We are eager to announce that USF SPTRS faculty and staff has been invited to give presentations at the 18th annual Education Leadership Conference (ELC). This conference will be taking place from October 13th to October 15th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you are attending we encourage you to join us for one of our many exciting and engaging presentations or posters.

Our contributions to this conference are listed below, along with time and location:

Presentations:

Friday, October 13, 2023

1:30-3:00 PM

• Humanizing Healthcare: Infusing ethics and health humanities into PT education
• Author(s): Rebecca Ditwiler (PT, DPT, OCS)
• Location: Conference Room 407-409- Level 4 Franklin

1:30-3:00 PM

• No Student Left Behind: An innovative approach to raising NPTE first-time pass rates
• Author(s): Lazinski (PT, DPT, DHSc), Haladay (PT, DPT, PhD, MHS), Klein (PT,DPT, DSc), Ditwiler (PT, DPT, OCS), Cuevas 
• Location: Salon E & F- Level 5 Ballroom

3:45-5:15 PM

• Friend or Foe? AI in physical therapy education 
• Author(s): Haladay (PT, DPT, PhD, MHS), Allegro (PT, DPT, NCS), Ditwiler (PT, DPT, OCS), Lazinski (PT, DPT, DHSc)
• Location: Conference Room 308- Level 3 Meeting Rooms

Saturday, October 14, 2023

10:30-12:00 AM 

• Culture Counts: The role of leadership in building strong teams in physical therapy education 
• Author(s): Haladay (PT, DPT, PhD, MHS), Lazinski (PT, DPT, DHSc)
• Location: Conference Room 308- Level 3 Meeting Rooms

3:15-4:45 PM

• Diagnostic Imaging: A clearer view of creative and innovative models in PT Education 
• Author(s):  Aimee Klein (PT, DPT, DSc)
• Location: Conference Room 306- Level 3 Meeting Rooms

3:15-4:45 PM

• Where’s the Wellness? Striving for Student Excellence with a Wellness Inventory 
• Author(s): Kelly Allegro (PT, DPT, NCS)
• Location: Salon E – Level 5 Ballroom

Poster:

Clinical Reasoning Theater for Educating CVP Content and Promoting Clinical Reasoning Among DPT Students 

Bini Thomas (PT, DPT, MSA, Ed.D)

Several of our faculty and clinicians are attending the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting this week in Denver, Colorado. Not only are they attending, but all of them are presenting or helping to share content with attendees. Irene Davis (Top Left), Rebecca Lopez (Top Right), Patricia Teran Wodzinski (Bottom Left), and Mackenzie Garreth (Bottom Right).

