SLU PT Student Anna Schmidt had an Inspiring Clinical Experience at Concentra Medical Center in Brookfield, Wisconsin

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight – Concentra Medical Center, Brookfield, Wisconsin

By Anna Schmidt  (Class of 2023)

I have had a wonderful clinical experience at Concentra in Brookfield, WI. Seeing patients in a predominantly worker's compensation clinical environment has taught me so much about functional limitations and how that has a direct impact on a patient's day to day experience. I have been able to help choose an article to use for a region-wide journal club for multiple clinic locations and develop professionally in interactions with surgeons, clinicians, and case workers. My Clinical Instructor, Sarah Ebenhoe, and other clinicians have challenged me in my critical thinking and development in creating a plan of care, as well as focusing on the objective measures that I find in a thorough examination of my patients when choosing goals to work on during sessions. Concentra has allowed me to be creative and compassionate in treatment of patients and I am so excited for the rest of my clinical experience here!

I really appreciate your expertise in manual therapy and ability to connect with patients. Being the only CI/clinician running a therapy department is a lot of work (and being a SCCE on top of that) and it takes great organization skills to do what you do! I have learned better management of time, critical thinking skills and how to have fun! :)

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

SLU PT Student Noah Paras had a Supportive Clinical Experience at Athletico Physical Therapy in Bridgeton, Missouri

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight – Athletico Physical Therapy in Bridgeton, MO

By Noah Paras (Class of 2023)

My clinical at Athletico in Bridgeton, Missouri, has been very eye opening. I've attained my main goal of getting as much general experience as I can. Shannon has been a huge supporter in making sure I get to put into practice everything I have learned since I began the program. 

My Clinical Instructor, Shannon Landgraf, has helped me navigate every patient I've seen so far. She's always accessible to answer my questions and talk me through tough moments in my clinical reasoning. I wouldn't be as confident in myself as I am now if not for her guidance.

I would want to say what I wrote above, thank you for being supportive and giving me the feedback and guidance, I need to be a better clinician. I hope she gets a lifetime supply of Diet Dr. Pepper!

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

SLU PT Student Kathleen Sullivan had an Encouraging Clinical Experience at ApexNetwork Physical Therapy in Maryland Heights, Missouri

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight – ApexNetwork Physical Therapy – Maryland Heights, MO

By Kathleen Sullivan (Class of 2023)

I have learned more than I could have imagined from Clinical Instructor, Bene Hanquet. She has demonstrated how to be a compassionate PT while providing excellent care for her patients. She always challenges me to think about why I am performing a treatment and encourages me to expand my thinking to individualize my treatment for patients. She specializes in vestibular and dry needling certified, and she has made sure to give me many opportunities to experience these fields. Every day, she tells me what I am doing well and how I can become a better physical therapist. She has taught me how to talk to patients and make them feel heard, despite dealing with chronic pain. She listens to my fears in the clinic, supports me through challenges, and celebrates my successes. I always feel that she is on my side and her goal is for me to learn and become the best PT possible.

I would tell her that coming into clinical, I never imagined how quickly I would be able to develop my knowledge and confidence as a physical therapist. She encourages me every day and watching her treat patients inspires me to strive for greatness in and out of the clinic. I am confident in saying I got the best CI in my entire class. She makes me excited to come to work and help progress my patients. Thank you for being the best teacher Bene, I feel lucky to learn from you and every patient I have for the rest of my career will be impacted positively by the knowledge I gained at my first ever clinical.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

SLU PT Student Claire Angus Learns About Work's Compensation at Concentra Medical Center in St. Louis, MO

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight at Concentra Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri

By Claire Angus (SLU DPT Class of 2023)

Concentra is an outpatient urgent care with physical therapy services.  Most of the patient population is worker's compensation.  I have learned a lot about how worker's compensation operates and how to progress patients so they can safely return to work. I have been able to improve my skills and clinical reasoning by working with many different patients under the guidance of my Clinical Instructor and SLU PT Alum, Brianne Ernst. She has taught me how to be an independent thinker and how to have confidence in my decisions while treating patients.  She is always willing to spend extra time reviewing exercise plans and patient cases.  Brianne shows pride in the physical therapy profession and has been a role model for me as I advance as a student physical therapist.

