SLU Program in Physical Therapy Annual Irma Ruebling Distinguished Speaker Event Provided Insights and Priorities for Physical Therapy Research

The Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy hosted its Annual Irma Ruebling Distinguished Speaker Event virtually via Zoom on Thursday, March 25, 2021.

The Irma Ruebling Distinguished Speaker Series was the vision of Irma Ruebling, former chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. It was her goal to bring nationally renowned speakers to Saint Louis University to highlight ongoing research and important topics and to foster a dialogue with faculty, students, and guests about the importance of research in advancing our profession.

Saint Louis University Professor Dr. Gretchen Salsich hosted the event and acknowledged leadership in the Doisy College of Health Sciences for their ongoing support for physical therapy research. Dr. Salsich recognized Dr. Tricia Austin, interim Dean, Dr. Jesús García-Martínez, Associate Dean for Research, and Dr. Lisa Dorsey, interim Chair for the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. Efforts to strengthen the research profile of the Doisy College of Health Sciences are central to the college’s strategic plan. Events like this inform, inspire, and connect us to research. The Department’s ongoing support of this event since its inception eighteen years ago has contributed to its growth and success.  

The Irma Ruebling Endowed Research Fund was established in 2006 to ensure the continued development of research activities fostering the growth of the profession, improvement of the health of patients and clients, and enhancement of the education of physical therapy students and practicing physical therapists. Two Program in Physical Therapy Faculty were recognized as the 2021 Irma Ruebling Endowed Research Fund Recipients. Dr. Chris Sebelski received funding to support her project titled “Evaluation of non-cognitive behaviors reflective of positive leaders in the clinical context”. Dr. Oluwatoyosi (Olu) Owoeye received funding to support his project titled “How Much is Too Much in Youth Team Sport? A Systematic Review”.  

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, professor and director of the Rehabilitation Science Ph.D. Program in the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center. The title of her presentation was: “Building a Clinical Research Program: The View is Different from the Inside”. 

Following the keynote presentation, there was a question and answer session with clinicians, faculty, and students. Though it was held virtually this year, it was a memorable evening of inspiring discussion and special recognition of SLU PT faculty!