• Knee hyperextension, the underappreciated knee pathology – Irene Davis, Patricia Teran Wodzinski, Mackenzie Brittain
• Scarneo-Miller SE, Winkelmann ZK, Adams WM, Yeargin SW, Lopez RM, et al. The diffusion of innovation theory applied to practicing athletic trainers. Free Communication Poster. 2023 ACSM Annual Meeting, June 2, 2023. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 55(S).
• Lopez RM, Jardine J, Yeargin SW, Scarneo-Miller SE, Casa DJ. Altered mental status in a runner following a 7-mile summer road race.  Clinical Case Slide Session. 2023 ACSM Annual Meeting, May 31, 2023. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 55(S).
• Ashley CA, Lopez RM, Tritsch AJ. Football practices in hot environments impact subsequent days’ hydration. Free Communications Poster. 2023 ACSM Annual Meeting, May 31, 2023. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 55(S).
• Strong Feet, Healthy Feet – Irene Davis
• Caleb D. Johnson¹, Lauren K. Sara², Molly M. Bradach², David R. Mullineaux², Stephen A. Foulis¹, Julie M. Hughes, FACSM¹, Irene S. Davis, FACSM³. ¹U.S. Army Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA. ²Spaulding National Running Center, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA. ³University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. (Sponsor: Irene Davis, FACSM)
• Molly M. Bradach¹, Caleb D. Johnson², Lauren K. Sara¹, David R. Mullineaux¹, David J. Zeppetelli², Stephen A. Foulis², Julie M. Hughes, FACSM², Irene S. Davis, FACSM³. ¹Spaulding National Running Center, Cambridge, MA. ²U.S. Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA. ³University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. (Sponsor: Irene Davis, FACSM)
• Lauren K. Sara¹, Caleb D. Johnson², Molly M. Bradach³, David J. Zeppetelli², David R. Mullineaux³, Katelyn Guerriere², Leila A. Walker², Stephen A. Foulis², Julie M. Hughes, FACSM², Irene S. Davis, FACSM⁴. ¹Boston University, Boston, MA. ²U.S. Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA. ³Spaulding National Running Center, Cambridge, MA. ⁴University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. (Sponsor: Irene S. Davis, FACSM)
• David J. Zeppetelli¹, Caleb D. Johnson¹, Lauren K. Sara², Molly M. Bradach², David R. Mullineaux², Stephen A. Foulis¹, Julie M. Hughes, FACSM¹, Irene S. Davis, FACSM³. ¹United States Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA. ²Spaulding National Running Center, Cambridge, MA. ³University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
• Minimal vs Conventional Running Shoes: Lets Respectfully Debate – Irene Davis
• Jose Roberto De Souza Junior¹, Logan W. Gaudette¹, Caleb D. Johnson², Joao Paulo C. Matheus³, Thiago V. Lemos⁴, Irene S. Davis, FACSM⁵, Adam S. Tenforde, FACSM¹. ¹Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Spaulding National Running Center, Cambridge, MA. ²United States Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA. ³University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil. ⁴State University of Goias, Goiania, Brazil. ⁵University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. (Sponsor: Adam Tenforde, FACSM)
• Khara A. James¹, Patrick Corrigan², Chun-Hao Huang¹, Corey Lanois¹, Irene S. Davis, FACSM³, Joshua J. Stefanik¹. ¹Northeastern University, Boston, MA. ²Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO. ³University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL. (Sponsor: Irene S. Davis, FACSM)

Irene Davis is also the president-elect of ACSM, and will be fulfilling duties related to that leadership position.

On Friday, May 5th, 2023 we celebrated our 2023 graduates from our Doctor of Physical Therapy, Professional Athletic Training, and Post-Professional Advanced Athletic Training programs, and their accomplishments they achieved while here at USF Health. We welcomed 49 DPT graduates, 22 Professional Athletic Training, and 8 Advanced AT students to our alumni.

The graduation celebration is an annual school event in which faculty and staff are able to personally celebrate the programs along with a small group of family and friends. This year was unique in that it was the first combined event including our DPT and AT programs all at once. Each graduate was individually recognized by their faculty and presented with a medallion specific to their profession and to the Morsani College of Medicine. During the ceremony we also awarded our various program awards and athletic training presented their program scholarships.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Awards:

2023  Laura Lee “Dolly” Swisher Ethical and Professional Leadership Award – Erin Esposito (above left)

This award is named after Dr. Dolly Swisher, a founding faculty member, our third School Director, and now Professor Emerita. This award recognizes a graduate who illustrates strong professional and ethical behavior, displays effective confidence, engenders trust with patients and colleagues, high academic achievement, actively participated throughout the program, and demonstrates clinical acumen.

2023 Catherine Page Clinical Excellence Award – Bryce Braswell (above right)

This award is named after Catherine Page who was the first Director of Clinical Education. This award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional clinical skills and is awarded based on feedback from clinical instructors and the Director of Clinical Education.