Thank you to Brianne for sharing your knowledge with me as I begin my professional journey and for pushing be to be a better thinker and clinician!

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

SLU PT Student Veronica Harker Had a Great Clinical Experience at CORA Physical Therapy, South St. Louis County, MO

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight at CORA Physical Therapy in South St. Louis County, Missouri

By Veronica Harker (SLU DPT Class of 2023)

My first clinical experience was at Cora Physical Therapy - South County in St. Louis, MO. I was very excited to be at this location because my Clinical Instructor, Caitlin Whiteley, is a SLU PT alum and Cora has great learning opportunities for students. Two of my close friends were also at this location for their clinical at the same time as me. I felt like we were able to discuss treatments, ask questions, and learn from one another every day. The other PTs and PTA at this location were very welcoming and friendly. It was a great environment to learn in and my CI slowly increased my responsibilities as I became more comfortable and confident. She created a warm and inviting clinic and was great at building rapport with patients and coworkers. My CI was also the manager of the clinic, so I got to see some of the behind the scenes and leadership duties. Even though we hadn't started our classes yet, my CI taught me about documentation and other tips and tricks. I truly looked forward to coming to my clinical each day, and I will always remember the great memories and patients.

I would say thank you so much for being willing to have a student! I learned so much and the time flew by. Thank you for slowly increasing my responsibilities and always being available for feedback. You created a great environment for your coworkers, patients, and students. You were a great role model and communicator with patients. I cannot believe how much I have learned and grown as a student physical therapist thanks to you. I could not have asked for a better first clinical!

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

SLU PT Student Stephanie Tanaka Loves her Clinical Experience at Athletico Physical Therapy in Chesterfield, MO

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight at Athletico Physical Therapy in Chesterfield, Missouri

By Stephanie Tanaka (SLU DPT Class of 2023)

I love my clinical experience! I've been able to learn about a lot of manual therapy techniques including Graston, dry needling, cupping, and different soft tissue techniques. I've also been able to have some amazing learning experiences such as attending an Athletico clinic meeting, marketing luncheons, and various journal clubs. I was also able to observe a tibial tubercle osteotomy & an open MPFL allograft surgery.

 Most importantly I've learned how to go from being a student in the classroom to a student in the clinic. The biggest challenge I faced was learning how to start seeing myself as a future clinician. Learning to become more confident in the clinic and taking more initiative in what I do. My Clinical Instructor, Paige Gibbens, encourages and challenges me in which I've been able to learn and grow both as an SPT and as a person.

Thank you, Paige, for both encouraging me and challenging me every single day! I honestly couldn't have asked for a better first clinical experience. You've taught me so much about the different aspects there are to becoming a physical therapist and I'm so grateful to have had you. I've learned how to start trusting myself more and being more confident in myself and what I can do because you've encouraged me and pushed me in doing so. There were many times I didn't really believe in myself, that I could do it, but you've shown me how much I can accomplish, and it means so much to me. I've learned so much from you and have been able to learn and grow both as an SPT and as a person. I appreciate all that you've done for me and thank you again for everything! I wish you and Scout all the best :)

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

SLU PT Student Samantha Elkins had a Fun Clinical Experience at SSM Physical Therapy in High Ridge, MO

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight at SSM Physical Therapy – High Ridge, Missouri

By Samantha Elkins (SLU DPT Class of 2023)

I have learned more than I ever could have imagined! My Clinical Instructor, Cindy Loveless, has taught me so much. I have learned how to create unique exercise programs for individual patients, create a comfortable space for the patients, and how to administer different mobilizations and when it is most appropriate. I have also strengthened my ability to listen and respond to patients in the most respectful and professional ways. I have learned how to challenge each patient and help them create goals for their treatment.

Thank you for teaching me more than I could have ever imagined!! I’m having so much fun learning from you, and I am very thankful for it every day. I appreciate you so so much :)

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

SLU PT Student Rebekah Witte had a Wonderful Experience at Advanced Training and Rehab in St. Peters, MO

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight at Advanced Training and Rehab – St. Peters, Missouri

By Rebekah Witte (SLU DPT Class of 2023)

My experience at Advanced Training and Rehab has been absolutely wonderful! I've learned so much from Clinical Instructor, Sarah McGraw-Willis, and the team at ATR. I've learned how to build patient rapport and improve my knowledge with hands-on education. Working at ATR has opened my eyes to the wide variety of differential diagnoses in an outpatient setting. I'm truly grateful to have had my first clinical rotation at ATR!

