2013-14 Alumni Newsletter - WVU School of Medicine

 WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF PHYSICAL THERAPY West Virginia University
Division of Physical Therapy
2013 Alumni Newsletter
“An Exceptional Year”
MaryBeth Mandich PT, PhD (Chair)
Issue 1
WVU Physical Therapy Celebrates 40-Year Anniversary
This past fall, the Division of Physical Therapy celebrated its 40-Year Anniversary by hosting an alumni reunion. The weekend-long
event started with an early morning 5K run “Race for Rehab” that was coordinated by faculty member Tracy Rice PT, MPH, NCS
(Class of 1998). Following the race, there was a picnic lunch coordinated by Suzanne Coffman PT (Class of 1972). After the picnic,
alumni had an opportunity to attend one of four outstanding short continuing education courses. The courses included: Burt Reed PT,
OCS, FAAOMPT (Class of 1995) - Dry Needling; Corrie Mancinelli PT, PhD, CEEAA (Class of 1985) and Ralph Utzman PT, PhD
(Class of 1989) -Vestibular Rehabilitation; Brian Duffy DPT, OCS (Class of 2007) - Functional Movement Screening; and Justin
Kiger MPT (Class of 2000) and Adrian Moses MPT, CSCS (Class of 2002) - ASYTM. Saturday evening the Division hosted the main
event that included a dinner/reception at Lakeview Resort. The reception was very well attended, especially by the lively inaugural
class of 1972. On Sunday the students sponsored the annual golf scramble to help raise money for professional development by
attending APTA Combined Sections Meeting.
See more 40-Year Celebration Photos on Pgs 2 and 14
PAGE 2 40-Year Alumni
Planning Committee
Special Thank You!
Scott Davis PT, MS, EdD, OCS (Class of 1988)
Stephanie Bailey (Student, Class of 2013)
Genelle Botje (Student, Class of 2013)
Jody Bowser DPT (Class of 2008)
Suzanne Coffman PT (Class of 1972)
Amy Lancaster DPT (Class of 2011)
MaryBeth Mandich PT, PhD (Program Chair)
Ericka Myers MPT (Class of 2005)
Christa Randolph MPT (Class of 2005)
Tracy Rice PT, MPH, NCS (Class of 1998)
Ryan Ruben (Student, Class of 2013)
Regina Saab Scott MPT (Class of 2007)
Joan Selby PT (Class of 1988)
Sam Stickley DPT (Class of 2010)
Alicia West MPT (Class of 2001)
The committee worked for several months to plan the anniversary events
and the Division would like to express our gratitude to these individuals
for their time and the sacrifices they made to make this event a success.
Class of 1973
(40 Years)
Class of 1983
(30 Years)
Nancy Balenger, Ilene Benedict, Dennis Bongiorni,
Joseph Bradley, Bobbie Jo Daugherty, William Greer,
Glenna Horrell, Ann Kennedy, Ann McClung, Roseanna
McCoy, Brenda McGahan, Thomas McGahan, Steve
Roth, Frances Stafford, Michael Vaughan, Kathryn
Voithofer
Shari Lynn Baker, Sheila Hebb, Diane Kinney Diane
Klenk, Susan Lefever, Mary Anne Maroon, Robert
Matijevich, Margie McCulley, Kimberly Moon,
Lucinda Osborne, David Pariser, Carolyn Pavlinch,
Marisa Perdomo, Andrea Rodriguez, Monica Sickles,
Carol Ann Skees, Katherine Smythe, Cheryl Stevens
Class of 1993
(20 Years)
Class of 2003
(10 Years)
Jeff Ashton, Shelley Barnabei, Becky Brown, Stacey
Chertow, Aileen Convery, Mary Craze, Shelby Cross,
Janelle Davy, Fiona Duff, Derek Falkenstein, Amy
Kelly, Renee Kocher, Joseph La Neve, Leslie Leaburg,
Paula Lemly, Kristy Mann, Richard Morgan, Julie Nagy,
Doug Owens, Billy Racer, Rich Rohland, Jeanette
Shannon, Craig Shipley, Jennifer Slivka, Carrie Tarrant,
Kristi Tavaglone, Todd Warner, Clark Vaughan, Elaine
Von Scio, Vicki Wilkins, Joe Wood Robert Acciavatti, Timothy Bailey, Misty Brady,
Tiffany Bryan, Matthew Bullock, Scott Burgess, Leigh
Ann Chaney, Tommy Dobbs, Anna Gensler, Lauren
Graham, Miranda Hagerman, Heather Hansberry,
Aaron Hartstein, Jennifer Hartstein, Angela Hendershot,
Ian Hover, Rebecca Martin, Laura McCoy, Shaenan
Miller, Jeffery Newsome, Leslie Ober, Eli Rhodes, Lisa
Rhodes, Carrie Smith, Melissa Stavrakis, Amanda
Stuchell, Chet Underwood, Adam West, Jason
Williamson, Meredith Williamson PAGE 3 Mary Lou Barnes Award
The Mary Lou Barnes Award for Distinguished Professional
Service recognizes alumni of the WVU PT Program who have
made a significant contribution to the physical therapy
profession through excellence in teaching, research, or service.
