University of New England

Department of Physical Therapy News

September 26, 2009 - Department 25th Anniversary
University Provost Jacque Carter and Dean David Ward joined current and former department faculty, current students and alumni in celebrating 25 years of graduating physical therapy students as part of alumni weekend festivities on Saturday September 26.  It was wonderful to welcome back alumni from the physical therapy classes of 1984 through 2009 and individuals from the original program faculty to mark this historic occasion. 

September, 2009 – Welcome Dr. Erin Hartigan & Dr. Eileen Ricci
The Department of Physical Therapy is pleased to welcome Erin Hartigan to the department.  Dr. Hartigan is a New England native who was educated at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell as an athletic trainer and physical therapist.  She also taught in the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.  She returns to New England after completing her PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science at the University of Delaware.  Erin is excited to return to teaching after four years of focusing mainly on her research agenda.  She plans to continue her research on lower extremity function at our Human Performance Laboratory and looks forward to teaching musculoskeletal content to our DPT class. 

Dr. Eileen Ricci is an APTA Board certified pediatric clinical specialist who was on the faculty at the University of Massachusetts Medical School where she worked in the Early Intervention and Family Support Program on a transdisciplinary team.  She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA in 2006 with a pediatric concentration.  She has practiced in several states over the years, working in children’s homes, community group homes, facilities for people with developmental disabilities, preschools, elementary and high schools. Her passion is guiding graduating physical therapists who are able to help children of all ability levels to experience the joy of life.

August 7-21, 2009 – Ghana Health Mission
"From August 7-21, 2009, DPT faculty member Jim Cavanaugh and 3rd year students Laura Lombardi and Lindsay McKenney participated in a UNE-sponsored international health mission trip to Ghana, West Africa.  The trip was coordinated through Ghana Health Mission (GHM), a nonprofit organization founded 15 years ago by Dr. Leda McKenry of the University of Massachusetts and Reverend Robert Andoh of the Assemblies of God church in Sekondi, Ghana.  Each year, GHM provides primary health care to local residents.  Many of these individuals live under extraordinarily demanding conditions with limited resources.  For them, GHM is an important source of health care.  A blog account of this year's trip can be found at http://www.uneghana09.wordpress.com/

In recent years, GHM services have been delivered in large part by interprofessional teams of UNE students and faculty. The trip represents a cultural immersion experience in a developing country that includes (1) participation in the delivery of direct patient care, (2) community health education with the assistance of community health workers, and (3) becoming versed in the use of interpreters. This year, the team consisted of 16 faculty and students from UNE physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and physician assistant programs, as well as several UNE undergraduate programs.   Services were provided in makeshift clinics set up 2 churches and in the residence of a local tribal chief.  The team worked and lived together in close quarters, relying heavily on one other and community health workers for support.

For UNE health professional students, the GHM trip is intended to be much more than a worthwhile service opportunity. The importance of cultural competence is receiving a great deal of attention in all settings of the health professions workforce.  According to the Institute of Medicine, workplace competencies are a measurable means to insure that people who work in health care settings have a basic understanding of culture as it relates to health care delivery. Short-term cultural immersion provides students with rich cultural experiences, cultural competence training through acculturation, and knowledge with respect to global health practice that can serve as an impetus to improve all health outcomes.  In this regard, the GHM trip adds an unusual and highly valuable element to UNE health professional training. 

This year marked the first time that physical therapy (PT) services were included as part of GHM clinical operations.  Together, Dr. Cavanaugh, Ms. Lombardi, and Ms. McKenney saw 151 (24%) of the 637 patients who received GHM services this year.   The vast majority of patients presented with musculoskeletal problems, many of which resulted from occupational injuries.  Interventions strongly emphasized community health education that focused on the importance of using good body mechanics during occupational activities."

May 9, 2009 – Graduation
The Department graduated its third class of DPT students on May 9, 2009.  The following awards were presented at the Department’s graduation reception.

The physical therapy staff at Saco Bay Orthopaedic & Sports, PT, PA. were the recipients of the 2009 Distinguished Clinical Educator Award.  This award is given to a person or facility that demonstrates outstanding contributions to the physical therapy clinical education program.  Saco Bay has been a clinical affiliate with our program for numerous years and has provided an excellent clinical experience in the outpatient setting for untold numbers of our students.  Students consistently comment on the excellent supervision and clinical teaching from their CIs, as well as the diversity of patients they are able to work with.  Students also have the option to specialize their clinical skills in different areas such as manual therapy, spine care, and sports injuries.  We are indebted to their commitment to the education of our students.  Mike Hersey, PT, SCS, CSCS, Ryan Cyr, MPT, and Larry Risigo, PT, FAAOMPT, were present to accept the award on behalf of the entire physical therapy staff. 