2023 Outstanding Systematic Research Project – “The effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for contralateral transfer in the lower extremity: A scoping review” – Brooke Fischer, Steve Fowler, Alexander Turnock, Kylie Unser and Faculty Mentor Patricia Teran Wodzinski (below left)

ACAPT National Honor Society – Erin Esposito (Above right)

Athletic Training Awards

Outstanding Advanced Athletic Training Student Award – Matthew Baranowicz

Athletic Training Program Service Award – Nate Wood

Student Service Award – Zoe Gholson (above left)

This award goes to a student that has gone above and beyond to demonstrate service to both the program and profession of athletic training.  This basically translates to never saying “no” when opportunities are presented!

Athletic Training Student Leadership Award – Sarah Kult (above right)

This award is given to an AT student who is voted by their peers as an outstanding student-leader.

Athletic Training Director’s Award – Kayla Blair (above left)

The faculty select this award. The award is based on academic performance, service to the program and/or the profession, leadership, professionalism and commitment to excellence.  Identifying this winner is always very hard – it’s hard to excel in ALL of those areas!

Jhanae Ingraham Memorial Perseverance Award – Jamila Dickerson (above right)

Last year we created an award to honor the lasting impact a member of the Class of 2021 had on the USF Athletic Training Program.  Jhanae Ingraham was a shining beacon of positive change who’s smile would literally change the mood of a room. The program has not been the same since she passed away in a car accident in June 2020, and we will forever be changed for the better by having her as a member of the Bulls family.  We wanted the accolade to highlight her passion and commitment to a better world, and to recognize a student that exemplifies these qualities through their interactions with colleagues, patients, and the world around them. Someone who may face challenges, but continues to show up every day with a determined attitude to make each experience beneficial and to do it with a smile.

USF Health Student Leader of the Year – Sarah Kult (AT) and Andrea Galinis (DPT) – (above left)

This award recognizes a graduating students from each academic program for their outstanding leadership skills. Examples of student leadership include

USF Health Spirit Award –  Ryo Akita (AT) and Johann Geheb (DPT) – (above right)

The USF Health Spirit Award recognizes a graduating student from each academic program that best exemplifies the USF Health values we embrace as a community in support of our mission to “Make Life Better” in the communities we serve: interprofessionalism, compassion and passion, accountability, respect and inclusion, courage and resiliency, optimism, integrity and excellence.

USF Health Service Award – Kayla Blair (AT) and Kayla Foran (DPT) – (below)

Athletic Training Scholarships

Jhanae Sunflower Scholarship – Katelynn Parks (above)

The Jhanae Sunflower Scholarship was established in 2022 thanks to support of Jhanae’s family and the Jhanae Sunflower Foundation. The scholarship fund continues to be supported by faculty, staff, and alumni; and it our hope to soon grow the scholarship to endowed status to honor Jhanae’s legacy in perpetuity. The scholarship is awarded to a rising 2^nd year athletic training student that displays academic integrity, exemplary leadership, and a commitment to giving back to the community.

“Doc” Leffers Scholarship – Yusuke Okada and Lauren Richardson (above left)

Awarded to a rising 2^nd year enrolled in the athletic training program who exemplifies the characteristics and greatest potential to succeed in the profession. This scholarship is named for the former department chair of the Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine and honorary NATA member Doc Leffers.

Kennedy Family Scholarship – Rebekah Minter, Lauren Richardson, Zoe Gholson, Sarah Kult (above right)

Awarded to an athletic training student who has demonstrated leadership and service initiatives and accomplishments related to and that has benefitted the athletic training program at the University of South Florida and positively promoted the profession of athletic training.