Sarah, thank you very much for being my CI this summer! I have learned so much from you and I am grateful for all the helpful hints and tips. Thank you for making my first clinical rotation feel like home! I hope to see you in the near future!

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

SLU PT Student Abby Sullivan had an Amazing Clinical Experience at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, MO

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight – Missouri Baptist Medical Center - St. Louis, MO

By Abby Sullivan (Class of 2023)

I have had an amazing clinical experience at MoBap with my primary location being on the neuro floor. I was also able to get experiences on various other floors including cardiac, palliative, rehab, ICU, and orthopedic care. I learned all about acute care and the varying patient populations within it. I was taught all the logistics of working in the hospital setting which included how to work with different lines and tubes, communicate patient status with other professionals, and how to address different patient situations. I worked with patients who had complicated medical conditions and patients who were near independent. This also means our treatments were anything from bed exercises or getting to a chair to walking and doing complex balance activities. I was able to see clinical manifestations of a variety of diagnoses including strokes, Parkinson’s, MS, heart failure, kidney disease, cancers, COPD, and more. This setting challenged me while also giving me endless learning opportunities and experiences. My Clinical Instructor and alumnus of SLU Program in Physical Therapy, Carolyn Carrabine, allowed me to be as independent as possible while also making sure I was comfortable in the situations I was entering. I was able to learn from amazing physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, MDs, and more. I am super grateful for this opportunity where I grew as a student and future physical therapist!

Thank you so much for all that you’ve done for me during this 10-week experience. I am super lucky I got to learn from and work with a therapist as great as you along with all the other amazing therapists at MoBap. You helped me build confidence as a therapist and learn to love the acute care setting. I am happy this was able to be my first experience out in the clinical world and I wish it could last longer!

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program.

SLU PT Student Radhika Patel had Many Opportunities at OSF HealthCare in Escanaba, Michigan

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight – OSF HealthCare in Escanaba, Michigan

By Radhika Patel (Class of 2023)

I have loved my experience at OSF in Escanaba, Michigan. The staff here are very inviting and engaging and I enjoy having daily conversations with them. The facility was recently updated so there is a lot of equipment available for use, including a heated pool for aquatic therapy. Given that it's a smaller town, the clinic sees a very wide variety of diagnoses. I've had the opportunity to conduct aquatic therapy sessions, observe wound therapy and pelvic floor therapy, and was given the opportunity to watch a surgery at the hospital next door. I also have had the opportunity to treat vestibular and pediatric patients under the guidance of my Clinical Instructor, Jaime McCarthy. This was the best place to have a first clinical, as I was exposed to so many different avenues of PT right off the bat. I'm thankful for this experience and the mentorship I have received from my CI. 

Jaime, thank you so much for all your guidance and mentorship through my first clinical experience. You have given me so much confidence in myself and my skills. You teach me something new every day and always provide me with opportunities to grow as a student. I will miss you so much!!

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program.

Thank You SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residents for Let's Talk About the Undervalued Gluteal Muscles

Thank you to the SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residents for their Let’s Talk…About the Undervalued gluteal muscles presentation to the SLU clinical education community. There were over 80 attendees to the 50-minute discussion via zoom. Pictured here Dr. Shelby Wilson, Dr. Ben Modde, and Dr. Juan Paz Delgado. Each shared a case with a relevant article and discussed how that article impacted their care of the patient.

Hosted by the SLU Program in Physical Therapy’s Clinical Education Team and moderated today by Dr. Carol Beckel, DCE; the Let’s Talk series has been a yearlong outreach to the SLU clinical education faculty to engage on numerous topics. Each is presented via zoom and attendees can earn CEUs. The next Let’s Talk presentation will be on July 19, 2022, at Noon CST with the SLU SSM Health Physical Therapy Women’s Pelvic Health Residents, Drs Brea Rhein and Alex Lanty.