Dana Detweiler, DPT was the recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Academic Performance Award.  This award is given to the student with the highest overall Grade Point Average (GPA) in the Department. 

Ryan Baldwin, DPT was the recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Clinical Performance Award.  The primary criterion for this award is the student's clinical performance as determined by both written and verbal feedback from the clinical education site. The student’s academic record is also considered. 

Kathryn Reese, DPT was the recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Student Department Service Award.  The primary criterion for this award is the student's service contribution to the Department.  Service to other programs at the University and the greater community, as well as the student’s academic record, are also considered. 

Melissa Bulmer, DPT was the recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Student in the Department Award.  Equal consideration is given to academic performance, clinical performance and service. 

Kristina Smith, was also recognized at the reception as a recipient of the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) 2009 Minority Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence.  This is a $6000 award from the Minority Scholarship Fund, a segment of APTA's 501(c)(3) Physical Therapy Fund.  Kristina received a certificate in commemoration of the Award and was invited to attend the Honors and Awards Celebration at the APTA Annual Conference & Exposition in Baltimore, MD to receive the certificate.  Criteria for the award include evidence of contributions in the areas of minority affairs and services, high scholastic achievement, and potential for superior achievements in the profession of physical therapy as well as professional excellence as a physical therapist.

The Department also graduated its second class of students from the post-professional DPT (DPT-P) program on May 9.  Several students from this program were also on hand to attend graduation and the celebratory reception for students, family, significant others and friends. 

Please join us in congratulating our award recipients and all of our 2009 graduates on their accomplishments.     
  

Faculty News

As part of a newly developing UNE Community Intergenerational Wellness Initiative, Jim Cavanaugh PT, PhD, NCS conducted focus groups with seniors living in The Park Danforth and Deering Pavilion residences located in the UNE Portland campus neighborhood.  The discussions were intended to begin the process of developing meaningful ways in which UNE students and faculty might link educational resources and activities with the needs of seniors living in the local community.

Sally McCormack, PT, DPT, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, has had the manuscript, Ergonomic and behavioral interventions as the primary treatment for work-related lateral epicondylitis: a case report, accepted for publication in WORK: A journal of prevention, assessment & rehabilitation.  The publication date will be early 2010. 

Gwen Simons, Esq., PT, OCS, FAAOMPT, Adjunct Professor in the post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, has published a chapter on Legal Issues in Functional Capacity Evaluations in the 2009 publication, Guide to the Evaluation of Functional Ability:  How to Request, Interpret, and Apply Functional Capacity Evaluations.  The book is edited by Elizabeth Genovese, MD and Jill S. Galper, PT and published by the American Medical Association.  Professor Simons has extensive clinical and legal experience in the area of occupational health and teaches the legislation and policy content in the post-professional (distance education) program, as well as the content related to functional capacity evaluations for the on-campus DPT students.

Kathy Leahy, PT, DPT, CWS was the recipient of the 2008 Department of Physical Therapy Distinguished Clinical Faculty Award.  This award is given to an adjunct faculty member who demonstrates superior teaching skills within the physical therapy program and outstanding clinical practice outside of the University setting. Dr. Leahy earned her Bachelor of Science in Education (concentration in Health and Fitness) from the University of Maine at Orono 1987; her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from UNE in 1994; and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Boston University in 2006.  She is a Certified Wound Specialist as recognized by the American Academy of Wound Management, the only therapist in Maine who holds this certification.  Kathy has served as the Supervisor of Inpatient Physical & Occupational Therapy at Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC) since 2004.  She has also served as the Wound Care Coordinator at SMMC since 2001.  Her primary teaching responsibilities in the DPT program are in the area of disorders of integumentary system.  In the words of a DPT student, “Her knowledge of the subject combined with her ability to educate in a practical manner made the course one of the best in the program.”