Mary Lou Barnes was the Founding Chair of the WVU PT
program. The 2013 Mary Lou Barnes Award recipient was
Patricia Downey, PT, PhD, DPT
Dr. Downey is a Professor and Director of Physical Therapy,
Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Downey is a 1980
alumna of the WVU PT program. She has a clinical
interest/expertise in orthopedic physical therapy, women's
health, and osteoporosis. She earned a PhD in physical
anthropology with an emphasis in functional anatomy and
morphology. Dr. Downey presented a heart-warming keynote
address for the Class 2014 at the Clinical Pathways “White
Coat” Ceremony.
Patricia Downey, PT, PhD, DPT See Page 5 for more on the Clinical Pathways Ceremony
Pictured (Left to Right): Patricia
Downey PT, PhD, DPT, Chris DeMaria
SPT, and MaryBeth Mandich PT, PhD
Incoming Student Statistics (Class of 2016)
Undergraduate Majors
Aggregate Data
Residency
Exercise Physiology/Science = 26
Biology/Biochemistry = 6
Athletic Training = 4
Other = 4
Mean age = 23.0
Overall GPA = 3.67
Pre-requisite GPA = 3.6
Residents = 28
Non-Residents = 13
Undergraduate Degree
General
Applications = 397
Eligible = 199
Admitted = 41
Gender
Female 26
Male 15
WVU = 17
Other WV College/University = 13
Other (non WV) = 11
Class of 2013 Board Examination Results
First-Time Pass Rate = 97% (National 91%)
Average Board Score = 687 (National 676)
PAGE 4 Class of 2013 Graduation
Pictured Left to Right: Gemma Hoxie, Courtney Sanner,
Megan Burkart, Alison Toffle, Katherine Sheils, Sarah
Tuggle, and Lindsay Gentry
Megan Burkart and Ryan Ruben as they prepare
for the graduation procession.
Alex Ashley, William Badman, Stephanie Bailey^†♮, Alan Barb, Genelle Botje♮, Stephen Bowen, Megan Burkart+∴, Matthew
Childress, Brittany Dennison‡+♮, Anthony Dimaio, Lori Dingess, Heidi Floyd, Richard Gandee, Lindsey Gentry, Heather Gomez,
Scott Loving, Bo Marcy, Sarah Morriston♮, Abby Newman, Jean Roth, April Rotilio,
Melissa Henry, Gemma Hoxie♮, Sarah Lewis,
Ryan Ruben∞♮, Courtney Sanner*, Katherine Sheils, Haley Snyder, Nicole Stark, Kaitlyn Stone, Kelly Takatsuki, Allison Toffle†,
Jacob Toth, Craig Trippett, Sarah Tuggle, Megan Vincent, David Weadon, Kyle West, Benjamin Wolford.
+Outstanding Student Research Award; †Basic Science Award, ‡Outstanding Clinician Award, *John J. Petronis Award for
Outstanding Performance on the Comprehensive Examination, ∴Dave Pariser Leadership Award, ^Outstanding Academic
Achievement Award, ♮ Class Officer, ∞Graduate Teaching Assistant
Above: Devon Harris and MaryBeth Mandich PT, PhD
Below: Megan Burkart, Genelle Botje, and Stephanie Bailey
Picture Above: Devon Harris (Keynote Speaker)
Mr. Harris is best known as a member of the
Jamaican bobsled team that competed in the 1988
Olympic games in Calgary, Canada. The story of
the Jamaican bobsled team was captured in the
1993 Walt Disney Pictures movie titled Cool
Runnings. Mr. Harris also competed in and was
captain of the 1992 and 1998 Olympic bobsled
teams in Albertville, France and Nagano, Japan.