Class Gifts

Each graduating class of our programs leaves a gift with the program to leave their mark here at USF. This year the DPT Class of 2023 donated  succulent planters they created and watering cans to add some greenery to the student courtyard. The Athletic Training Class of 2023 donated a blanket and class composite to be hung in their classroom. The evening ended with a short reception before students and guest went off to celebrate.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, physical therapists have an option to become a Board-Certified Specialist via the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and governed by the  American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. They current offer and recognize ten specializations that include:

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Geriatrics
• Neurology
• Oncology
• Orthopaedics
• Pediatrics
• Sports
• Women’s Health
• Wound Management

This year the USF Health Doctor of Physical Therapy program had a record number of acceptances to residency program for the class of 2023. Each year there are usually two -three graduates who choose a residency immediately following graduation, but this year there are eight graduating students accepting placements in various residency programs across the country. They include:

• Alexander Turnock – Sports Residency – Brooks Rehabilitation (Top Left)
• Kylie Unser – Orthopaedic Residency – James A. Haley VA Hospital (Top Middle)
• Logan Brown – Neurologic Residency – Orlando Health (Top Right)
• Jessica Bodager – Geriatric Residency – James A. Haley VA Hospital (2nd Row Left)
• Andrea Galinis – Neurologic Residency – Tampa General Hospital (2nd Row Middle)
• Erin Esposito – Neurologic Residency – Brooks Rehabilitation (2nd Row Right)
• Donovan Ingley – Orthopaedic Residency – AT Still University (3rd Row Left)
• Johann Geheb – Neurologic Residency – Tampa General Hospital (3rd Row Middle)
• Hope Hunter – Acute Care – James A. Haley VA Hospital (3rd Row Right)
• Alexis Schock – Orthopaedic Residency – PT Solutions (Bottom)

This not only shows the continued pursuit of further learning from our graduates, but also the desire for these competitive residency programs to select our graduates. Each student had to apply and in most cases interview for these selective residency spots.

On March 30, 2023 the University of South Florida School of Physical Therapy held their annual Commitment to the Profession Ceremony for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Classes of 2025. The ceremony marks the time in which the students are welcomed into the profession by receiving their first White Coat, and they take a special Oath of Professionalism that each class creates. The students are coated by faculty advisors and then presented a gift from the “Big” (an upper class student) within the program. This year the School was able to raise over $14,000 from 50+ donors to cover the full cost of the 49 coats with the remaining funds going to student scholarships.

Ellen Costello (pictured above), PT, PhD Associate Professor and Director, Physical Therapy Program at George Washington University was the keynote speaker.  She discussed the importance of grit and resilience in PT school, and how her research has shaped her support of students along their academic journey. She provided the students with some insight and tips on how to continue their success both academically and clinically. Not only did she share some inspiration, but also  some personal stories and laughter with those in attendance.

The first award of the evening was the Spirit of Interprofessionlism award, which is presented to individuals who have promoted the role of physical therapists in the collaborative healthcare team within the academic, clinical, or research programs of USF Health. This year the recipient was Javier Cuevas, PhD – Associate Vice President for Faculty and Academic Affairs, USF Health and Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs, Morsani College of Medicine. Dr. Cuevas was instrumental over the past year with supporting our program academically and continuing to improve out DPT program outcomes.

The next award was the  Gregory R. Nicolosi Commitment to Professionalism Award. which this award goes to a second-year DPT student who is recognized by classmates as one who has consistently demonstrated the Core Values of Professionalism, including: Accountability, Altruism, Compassion & Caring, Excellence, Integrity, Professional Duty, and, Social Responsibility. This year the recipient was Hayden Euper from the DPT Class of 2024.

During the ceremony the school also awards it’s departmental scholarships to DPT students. The following are the 2023 recipients, above are their pictures:

• Vorholy  Memorial Scholarship – Alexander Turnock, Class of 2023
• Kurtzman Scholarship – Jake Schlenoff, Class of 2025
• Future Professionals Scholarship – Nicole Lukinbeal, Class of 2024
• CORA Scholarship – Jacob Newman, Class of 2025
• Tiedemann Circle of Motion Scholarship – Jan Rodriguez, Class of 2024
• Laura Lee “Dolly” Swisher Scholarship – Donna Zheng, Class of 2025