Jim Cavanaugh, PhD, PT, NCS, Assistant Professor :

Dr. Cavanaugh, published a manuscript entitled "Nonlinear Analysis of Ambulatory Activity Patterns in Community-dwelling Older Adults."  The article appeared October 12, 2009 in the Journals of Gerontology Series A:  Medical Sciences http://biomedgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/glp144?ijkey=1DqNbPvhbSzmgJ4&keytype=ref

Dr. Cavanaugh collaborated with Heather Hayes, DPT and Lee Dibble, PT, PHD, both of the University of Utah, on a poster presentation entitled "Relationship between physical performance and ambulatory activity in individuals with chronic stroke."  The presentation was made by Dr. Hayes at the 2009 Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association in Las Vegas, NV . Mention of the presentation was included in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy; an abstract is available online at www.jnptextra.org.

Dr. Cavanaugh is currently collaborating with UNE Occupational Therapy faculty member Jane O'Brien PhD, OTR/L on a research project entitled "Interdisciplinary Research Training in Childhood Obesity.”  The project, which is funded by a small grant from theUNE Division of Exercise and Sport Performance, Occupational Therapy,  and Physical Therapy, involves 2 DPT students and 5 Occupational Therapy students.  The purpose of the project is to develop a model for interdisciplinary research training to be used at UNE.

Michael Fillyaw, PT, MS, Associate Professor, recently presented "An Annotated Poster Illustrating How to Make a Poster" and "Implementing Case Report Writing in a DPT Curriculum" at the American Physical Therapy Association's Annual Conference and Exposition in San Antonio, Texas.  These presentations were based upon Professor Fillyaw's development and implementation of course work in the DPT curriculum involving case report writing and the presentation of scholarly work.

Michael Sheldon, PT, MS  Associate Professor and Director, published the following:

Sheldon MR: Evidence-based practice in occupational health: description and application of an implementation effectiveness model.  Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation 29: 137-43, 2007.

Sheldon MR, Golub A, Langevin JR, StOurs P, Swatrzlander BJ. Improving institutional effectiveness: description and application of an implementation model.  Planning for Higher Education 36(2): 17–26.

Mike has also received a grant in the amount of $9,700 from the Health Policy and Administration (HPA) Section of the American Physical Therapy Association to support his dissertation research looking into the influences on state policy approaches for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.  In the words of one reviewer, “The proposal resides at an intersection of public policy, public health and clinical practice, making this highly relevant to the goals of the HPA section.”  Data collection for this study is planned for fall 2008.  Mr. Sheldon is student in the PhD program of Public Policy and Management at the Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine.

Student News

Robert Clark, PT, DPT and 2008 graduate of the post-professional DPT (DPT-P) program has had the manuscript, Clinical Use of Nintendo Wii™ Bowling Simulation to Decrease Fall Risk in an Elderly Nursing Home Patient: A Case Report, accepted for publication in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy.  The article is scheduled for publication in the December 2009 issue 32(4).

Orlando Ruiz PT, DPT, MBA and 2008 graduate of the post-professional DPT (DPT-P) program was published in the current issue of The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy 17(1). The manuscript, Positional Stretching of the Coracohumeral Ligament on a Patient with Adhesive Capsulitis: A Case Report, was completed as part of the capstone course in the DPT-P curriculum. Dr. Ruiz is staff physical therapist at North Broward Medical Center, a trauma  center in Deerfield Beach, Florida.  He currently oversees a program for patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery.

June 6, 2009 - DPT Students Volunteer at Maine Special Olympics Summer Games
Seven UNE DPT students volunteered for the Fun-fitness Event at the Special Olympics in Orono, ME. Here, students and physical therapy clinicians gathered to perform flexibility, strength, aerobic and balance screenings on the athletes. The event was a wonderful opportunity for UNE DPT students to get out in the community and put their  knowledge to use, as well as a great way to interact with the athletes, other therapists, and students.

March 23, 2009-  (APTA) 2009 Minority Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence
Kristina Smith, DPT class of 2009, is one of the recipients of the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) 2009 Minority Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence.  This is a $6000 award from the Minority Scholarship Fund, a segment of APTA's 501(c)(3) Physical Therapy Fund. Kristina will also receive a certificate in commemoration of the Award and is invited to attend the Honors and Awards Celebration Thursday, June 11, 2009 at Physical Therapy 2009, APTA’s Annual Conference & Exposition in Baltimore, MD to receive the certificate.  Criteria for the award include evidence of contributions in the areas of minority affairs and services, high scholastic achievement, and potential for superior achievements in the profession of physical therapy as well as professional excellence as a physical therapist.

