will include Dr. Steven Forbush of the UCA PT Faculty and Paul Kuipers of the DPT Class of 2011. The recipient of the Outstanding DPT Student will be announced. The Department of Physical Therapy will announce the 2011 recipients of the Joe Finnell PT Student Scholarship, Thomas Meadows Memorial Scholarship and the Madeline Ann Grubbs Scholarship. In addition, first time awards for Academic Excellence, Research Excellence and Service and Leadership will be presented to students from the class of 2011. Finally, the University Commencement Program will be held at 7:00 PM in the Farris Center.
August 6, 2011 - EMG Course
The Department of Physical Therapy will be hosting a CEU course entitled SEMG Sequence Assessments - A straight forward approach to applied Kinesiologic - EMG evaluations for clinicians presented by Todd Shewman with Noraxon UCA, Inc. The course is a hands-on course for integrating surface EMG into movement assessment. The course will be on Saturday, August 6 from 8am - 4:30pm. Contact Dr. Kevin Garrision at kgarrison@uca.edu for more information about course registration or to RSVP.
September 16-17,2011 APTA Clinical Instructor Education and Credential Course
The Department of Physical Therapy will offer the APTA Clinical Instructor Education and Credential Course on Friday and Saturday, September 16-17, 2011. Dr. Misty Booth will be the course instructor. The course is open to PT and PTAs and includes lunch each day. Cost for the 15 hour course is $150 for APTA members and $240 for non-APTA members.
Wang Publishes Article in The Diabetes Educator
Wang W, Balamurugan A, Biddle J, Rollins K. Diabetic Neuropathy Status and the Concerns in Underserved Rural Communities: Challenges and Opportunities for Diabetes Educators. In press. The Diabetes Educator. 37(4) issue of July/August, 2011
Alumnus Dr. Jeff Nolen, Dr. McGee Publish an Article
Dr. Jeff Nolen, 2010 DPT Graduate and Dr. Margaret McGee, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy recently published an article along with Dr. Hao Liu of the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center in Fort Worth entitled "Comparison of gait characteristics with a single-tip cane, tripod cane, and quad cane" in the Journal Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 2010; Early Online.
Wang Receives 2011 NIH / INBRE Grant
Dr. Wen Wang, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy recently received the 2011 NIH/ INBRE Arkansas Faculty Grant for $21,563 entitled “Role of Myeloid HIF-1a in Diabetic Wound Healing. ” The study will take place between May 1 and August 1. Dr. Wang will serve as the primary investigator for the proposed study that is to determine whether myeloid HIF-1a protein regulates diabetic wound healing in vivo using a mouse model with a myeloid-selective HIF-1a deficiency (HIF-1a KO) to study wound healing. Dr. Wang completed the 2010 NIH/ INBRE Arkansas Faculty Grant as the primary investigator entitled “Macrophage-Endothelial Co-Culture System as an In Vitro Dermal Angiogenesis Model in Wound Healing” which looked at developing a macrophage-EC co-culture system as an in vitro dermal wound angiogenesis model to study wound healing.
Fant Recognized as Finalist for UCA Employee of the Year
Charlotte Fant, MS, CHES, Program Advisor for the Department of Physical Therapy was recently honored as a finalist for the 2011 UCA Employee of the Year during the UCA Service Awards Ceremony held on April 19. This is the second year in a row for Ms. Fant to receive this honor. She serves as the Advisor for the Pre Physical Therapy Club in addition to her duties as program advisor for all pre Physical Therapy students and all UCA BS in Health Science-Physical Therapy Emphasis majors on campus which includes nearly 250 students.
Reese receives 2011 APTA Lucy Blair Award
The APTA has notified Nancy Reese that she has been awarded the APTA Lucy Blair Award - the highest award for service in our Association. She will officially receive her award during a ceremony at APTA Annual Conference in Baltimore in June. This award is a huge accomplishment for Dr. Reese and for UCA! The Lucy Blair Service Award is given to individuals who show outstanding contribution of service at the National, Regional, and State level of the American Physical Therapy Association on the basis of the results of an individual's service and not merely the duration or continuity of that service.” Each year - 5-6 members are recognized. Dr. Reese is the second individual from the State of Arkansas to receive the important award.