Our last awards of the evening were the UnBULLieveable Awards which recognize clinical partners. The UnBULLieveable awards were created to recognize clinical and community partners who have stepped up and helped our school out.  They have continued to support our program by taking on additional students for clinical education, partnering to be advisors for our DPT advisory board, and many have become friends of the program over the years. These recipients were nominated by the DPT Clinical Education Team, and then finalized by the school’s awards and scholarships committee. The following were our 2022 recipients:

• Unisen Senior Living – Accepted by Chantel Johnson
• Orlando Health – Accepted by Laurie Carpenter
• BayCare Morton Plant North Bay Hospital – Accepted Nicole Thompson

After the awards the students were coated, recited their professional oath, and then finished up a small cookie reception.

We are excited to share, that once again our faculty will have another strong impact on the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combines Sessions Meeting (CSM) 2023. This year the conference is being held in San Diego, CA from February 23-25, 2023, but there are also some pre-conference sessions in the days leading up the full conference. See below our involvement, and we look forward to connecting with alumni, students, colleagues, and more!

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

• 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM – OR-13940 Creating and Maintaining Competitive Residency and Fellowship Programs: Innovations for Curriculum Design, Mentoring, and Inter-Program Collaboration
  • Aimee Klein

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

• 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM – GR-14701 – Focus Geriatrics: Physiological Aging and Social Determinants of Health Impact on PT Plan of Care
  • Tamara Gravano

Thursday, February 23, 2023

• 8:00-10:00 AM OR-14476 – Evidence-Based Lower Limb Updates in Dance: Risk Factors, Rehab, and Prevention
  • Dawn Muci
• 8:05 AM – Effect of a Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program for Patients with Long-Haul COVID-19
  • Bini Thomas, Aimee Klein, Sandra Morgan, Lauren Schwab, Jillian Coury, Maria Moreno, Ming Ji, Constance Visovsky
• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – ED-14179 – Progress Toward Envisioning the Profession’s Future
  • Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler
• 1:00-3:00 PM – Poster Presentation – Is It Time to Reconsider the Length of Clinical Experiences?
  • Authors: Melissa Lazinski, Zoe Morris, Douglas Haladay
  • Section: Education
  • Location: Exhibit Hall D
• 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Poster Presentation – Does Shared-Decision Making Impact Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Low Back Pain? a Systematic Review
  • Authors: Douglas Eugene Haladay, Blaine T. LePere, Katelyn Panawash, Zoe Morris and Jill Elizabeth Kester-Haladay
  • Exhibit Hall D
• 1:00-3:00 PM – Poster Presentation – Improved Functional Outcome Using Goal Attainment Scaling Versus Standard Care for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain
  • Authors: Douglas Haladay, Jason Beneciuk, Zoe Morris
• 3:00-5:00 PM – OR-14033 – Mentoring Smarter Not Harder
  • Aimee Klein
• 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – USF Meet Up – Union Kitchen 333 5th Ave. San Diego, CA – All faculty, alums, and friends of the program are invited to stop by

Friday, February 24, 2023

• 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Poster Presentation: Physical Therapists’ Perceptions of Goal Attainment Scaling for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain
  • Authors: Aimee Klein, Douglas Haladay, Rebecca Ditwiler, Dustin Hardwick, Zoe Morris
  • Exhibit Hall D
• 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Poster Presentation – Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Breast Cancer Survivors with Persistent Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
  • Authors: Patricia Teran Wodinzkis, Douglas Haladay, Ming Ji, Constance Visovsky
  • Exhibit Hall D

