SLU PT Alumni Spotlight - Elissa C. Held Bradford, PT, PhD, NCS, MSCS

SLU PT Alumni Spotlight - Elissa C. Held Bradford, PT, PhD, NCS, MSCS

Adjunct faculty/Assistant Professor; Physical Therapist
Saint Louis University; Mercy Therapy Services - Town & Country
Hometown: Hillsboro, MO
Current Town/City: St. Louis, MO

SLU MPT Class of 2002

Interests, Activities, Clubs, and Professional Organizations
Member of the American Physical Therapy Association; International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Therapists; National Multiple Sclerosis Society Healthcare Advisory Committee; Paraquad Health and Wellness Community Board

Co-chair of the Health Promotion and Wellness Task Force, Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy

5th grade girls volleyball coach

I love being active outdoors, especially hiking and paddling.

If you could come back to SLU and teach a class, which class would you like to teach?
I am lucky enough to have done this. I have been assisting in several courses at SLU since 2007 as a laboratory instructor and lecturer. I am excited to be teaching full-time for academic year 2017-2018.

This just in! Elissa Held-Bradford, PT, PhD, NCS, MSCS, has agreed to join us next year in a full-time role for academic year 17/18 to oversee teaching assignments including coordinating Applied Neuroscience, Neurologic Physical Therapy Seminar, Pharmacology, and Neurological Conditions I.  She also will assist in other courses including Patient Management III and Neuropathology.

What was the most valuable lesson — inside or outside the classroom — you learned at SLU?
SLU taught me so many things as a student. One key lesson was communication. I learned the importance of listening and speaking so others feel heard and are respected. This has helped me be a better therapist, educator, researcher, and be a better person.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
To date, being involved with the Health Promotion and Wellness Task Force for the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy. It is exciting to feel a part of the momentum moving our field forward.
What advice do you have for students getting ready to graduate with their DPT?
You have chosen an amazing profession. Go leave the world a little better than you found it.

This is one of several posts featuring SLU PT Alumni experiences. The Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy wants to recognize the exciting and innovative things our alumni are doing, here in St. Louis and around the world. For more information for and about SLU alumni experiences go to: http://www.slu.edu/alumni-and-donors/.