Wang Presents During UCA China Trip
Wen Wang recently presented “Ginkgo biloba and Insulin Resistant Syndrome – A Clinical Study” at the Yunnan Agricultural University in China on March 22, 2011.
Drs. Fletcher and Garrison Publish an Article
Dr James Fletcher, Associate Professor and Dr. Kevin Garrison, Assistant Professor along with Drs. Hao Liu and Clayton Holmes of the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth recently had an article published entitled: "Bilateral absence of quadrates femoris and semimembranosus" in the International Journal of Anatomical Variation. 2011;4:40-42.
PRESENTATIONS AT COMBINED SECTIONS, NEW ORLEANS 2011
Park Tipton, SPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy Student in the DPT Class scheduled to graduate in August 2011 presented research completed with former UCA faculty member Dr. Hao Liu, now of University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth and Dr. Clayton Holmes also of the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Their abstract and poster presentation entitled “Effect of a Selected 6-Form Tai Chi on Improvement in Balance and Quality of Life Among Older Adults” was presented at the American Physical Therapy Associations Combined Sections Meeting held February 9 -12 in New Orleans, LA.
Drs. Yates and Garrison with Allison Burba-Horgan, SPT and Brittany Sexson, SPT
Assistant Professors Dr. Charlotte Yates and Dr. Kevin Garrison presented research recently at the American Physical Therapy Associations Combined Sections Meeting held February 9 -12 in New Orleans, LA. Drs. Yates and Garrison were assisted by Doctor of Physical Therapy students Allison Burba-Horgan and Brittany Sexson, both of the DPT Class scheduled to graduate in August 2011, as well as two researchers from UAMS. Their abstracts and poster presentations were titled: “Outcome Measures for Exploring the Mechanisms of Hyper-Reflexia and Spasticity that Develops Post SCI in the Rat and the Effects of Passive Exercise Interventon on Each Outcome Measure. Yates, CC, Garrison K, Burba-Horgan A, Franz J.” and “Regional CX-36 Changes Following Complete SCI and Interventions in the Rat. Garrison K, Yates CC, Charlesworth A, Sexson B, Burba-Horgan A”
Reese Elected Treasurer of the Academic Council of APTA
Nancy Reese, Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Physical Therapy, was recently elected in November to the Board of Directors of the Academic Council, a newly formed organization of physical therapy programs within APTA. Dr. Reese was elected as Treasurer of this organization that will serve as the authoritative voice of physical therapy education in the United States.
Physical Therapy Alumni Weekend 2010
The Department of Physical Therapy hosted Physical Therapy Alumni Weekend during UCA Homecoming on October 30. Faculty, PT students, guests and alumni from 1980, 1982, 1984, 1997, 1999, 2007 and 2009 visited during the luncheon. Close to 90 guests attended the tailgating cookout held on the patio of the PT Center. The Department began hosting PT Alumni Weekend during UCA Homecoming in 2007. It is a great opportunity to visit with classmates and faculty prior to the UCA football game. Please plan to join us next year!
Drs. Taylor, Bandy and Whittemore
Dr. David Taylor, Associate Professor and Dr. Bill Bandy, Professor recently published the following article along with recent 2010 DPT graduate Dr. JD Whittemore.
- J. David Taylor, PhD, PT, William D. Bandy, PhD, PT, SCS, and Joe D. Whittemore, DPT, PT. Test-retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of a Novel Submaximal Graded Exercise Test in the Measurement of Graded Exercise Test Duration. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, October 20, 2010 (Epub ahead of print).
Dr. Chad Lairamore
Dr. Lairamore, PhD, PT, Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, has been appointed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Task Force. This task force will be working on new content outlines for the NPTE. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy develops and administers the NPTE for both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in 53 jurisdictions – the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These high-stakes exams assess the basic entry-level competence for first time licensure or registration as a PT or PTA within the 53 jurisdictions.
Dr. Charlotte Yates, Dr. Nancy Reese
Dr. Yates, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Dr. Nancy B. Reese, Professor and Chairperson of Physical Therapy recently had a paper published in Brain Research Bulletin.
- Liu H, Skinner RD, Arfaj A, Yates C, Reese NB, Garcia-Rill E. L-dopa effect on frequency-dependent depression of the H-reflex in adult rats with complete spinal cord transection. Brain Research Bull. 2010; In press.