Saturday, February 25, 2023

• 8:00 – 10:00 AM ED-14041 – Is It Burnout or Is It Moral Injury? Explorations Around Well-Being and Moral Resilience
  • Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler
• 1:00-3:00 PM – Poster Presentation – Organizational Changes Enhanced Treatment Team Effectiveness and Continuity of Care in a Student-Run Pro-Bono clinic
  • Authors: Wendy Herbert PT, PhD, Alexis Schock SPT, Donovan Ingley SPT, Alana White SPT, Hannah Stevens SPT
  • Section: Leadership & Innovation
  • Location: Exhibit Hall D, San Diego Convention Center
• 1:00-3:00 PM – Poster Presentation – Assessment of Neural Contribution to Rate of Torque Development in Older and Younger Adults 
  • Authors: David Russ
  • Section: Research/Research Posters
• 1:00-3:00 PM – Poster Presentation – Does Cycling Exercise Improve Gait, Balance, and Exercise Tolerance after Stroke? a Systematic Review
  • Authors: Mark Pellman, Kelsey Mikluscak, Michael Monzon, Julia Coppola, Vanessa Yeager, Kyle Reed, Seok Hun Kim
  • Section: Neurology/Stroke SIG

Recently a group of researchers from Hanger Clinics, James A. Haley VA Hospital, and our USF School of Physical Therapy published the first evidence based clinical practice guidelines on transfemoral socket fitting. From our school M. Jason Highsmith, PhD, PT, DPT, CP, FAAOP (Left) – Alumni and Researcher and Rebecca Miro, PhD (Right) – Research Administrator assisted with the study along with Jason Kahle and James Highsmith. The publication was released via PubMed and Prosthetics and Orthotics International.

The team completed a funded, randomized controlled trial on transfemoral socket fittings, and have published findings from 2015-2022.

To view the article visit: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36450007/

As we close out another year we want to look back to some of the top stories of 2022 for our USF School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences.  They are in no particular order and reflect the top stories read on our website and social media based on views. We look forward to 2023 to celebrating our 25th anniversary as a school and 40th anniversary of the Athletic Training program.

1. Shirley Sahrmann visits USF

In November 2022 Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA visited our school to provide a lecture for our Physical Therapy and Athletic Training students, faculty, and staff. During this lecture she covered the Movement System Impairments of the Shoulder and Upper Extremities. She also put on a lectureship/CEU for folks in our local community covering Movement Impairments of the Lower Back, which all members enjoyed attending and learning from Shirley.

2. Climate Change and Athletics

Rebecca Lopez,  PhD, ATC, CSCS, FNATA – Professor and Assistant School Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (left), Gary Cohen, PhD, LAT, ATC – Assistant Professor (right) and some of our athletic training students were featured in the WEDU PBS series on climate change this past year, along with colleagues in USF Athletics.

To read more and view the video series visit: HERE.

3. 2022 Awards, Recognition, and Service

During the past year we had several award recipients from our school:

1. Doug Haladay PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, CSCS – Professor, School Director, and MCOM Associate Dean
   1. Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) Scholarly Impact on Practice Award. To learn more visit: HERE.
   2. University of Scranton Physical Therapy Inaugural Outstanding Alumni Award. To learn more visit: HERE.
2. Jeremy Turkall, MS – Manager, Educational and Student Affairs
   1. University of South Florida Outstanding Staff Member Award 2022. To learn more visit: HERE. 
3. Wendy Herbert, PT, DPT, PhD – Associate Professor
   1. USF Health Culture Coin for her work with USF Health PT Bridge Clinic.

Recognition: 

• Rebecca Lopez, PhD, ATC, CSCS – Associate Professor & Assistant School Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was recently designated a 2022 National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Fellow. To read more visit HERE. 

Service: 

• Bini Thomas, PT, DPT, EdD, MSA – Assistant Professor was recently elected treasurer of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Acute Care section.  To read more visit HERE. 
• Irene Davis, PhD, PT, FAPTA, FACSM, FASB – Professor – President-Elect American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). To learn more visit HERE. 

4. Graduation

In May 2022 we celebrated the graduation of our 2022 Professional Athletic Training students and Post-Professional Athletic Training students. We celebrated them with intimate banquet with their close family members and friends, and awarded program awards. To learn more visit: HERE.