March 21, 2009 - "Walk for Thought"
For the second consecutive year, UNE DPT students learning about Physical Therapy for adults with neuropathology volunteered to help support the Brain Injury Association of Maine (BIAME) annual "Walk for Thought." The event, which was conducted at various locations throughout the state, raised funds to support the BIAME mission to connect survivors and family members with education and social life enrichment opportunities, support groups and brain injury resources. This year, 21 DPT students served to assist site coordinators with many of the important duties necessary to run a successful event.

February 27, 2009 - Interdisciplinary "Baby Lab"
As part of their pediatrics course work this semester, 2nd year DPT students participated in the first ever Interdisciplinary "Baby Lab" at UNE.  The event, which was organized in conjunction with the Department of Occupational Therapy, gave DPT and OT students an opportunity to learn and work together to conduct developmental motor assessments of infants and toddlers aged 6 months - 3 years.  The lab was specifically designed to promote real-life interdisciplinary collaboration commonly found in pediatric rehabilitation settings.  

February 12, 2009- Presentation at APTA Combined Section Meeting
Robert Clark, 2008 graduate from the post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT-P) program at UNE, will be presenting his case report at the upcoming American Physical Therapy Association combined section meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, February 12.  This case report was completed as part of the capstone course in the DPT-P curriculum.  The title of his presentation is:
Clinical Use of Nintendo WiiT Bowling Simulation to Decrease Fall Risk in an Elderly Resident of a Nursing Home: A Case Report.

October 30, 2008- Finley Health Center Grand Opening
Matt Somma, Noah Harrison and Rachel Sargeant, all from the DPT class of 2009, volunteered their time and expertise at the reopening celebration of the Finley Health Center on October 30, 2008.  Matt provided information regarding the Body Mass Index (BMI), Noah consulted with participants and provided education on stretching, and Rachel (a licensed massage therapist) provided 10 minute massages and tips on relaxation. 

October 29, 2008- Grand Rounds
Kristina Smith, DPT student, participated in the 3rd annual College of Health Professions Interdisciplinary Grand Rounds.  Her presentation, which focused on the determination of physical therapy needs for an elderly woman living in a skilled nursing facility with the residual effects of stroke, was given collaboratively with student representatives from UNE College of Medicine and Nursing educational programs. Following the presentation, Kristina and her colleagues fielded questions from an interdisciplinary audience of UNE students and faculty.  The Grand Rounds program is offered semiannually in the College of Health Professions and provides students with practical interdisciplinary experience as future health care professionals.

October 14-17, 2008- Basketball Tournament
The first annual three-on-three basketball tournament was held at the Finley Center in recognition of National Physical Therapy Month.  The event was intended to promote friendly competition between the health professions programs on the Westbrook College Campus.  The tournament included students from the physical therapy program, the physician assistant program, and the dental hygiene program.  The winning team won gift certificates to Dick’s Sporting Goods, courtesy of the Finley Recreation Center and the Physical Therapy Department.  Let’s congratulate Brandon Freeman, Sami Ellig, and Nick Burns, three first year physical therapy students, who were undisputed champions in finishing with 6 wins and 0 losses in the tournament.

October 3, 2008- Dinner Auction
Students from the DPT class of 2009 hosted their first dinner auction to support sending 13 students to the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting in February of 2009.  The event was held in conjunction with the fall Maine APTA conference and business meeting and a Department of Physical Therapy alumni reception.  Donations were received from a variety of Greater Portland businesses and open for bid in live and silent auctions.  An auctioneer also donated his services to make this event a great success.  The event also created a wonderful opportunity to facilitate communication between students and local clinicians.  The auction raised over $1400 and, in addition to other fundraising efforts, has made it possible for students to attend this national conference. 

Archived Student News

Community News

September 27, 2009 – Diabetes Dash                
DPT students Courtney Klenk, Brandi Oakley, Amanda Pothier, Kelly Bedard, Laura Lombardi, Julia Dunfey, and Miles Morneault joined faculty members Jim Cavanaugh and Mike Sheldon in volunteering their time at the second annual "Diabetes Dash for Kids" held at Greely High School track in Cumberland, Maine on Sunday, September 27, 2009.  This event was established to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.  This is a race developed solely for children ages 3-12.  Despite a rainy day, an unbelievable number of parents and children showed up to race in the various  children and parent-children relay races around the track.  The event raised over $14,000 for the Foundation.