Dr. Charlotte Yates, Dr. Kevin Garrison
Dr.Yates, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Dr. Kevin Garrision, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy recently had a paper published in Translational Neuroscience.
- Yates C, Garrison MK, Charlesworth A, Reese NB, Garcia-Rill E. Novel therapies for spinal cord injury (SCI). Translational Neuroscience. 2010 ; In press.
Dr. Charlotte Yates, Dr. Garrison, Allison Horgan, SPT, Brittany Sexson, SPT
Dr. Yates, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Dr. Kevin Garrision, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy along with third year DPT Students Allison -Horgan and Brittany Sexson recently learned that the following abstracts have been accepted for presentation at the 2011 American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Section Meeting in New Orleans, LA in February.
- Yates C, Garrison MK, Burba-Horgan A, Franz J. Outcome measures for exploring the mechanisms of hyper-reflexia and spasticity that develop post SCI in the rat and the effects of passive exercise intervention on each outcome measure. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Section Meeting; New Orleans, LA; February, 2011.
- Garrison MK, Yates C, Charlesworth A, Burba-Horgan A, Sexton B. Regional Cx-36 changes following complete SCI and interventions in the rat. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Section Meeting; New Orleans, LA; February, 2011.
Dr. Tiffany Huitt,
Dr. Huitt, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, along with colleages at Wake Forest University School of Medicine recently had an abstract published in Epilpsia, the Journal of the International League Against Epilepsy, entitled "Imaging Cortical Networks Involved in Preictal and Ictal Childhood Absence Epilepsy with Magnetoencephalography." Stapleton-Kotloski, J. R.1*, Huitt, T. W.1*, Boles, W.2, O'Donovan, C. A.2, and Godwin, D. W.1, 2 Epilepsia 0 Suppl. 0, Abstract 3.204, 2010. The paper will also be presented at the American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting, 2010 to be held in San Antonio in December,
1Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 2715 2Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC 27157
2010 Alumni Weekend - October 30
Continuing Education Course - APTA Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program offered by Dr. Booth. Friday and Saturday for 1.5 CEU's. Contact Stacey Stephens at staceys@uca.edu or 501-450-5549 for more information. This course has been postponed until Spring semester - a date will be posted later this semester.
UCA Homecoming Tailgating is 12:00 to game-time in front of the PT Center. UCA Homecoming Game kick-off is at 2pm. RSVP appreciated but not required - contact Stacey Stephens at staceys@uca.edu or 501-450-5549. See you then!
New Faculty in 2010
Tiffany Huitt, PhD, Assistant Professor, joined the Department in May and began teaching the Human Physiology course during the Summer. This fall she is course coordinator for gross anatomy and will be involved with neuroscience and physiology in the spring. She received her bachelor of Arts degree in both Biology and Fine Arts. Dr. Huitt received her PhD degree in Neurobiology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and was a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Fellow at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Her research interests include neuroimaging of neural network connectivity in disease states.
Chad Lairamore, Phd, PT, Visiting Assistant Professor, joined the Department in January and began teaching in the Neuromuscular track including Neurophysiolocial Principles of Motor Control. He will be teaching Neruromuscular PT: Adult this fall. Dr. Lairamore received his BS degree in Education, Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and completed his MS and PhD degrees in Physical Therapy from UCA. Dr. Lairamore was most recently working in inpatient rehabilitation in Little Rock. His research interests include gait and restoration of movement post neurological injury. CVA, TBI, EMG, motion analysis, functional electrical stimulation, motor re-learning, fall prevention, community mobility, and neuro-plasticity. His clinical interest is in inpatient rehabilitation; neurological conditions, stroke, and brain injury. He teaches Neuromuscular PT: Adult and Neurophysiological Principles of Motor Control.
2010 University of Central Arkansas Commencement
View this UTube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRej_sar9G4 for sights and sounds from the August 13 University Commencement Ceremony held in the Farris Center. 2010 DPT Graduate, Tyler Morehart, delivered the keynote student address.