In August 2022 we celebrated the graduation of our 2022 Doctor of Physical Therapy students. We celebrated them during our graduation celebration with close family members and friends at the USF Alumni Center, and the following day they attended USF Commencement. To learn more visit: HERE.

5. Faculty Promotions

• Rebecca Lopez, PhD, ATC, CSCS, FNATA- Assistant School Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was promoted to the rank of Professor.
• Jeannie Stephenson, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor.
• Douglas Haladay, PT, DPT, PhD, MHS – Morsani College of Medicine Associate Dean and SPTRS School Director was promoted to the rank of Professor.

6. DPT Students Accepted to Residency Programs

Upon completion of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, physical therapists have an option to become a Board-Certified Specialist via the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and governed by the  American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

This past year the USF Health Doctor of Physical Therapy program had a record number of acceptances to residency program for the class of 2022.  This year we had seven graduating students accepted into various residency programs across the country.

To learn more visit: HERE.

7. DPT Commitment Ceremony

On April 1, 2022 we held our annual Commitment to the Profession Ceremony for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Classes of 2023 & 2024. The ceremony marks the time in which the students are welcomed into the profession by receiving their first White Coat, and they take a special Oath of Professionalism that each class creates.

To learn more visit: HERE. 

8. New Faculty Members

• Melissa Lazinski, PT, DPT, DHSc (Top Left)- Associate Professor and Interim Associate DPT Program Director – Learn more HERE. 
• Irene Davis, PhD, PT, FAPTA, FACSM, FASB  ( Top Middle)- Professor – Learn more HERE.
• Danae Delfin, PhD, LAT, ATC, CSCS (Top Right)- Assistant Professor Athletic Training Program
• Yvonne Budd, PT, DPT (Bttm Left)- Assistant Professor & Kelly Allegro, PT, DPT, NCS (Bttm Right) – Assistant Professor – Named as Co-Directors of Clinical education. Learn more HERE.

9. USF Health Research Day

Research remains an integral part of our school and academic programs, and something all of our students participate in during their academic journeys. USF Health Research Day 2022 returned to it’s normal in person format this past year, and our own Dr. Haladay served as a judge. Our DPT and Athletic Training students presented their posters as part of USF Health Research Day 2022.

To learn more visit HERE. 

10. Athletic Training Bags

A group of third year USF DPT students; Hannah Ruckner, Jonathan O, Yostina Khalil, Erin Esposito, Malaisia Stallworth, Jordan Roneree, and Alex Turnock, recently teamed up with Stay in Step to organize and implement the “Ability Games” at the Pride Strength Training Center in Tampa. Stay in Step is a veteran founded and run, non-profit organization providing long term rehabilitation and fitness to individuals with neurologic disorders, including spinal cord injury and brain injury. The Ability Games is a yearly event that brings together wheelchair users and able-bodied individuals to participate in a wheelchair competition that challenges and equalizes all participants. The competition consists of timed weight-lifting activities and relay races; all challenging upper extremity and aerobic physical ability.

There were over 100 people in attendance at the games this fall including the athletes, organizers, Stay in Step leadership and staff, DPT students, USF students from all three DPT classes and three USF faculty members, Jeannie Stephenson, PT, PhD, NCS, Wendy Herbert, PT, PhD, and Stephanie Hart-Hughes, PT, MSMS. The Ability Games competition brings awareness to the community of the capabilities of disabled athletes. It also helps the athletes to realize how great the impact of their rehabilitation effort on their journey to recovery and on their journey toward greater health, wellness and fitness. Many thanks to all third year DPT students in the Health Promotion and Wellness course who contributed to numerous community service events this fall.

Bini Thomas, PT, DPT, EdD, MSA – Assistant Professor was recently elected treasurer of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Acute Care section. Dr. Thomas will serve her term from 2023-2025. She is extremely excited about this opportunity to represent our school with the APTA at the national level.

Congratulations Dr. Thomas on your election!