Program in Physical Therapy Honors DPT Class of 2021

The Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy celebrated its graduating Doctor of Physical Therapy students of the class of 2021 on Thursday, May 19, in an in-person event featuring University administrators, Program faculty, and graduates. Families joined the celebration from home via Zoom.

University president Dr. Fred Pestello, Interim-Dean of Doisy College of Health Sciences Dr. Tricia Austin, Interim-Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Dr. Lisa Dorsey, Program Faculty Member Dr. Ethel Frese, and alumna Carrie Hall (PT Class of 83) addressed the graduates. 

During the celebration, the Program in Physical Therapy presented its annual awards. The awards were presented by Dr. Ethel Frese, Dr. Randy Richter, Dr. Carol Beckel, and Dr. Gretchen Salsich.

Class representatives Josh Lai and Rachel Twohig addressed their class and faculty and presented the class superlatives at the end of the ceremony.

Here are the students recognized on Thursday evening with Program Awards.

Excellence in Community Service

Caroline Anne Lipic

Kathryn E O'Brien

Colette Florence Rudolph

Natalie Elaine Wright

Excellence in Service to the Profession

Alexis Marie Ardovitch

Kelsey Lynn Bequette

Martha Marilyn Briscoe

Erin Kathleen Campbell

Lauren Elizabeth Groszek

Stephanie Ji-Hyun Kim

Allison Nicole Klump

Caroline Anne Lipic

Sarah Elizabeth Melulis

Brandon Charles Moseley

Niamh Mairead Ryan

Nina C Valaitis

Natalie Elaine Wright

Excellence in Academics

Alexis Marie Ardovitch

Kelsey Lynn Bequette

Ryan Michael Blechle

John Theodore Cichon

Morgan  Erin  Fleming

Kathryn Kerry Gubics

Allison A Lackey

Kristen Michelle Maleski

Giahanna N. Martorano

Katherine Elise Maus

Hannah Joy McGrath

Brandon Charles Moseley

Alexandra Marie Schmid

Mary Elizabeth  Sells

Julia Therese Shankland

Marissa Anne Sinak

Lauren Domenica Stollman

Madison Lou Tisdale

Rachel J Twohig

Mariah Grace Weston

Excellence in Clinical Education

Alexis Marie Ardovitch

Kelsey Lynn Bequette

Natalie Elaine Wright

Excellence in Research 

Lauren Elizabeth Groszek

Photos provided by Dr. Carol Beckel, Director of Clinical Education

Fully vaccinated students, staff and faculty members are free to not wear their face masks, and to not be socially distant indoors and out on our campuses in accordance with CDC, state, city, and University guidelines. Learn more on the University website.

Story by Kristin Hrasky

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Resident Dr. Hiral Tailor Earns Foundations Certificate in University Teaching

Congratulations to Dr. Hiral Tailor, SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Resident, 2020-2021 Cohort on earning his Foundations Certificate in University Teaching!

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency offers three distinct pathways for individualized pursuit of interest.  One path emphasizes growing as an educator.  Partnering with the Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) at Saint Louis University, the Resident participates in a series of structured seminars to build a variety of competencies.  As a result of his focused studies and activities and the mentorship of Dr. Barb Yemm, Dr. Tailor has earned his Foundations certificate.  Of the experience, Dr. Tailor remarked:  

 

"The Foundations Certificate Program taught me more than just how to improve my teaching. I learned how to effectively build relationships (i.e., student-professor, professor-professor, etc.), critical thinking, not only as an educator, but as a regular person in their day-to-day lives, and a sense of philosophy for teaching.”

“One of greatest lessons I learned from completing my Foundations Certificate is that you learning as an educator. Embracing this lesson in learning has allowed me to engage in the most effective way possible with my students and has given me the utmost ability to improve on my reflections as an educator. Thank you, Saint Louis University and the Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning."

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency is ABPTRFE accredited.  Established in 2014 and reaccredited in 2020, we accept three residents per cohort.  Residents participate in advanced training in clinical services, teaching in the entry-level program, research with local and national presentations, and service to the underserved in St. Louis, MO.  

We welcome inquiries orthoresidency@slu.edu and encourage you to visit our website:  https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Faculty Member Dr. Emily Britt Introduces Residents to Industrial Rehabilitation

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Spotlight - Emily Britt, PT, DPT, OCS

In May, 2021, the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residents (pictured) participated in a didactic, interactive session in the area of Industrial Rehab with Residency faculty member, Dr. Emily Britt (not pictured).  Dr. Britt practices at SSM Health Physical Therapy and onsite at the City of St. Louis Street Department.  

Dr. Emily Britt

Of the experience, she commented:  “It was so rewarding to introduce the residents to the unique concept of onsite Physical Therapy and Injury prevention education, and to show them how truly functional therapy can and should be.” 

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency is ABPTRFE accredited.  Established in 2014 and reaccredited in 2020, we accept three residents per cohort.  Residents participate in advanced training in clinical services, teaching in the entry-level program, research with local and national presentations, and service to the underserved in St. Louis, MO.  

We welcome inquiries orthoresidency@slu.edu and encourage you to visit our website:  https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php

Photo credit, headshot: SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Alumnus, Dr. Adam Kays, instructs Residents in psychomotor techniques

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Spotlight - Adam Kays, PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT

Dr. Adam Kays

In February, 2021, the SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residents welcomed Adam Kays, PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT for an on-site, psychomotor lab focused on cervical spine examination and interventions.  Dr. Kays is a remote Residency faculty member with current professional practice in Indiana.  He is a graduate of the ABPTRFE accredited SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Residency and is  Fellow-in-Training at the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy.  

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency is ABPTRFE accredited. Established in 2014 and reaccredited in 2020, we accept three residents per cohort. Residents participate in advanced training in clinical services, teaching in the entry-level program, research with local and national presentations, and service to the underserved in St. Louis, MO.  

We welcome inquiries orthoresidency@slu.edu and encourage you to visit our website:  https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php

SLU PT Students Serve with Relay for Life to Support the American Cancer Society

SLU PT Student Service Spotlight - Relay for Life

By Alysa Janke, DPT Class of 2023

This year’s SLU Relay for Life was a huge success! While the shift to a virtual platform proved to be difficult, the members of Relay’s Executive and Event Leadership Teams rose to the challenge and put on an incredible event to support the American Cancer Society. SLU Relay raised $72,295.17, all of which goes toward services like Hope Lodge (free residence for people going through cancer treatment), a 24/7 cancer helpline, and experimental research programs aiming toward curing cancer. 

Relay had a large population of healthcare science majors on their Event Leadership Team this year, including several Physical Therapy and Nursing majors. The Executive Team also had PT representation coming from PY1s Amy Eckardt (Communications Chair), Alysa Janke (Overall Co-Chair), and Alex Suellentrop (Administration Chair). 

The website from Relay’s event is still active, and you can view it at slurelayforlife2021.org. As always, you can check out our Facebook page for information on how you can participate in next year’s Relay!

Story by Kristin Hrasky