2010 DPT Convocation
Also on August 13, the Class of 2010 and their guests, UCA Administrators, and PT Faculty honored the DPT Graduates. Dr. Lance Grahn, Provost, provided words of wisdom. Dr. Charlotte Yates, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Hattlestad, Dean of the College of Health and Behavior Sciences and Dr. Elaine McNiece, Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School presented class certificates. Dr. Misty Booth, Director of the Pediatric Residency, presented the pediatric residency certificates to Devon Clark and Keely O'Dell, UCA's first residents. Dr. Nancy Reese, Professor and Chairperson of Physical Therapy, presented the Joe Finnell PT Student Scholarship to Erica Cason, Kaitlyn Stambaugh and Joshua Eaves, all of the DPT Class of 2011. Dr. Reese also presented the Thomas Meadows Memorial Scholarship to Morgan Purkiss, DPT Class of 2012. Nat Grubbs, his wife and daughters presented the Madeline Ann Grubbs Scholarship to Park Tipton, DPT Class of 2011. Dr. Misty Booth presented the 2010 ArPTA Outstanding Student Clinican Award to John Montgomery, 2010 DPT Graduate. Dr. Steven Forbush, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, presented the 2010 Outstanding DPT Student Award to Shane Irgens. DPT Class President, John Montgomery, presented the Faculty gifts that included two charcoal grills for tailgating and a UCA Physical Therapy banner that can be used at community events such as Rollin' Round the Rim. The ceremony closed with a Benediction lead by Ryan Ottenger. A reception for graduates and guests immediately followed in the Reynolds Auditorium Balcony.
Pediatric Residency Receives Credentialing
The UCA Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program, a joint venture between UCA, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Allied Therapy and Consulting Services, received news this month that the program has successfully achieved credentialing from the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as a post-professional pediatric residency program. The initial credential is effective July 31, 2010 and in effect for five years. A credentialed residency program promotes standards of quality and consistency in the teaching and practice of physical therapy. The credentialing process is voluntary and the UCA program is currently only one of six pediatric physical therapy residencies in the nation. The 12 month program is designed for practicing physical therapists to gain focused training, education, and mentorship in a variety of pediatric settings. The first two UCA residents will complete the program in August and will be recognized at the Physical Therapy Convocation Ceremony on August 13 at 3:00 in the Reynolds Performance Hall at UCA. Misty Booth is the Director of the pediatric residency program and can be reached at 501-450-5543 or mbooth@uca.edu.
Ms. Fant and Dr. Maresh Finalist at 2010 UCA Service Awards
Charlotte Fant, MS, CHES, Program Advisor for the BS in Health Science degree and Pre Physical Therapy Club, was recently honored as a semi-finalist for the UCA Employee of the Year Award at the 2010 Service Awards held on April 13. Also, Dr. Twala Maresh, DPT, PT, was a finalist for the Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Maresh shares her expertise in neuromuscular rehabilitation as well as provides students with foundational knowledge for physical therapy practice facilitating the transition from student to therapist. As one student remarked..."it is from her...physical therapy students first learn how to treat patients with dignity, respect and as an individual."
Bandy Receives the 2010 APTA Lucy Blair Service Award
Dr. Bandy recently received news that he is the recipient of the Lucy Blair Service Award from the American Physical Therapy Association. He will be recognized in June during the APTA Honors and Awards Reception at PT 2010 in Boston. The purpose of the Lucy Blair Service Award is to acknowledge and honor physical therapist members of the Association whose contributions to the Association as a whole have been of exceptional value. Lucy Blair was the first recipient of the award which was established in 1969 to honor dedication, devotion, and outstanding service to the American Physical Therapy Association.
Wang Recieves INBRE Grant
Wen Wang, PhD, MD was recently awarded an INBRE (IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence) Grant for Summer 2010. Dr. Wang will be working with Martin Hauer-Jenson, MD, PhD, FACS of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Surgery, and Pathology at UAMS to develop a wound healing model. Dr. Wang is interested in wound healing associated with diabetes. The Arkansas INBRE is funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Bandy Honored with Sports Lifetime Achievement Award
Bill Bandy, PhD, PT, SCS, ATC, Professor of Physical Therapy, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sports Physical Therapy Section of the American Physical Therapy Association during the awards ceremony at the 2010 American Physical Therapy Associations Combined Sections Meeting held February 17-20 in Las Vegas, NV. The award is to honor a Sports Physical Therapy member whose contributions to the specialty of sports physical therapy through leadership, influence and achievements have been demonstrated for over 25 years. Dr. Bandy is a recent past board member of the American Physical Therapy Association and currently the Editor-in-Chief of the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.
