PhD Alumni Spotlight

 Highlights of a few of our PhD in Physical Therapy Graduates…

 

Russ Nelson

Dr. Russ Nelson was the first person to complete the PhD in physical therapy program at UCA almost 20 years ago.  He is also an alumnus of the UCA MS in PT program, class of 1993.  Russ currently resides with his family in Texarkana, Arkansas, and works clinically as a board-certified sports physical therapist and athletic trainer and has added several publications to his list of accomplishments.

Regarding his time in the PhD program, Russ said the faculty and staff, particularly his mentor Bill Bandy, made a huge difference in his educational experience as they were supportive and knowledgeable. Russ continued on to say that he enjoyed getting to know the instructors on a more personal level and forming deeper connections and relationships with the other PhD students. Russ also believes that the UCA program prepared him to be a knowledgeable and skilled connoisseur and designer of clinical research.

To current & future physical therapy students, Russ advises students “to learn for the sake of helping people and not just to pass a test.” He says that the student’s perception can make a difference whether they are learning to pass a test or focusing on their purpose and passion for physical therapy.

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Staffan Elgelid

Dr. Staffan Elgelid is a graduate of the PhD in PT program as well as an alumnus of the UCA PT Program Class of 1986.   Staffan currently resides in Rochester, New York, and is a full-time tenured professor of physical therapy at Nazareth University. He continues to see clients as a Feldenkrais practitioner, and teaches yoga therapy programs. Since his time at UCA, Staffan has co-written four books on yoga therapy, has created four DVDs on strengthening and yoga, and has presented at workshops across the world. He has also worked at the track and field world championships.

While earning his PhD in PT at UCA, Staffan was also an instructor in the UCA DPT program. He says he loved teaching the students and has fond memories of working with other faculty members and learning from them. Staffan also enjoys visiting UCA whenever he is traveling in the area, which was most recently in spring 2023.

When it comes to advice for current and future DPT students, Staffan says health and wellness field is wide open to PTs because we can practice without referral, so he encourages PTs to seize that opportunity. “If you decide to stay meek and not let people know how great you are, we will not move forward as a profession.”

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Yasser Salem

Dr. Yasser Salem is a graduate of the PhD in PT program. Yasser currently resides in Long Island, New York where he is a professor and program director for a developing DPT program at Hofstra University. He is well accomplished in his career with over 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications, over 400 peer-reviewed presentations at the national and international level, has been a board member for peer-reviewed scientific journals, and is a board certified pediatric and neurologic PT specialist. Yasser also received the 2022 Lucy Blair Service award from the APTA along with other prestigious awards throughout his career.

As a foreign-trained physical therapist, Yasser was grateful to begin a PhD program within the first year of moving to the US. He found the professors at UCA to be supportive and motivating, and he had a great experience learning from his mentors. He credits this mentorship in helping him prepare for his career and to have a productive future.

When it comes to advice for PT students, Yasser says to learn and learn well. What is learned as a student will translate to the clinical setting. He says to practice, practice, practice, and get immersed in the PT field. Find a mentor that can share their knowledge, and to never stop learning.

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Anita Killins

Dr. Anita Killis is a graduate of the PhD in PT program. Anita currently resides in Searcy, Arkansas where she is a full-time professor at the Harding University physical therapy program. She is active clinically as a neurologic clinical specialist. While in the PhD program, she enjoyed the challenging and well-developed coursework led by the stellar faculty, which was beneficial to her professional development and career choice. She said that group discussions and the dissertation process were enriching, beneficial, and led her to become a better and more qualified professional.

For current PT students, Anita advises soaking up the knowledge that the professors share and applying it as often as possible. She also says to look at the big picture, and to connect what is being learned in one class to other classes. “See each learning opportunity as a chance to become better at your job for life and ultimately, make a resounding impact on the world, one patient and family at a time.”

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Nathan Tiarks

Dr. Nathan Tiarks is a graduate of the PhD in PT program as well as a graduate of the UCA DPT Class of 2015. Nathan currently resides internationally. His favorite memories from the PhD program are learning about technologies that are used in physical therapy, such EMG, 2D and 3D motion analysis, force plates, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Nathan shares that earning a PhD has been the most important investment he has made professionally. He received his first job overseas due to his PhD research. Since his time at UCA, Nathan has worked as a physical therapist for an Olympic team, worked with professional and tactical athletes, given international lectures and seminars, and worked in multidisciplinary and multinational settings while mentoring younger therapists

When it comes to advice for current and future PT students, Nathan says to always continue to invest in yourself. Self-investment can come through various avenues whether it be skill acquisition, certifications, degrees, or experiences, related or unrelated to physical therapy. Many of the most exciting opportunities reveal themselves when you least expect it and having a self-investment mindset makes sure you’re prepared to take advantage of those opportunities.

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Fernando Castillo

Dr. Fernando Castillo is a graduate of UCA’s DPT/PhD dual enrollment program.  He is a graduate of the DPT Class of 2020.   Fernando currently resides in Irving, Texas, and he is an assistant professor of physical therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. He is currently the lead gross anatomy and pathophysiology instructor for their DPT, OTD, and SLP programs. He is proud of helping graduate the school’s first DPT cohort. He also works at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital where he treats individuals with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or stroke.

One of Fernando’s favorite experiences while attending UCA’s DPT program was being a teaching assistant for Dr. Kevin Garrison. This experience was one of the main factors why he enrolled in the dual PhD program and led him to a career in higher education. While there are many aspects of the program that helped Fernando professionally, he says that the professional development courses have been the most profound. These courses helped him develop soft skills and a professional mindset, which have been invaluable in his career.

To future and current DPT students, Fernando advises working on time management skills. While the program is difficult, he says students can maintain a healthy balance between school and personal life. He suggests this can be done with three parts. The first is to pre-study before class, next is to receive clarification during lecture, and then post-study. This will help avoid last minute cramming for tests, which is usually an ineffective way to study.

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Bryan Sutherland

Dr. Bryan Sutherland is graduate of the PhD in Physical Therapy program.  Bryan currently resides in eastern Arkansas where he works as an assistant professor of physical therapy at Arkansas State University, and he has recently assumed the duties of chair of the DPT admissions committee. He is actively involved in ongoing research studies, and he continues to perform clinical work, as well as work pro-bono services for his children’s school’s athletic program. He has also received certification as a clinical gross anatomy instructor.

During his time in UCA’s PhD program, Bryan’s favorite memory is befriending his PhD cohort classmates, which consisted of Don Wilcox, Michael Henry, and Josh Landers. He is also grateful for the many faculty members and mentors, who were instrumental to his success during the program. The program provided him with biomechanical, research, and method-based teaching knowledge and skills that he continues to use every day. Bryan says his current role as an assistant professor would not be possible without his PhD education.

When it comes to advice for current and future PT students, Bryan says to take it one step at a time but keep an eye on the big picture. He says “draw a line in the dirt, work until you get to the line, then draw another. Before you know it, you will get there. Lean on family, friends, faculty, and realize you cannot do it on your own. It takes a team effort!”