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program is an accelerated post-licensure program to advance the orthopedic skills of physical therapists. It is the only ABPTRFE accredited orthopedic physical therapy residency in Missouri. Founded and accredited in 2014-2015, this unique collaboration between Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy and SSM Health Physical Therapy currently has 3 Residents and has graduated 16 licensed physical therapists. In addition to clinical practice and teaching in the entry-level DPT program, each resident completes over 150 hours of mentoring and over 300 hours of educational experiences.

For more information on the program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

SLU PT Student Michelle Cherny had a Wonderful Clinical Experience at Advanced Training and Rehab in Creve Coeur, MO

SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight at Advanced Training and Rehab – Creve Coeur, Missouri
By Michelle Cherny (SLU DPT Class of 2023)

I've had a wonderful clinical experience thanks to my Clinical Instructor and Alumni, Danielle Leonard, and all the other staff at the ATR clinic in Creve Coeur. Danielle is very friendly and energetic which has helped me absorb her positive attitude when working with patients. She feels like a CI and a friend, all in one, which is the best combination I could've asked for.

I would say thank you for being patient with me while passing down all the knowledge you have learned yourself over the years for me to carry on throughout my future experiences. I appreciate your openness when having discussions about various topics because it gives me better insight of what it's like to be a new grad coming from SLU and gives me a sense of direction.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program

Congratulations to our department faculty on promotion in rank and/ or tenure!

Congratulations from the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training! to our faculty candidates who successfully earned promotion and / or tenure.  This is a multi-step process requiring an extensive dossier of accomplishments and intensive review by multiple stakeholders within the University.  Letters of review are obtained from both SLU colleagues and external reviewers.   

We are proud to congratulate… 

Dr. Elissa Held Bradford ( https://www.slu.edu/doisy/faculty/heldbradford-elissa.php ) promoted to Associate Professor 

Dr. Mike Markee (https://www.slu.edu/doisy/faculty/markee-mike.php ) promoted to Associate Professor  

Dr. Chris Sebelski (https://www.slu.edu/doisy/faculty/sebelski-chris.php ) earned tenure, Associate Professor 

SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Residencies Discuss Performing Arts Physical Therapy with Dr. Marisa Hentis (SLU DPT Class of 2014)

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Residencies sends a big Thank You to Dr. Marisa Hentis (https://kaufman.usc.edu/faculty/marisa-hentis), clinical instructor of physical therapy and dance with a joint appointment at the faculty member of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance and the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy.  Dr. Hentis is a graduate of Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy (2014).  Her zoom interaction with the Orthopedic and Women’s Health Residents entitled Performing Arts Physical Therapy involved discussion of case studies and movement of all through the a variety of assessments specific to performing artists.  

The SLU-SSM Health Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program is an accelerated post-licensure program to advance the orthopedic skills of physical therapists. It is the only ABPTRFE accredited orthopedic physical therapy residency in Missouri. Founded and accredited in 2014-2015, this unique collaboration between Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy and SSM Health Physical Therapy currently has 3 Residents and has graduated 16 licensed physical therapists. In addition to clinical practice and teaching in the entry-level DPT program, each resident completes over 150 hours of mentoring and over 300 hours of educational experiences.

For more information on the program, visit https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/ssm-residency.php or contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. Chris Sebelski at chris.sebelski@health.slu.edu.

Congratulations to Andrea Buschkoetter (Class of 2023) as the awardee of the Florian and Walburga Horvath Memorial Health Professions Scholarship

Congratulations to Andrea Buschkoetter (Class of 2023) as the awardee of the Florian and Walburga Horvath Memorial Health Professions Scholarship.  This scholarship is awarded to one student within Doisy College of Health Sciences at Saint Louis University.  The student must be in good academic and professional standing within their program, in the terminal year of their advanced degree, and have demonstrated leadership, service and strong work ethic.   

 

Frances L. Horvath, M.D., then Dean of the former School of Allied Health Professions and her siblings Fay Anderson, Paul Horvath, and Carolyn Clemons established the endowment for this scholarship fund in 1985 in memory of their parents, Florian (Al) and Walburga (Wally) Horvath.   This scholarship honors the memory of Florian and Walburga Horvath, their sacrifices, their love, their generosity of spirit, their faith, and the values they instilled in their children.  In helping others achieve their educational goal, the Horvath Memorial Scholarship Fund perpetuates their legacy.