APTA Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program
Next Course is April 23-24, 2010 at the UCA Physical Therapy Center and sponsored by the UCA Department of Physical Therapy. See Brochure and Registration Agreement and Dossier for Participants. This two-day course provides 1.5 CEU and valuable information for clinical instructors.
Deadline to register is March 26, 2010. Contact Stacey Stephens at 501/450-5549 or staceys@uca.edu for more information.
3rd year Student Elected Director of APTA Student Assembly
Shane Irgens, DPT Class of 2010, was recently elected to the 2009-2010 American Physical Therapy Association's Student Assembly Board of Directors. Irgens attended APTA National Student Conclave held in Miami on October 30-November 1 during which he campaigned for the national office. The Student Assembly is a component of the American Physical Therapy Association comprised of all student members currently at 15,775 members. The Student Assembly is governed by an elected Board of Directors which consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director, Student PT Delegate and Student PTA Delegate, all of whom are available to discuss issues affecting the Association and the physical therapy profession.
UCA Students Attend National Student Conclave
Several first, second, and third year students attended APTA National Student Conclave held in Miami on October 30-November 1. This national conference is held annually specifically for students of physical therapy for programming, workshops and social events as well as Student Assembly elections. Upon return, students reported that it was amazing to meet so many PT students, attend workshops that they actually understood and meet APTA leaders.
Physical Therapists Top "Best Jobs" List, Again...
According to the APTA website, Physical therapists ranked 7th in a list of 50 "Best Jobs in America" featured in the November issue of CNNMoney.com. The profile features an interview with APTA member Jennifer Gamboa, PT, DPT, OCS, and examines education requirements, job satisfaction, and salary estimates. APTA is also cited for explanation for the growing demand for the profession.
2009 Physical Therapy Alumni Weekend
On October 23-24, the Departments of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy offered a joint event for Alumni Weekend during UCA Homecoming. A two-day continuing education course entitled Constraint Induced Therapy and Current Concepts in Neuroplasticity was presented by Dr Steven Wolf and Dr. Sarah Blanton of Emory University and Veronical Rowe of the UCA Occupational Therapy Department. On Saturday, DPT students, alumni and faculty members gathered for a cookout in front of the PT Center during Homecoming tailgate festivities.
2009 DPT Convocation Services
The DPT Class of 2009 and the Department of Physical Therapy held Convocation Services on August 9 in Reynolds Performance Hall with a reception following in Brewer Hegeman Conference Center. Dr. Bill Bandy, Professor of Physical Therapy, was the invited speaker. The class presented the Outstanding DPT student award to Kim Lancaster. Dr. Steve Forbush, President of the ArPTA presented the ArPTA Student Clinician of the Year to Summer Lewis. In addition, several third year students were awarded physical therapy scholarships including the Joe Finnell PT Scholarship winners - Alexis Smith, Park Tipton, Shane Irgens, and Paige Kibbey and the Thomas Meadows Memorial Scholarship winner - Park Tipton.
Madeline A. Grubbs Memorial Scholarship
Recently, during the Department of Physical Therapy Convocation Services for the graduating class of 2009, the newly endowed Madeline A. Grubbs Memorial Scholarship available to third year PT students, was awarded for the first time to Alexis Smith. Pictured below, Nat Grubbs, his wife Tracy, and their daughters Meredith and Emily attended the Convocation services held on August 9, 2009 in the Reynolds Auditorium. Mr. Grubbs, an alumnus and former instructor in the PT program, spoke to the audience about the scholarship named in honor of his infant daughter noting a good thing that was brought about because of support of his students and alumni of the program to support the education of physical therapy students.
New Gross Anatomy and Neuroscience Lab
Professors and students are utilizing a new state-of-the-art laboratory this semester for the first time for Gross Anatomy. The 4000 square foot structure was completed at the end of 2008 and utilized for the first time during Spring of 2009 for neuroscience courses in PT and OT. The lab includes a student vesitbule with individual lockers, 14 cadaver stations, 9 wash stations, 8 neuroscience tables, AV system (distributed speakers, flat panel displays, boom camera), and ventilation system (overhead air curtain, low air returns).