See additional Graduation Photos on Pg 13
PAGE 5 Clinical Pathways “White Coat” Ceremony
Class 2014
Stephan Ball, Lauren Benedum, Danielle Black, Emily Bosley, Erik Bower, Madeline Brumfield, Holly
Casto, Jessica Criswell (Class President), Eric Dailey, Christopher DeMaria, Ryan Dennis, Jessica Ewers,
Lucas Geary, Anthony Gianni, Lauren Gilbert, Jennifer Gunnell, Cody Hartley, Ryan Haught, Kassie Ice,
Crystal Jeffrey, Toby Johnson, Lance Kimble, Nicholas Kyle, Jessica Snoberger, Steven Mitchell, Olivia
Novotny, Morgan Perry, Brandon Sabol, Amber Smith, Jason Smith, Emily Squires, Brandon Starcher,
Wesley Taylor, Lauren Thomas, Tyler Wamsley, Sean Whittacre, and Michael Winfrey.
Kassie Ice SPT received the Clinical
Pathways Scholar Award. She is pictured
with Corrie Mancinelli PT, PhD, CEEAA,
GCS
Kassie Ice SPT was chosen to serve as the
2013-2014 Graduate Teaching Assistant.
She is pictured with Scott Davis PT, MS,
EdD, OCS.
PAGE 6 New Award Honors David Pariser PT, PhD (1960-2013)
Just a few days before Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), on January 15, 2013, the Physical Therapy profession lost a
very special person and friend to many. David Pariser was a 1983 graduate of the WVU Physical Therapy program. Dave’s
professional journey included serving as physical therapy faculty at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
from 1988 to 2005. From 2005 until his untimely passing, Dave served on faculty at Bellermaine University in Louisville,
Kentucky. He was survived by his wife and colleague Gina and his two daughters Ada and Kayla. In June of 2011, the
APTA House of Delegates elected Dave to the Board of Directors. Dave was loved and respected by many in the Physical
Therapy profession and he has been greatly missed. To honor Dave’s dedication to the Physical Therapy profession, the
WVU Division of Physical Therapy created the Dave Pariser Leadership Award to recognize a graduate with strong
leadership potential.
David Pariser PT, PhD
Megan Burkart (Class of 2013) receiving the Dave Pariser
Leadership Award. Megan is the daughter of Sandy Burkart
PT, PhD who served as the Chair of the PT program from 1980
to 1995.
Class of 2015 (Working Hard)
Michael Barnes, Katherine Beverage, Madison Boggess, Loren Cortopassi, Ryan Dante, Desiree Dennis,
Wesley Eades, Garrett Fetty, Rachael Biesecker, Rebecca Frashure, Dennis Golden, Kristi Hardesty, Alexandra
Hauser, Andrew Hazelwood, David Kovach, Elizabeth Marshall, Kelly McGinnis, Chelsea McComas, Patricia
Michael, Eric Moore, Allison Owens, Anna Pepe, Marcus Reynolds, Joseph Rodriguez, Kayla Schrader,
Michael Shearer, Ashley Smith, Julie Streets, Nathan Tomasik, Christopher Unger, Trent Walker, Lauren
Ward, Nathan Wells, Gabriel Wilson, and Chelsey Woodford
WVU Physical Therapy Visiting Speaker Series
We are excited to announce that Paul Rockar, Jr. PT, DPT, MS (President of the American
Physical Therapy Association) will be on campus Wednesday, September 11, 2013. Dr.
Rocker’s lecture is scheduled for 3:30-5:00 PM. All alumni, clinical instructors, and friends of
the program are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the direction
of our profession. In addition to his APTA position, Paul is the CEO of UPMC Centers for
Rehab Services in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Rockar earned a BS in Physical Therapy from University
of Pennsylvania in 1975, a MS degree in 1981 from University of Pittsburgh in Orthopedic and
Sports Physical Therapy, and completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Temple
University in 2007.
PAGE 7 Letter from the Class of 2015
By: Denny Golden (Class President)
See Class Photo on Pg 15
After a year of hard work and dedication, we, as a class, can finally call ourselves 2nd year PT students! The past 12 months
have been challenging to say the least, but with our passion for physical therapy and the expertise of the faculty, we are
learning more and more everyday. We are blessed to have a plethora of resources in our department and caring professors
that guide us on our journey to becoming physical therapists. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that choosing the
WVU PT program was a great choice!
Along with our work in the classroom, we have been actively involved in the community as well. The class of 2015 has
participated in WVU’s Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, and our very own PT 5k and Golf Scramble. We have also
volunteered our time at the local Ronald McDonald house and with the Empty Bowls program of Morgantown. We are now
in the process of organizing the Jim Dunn Run this summer. Giving back to the community is a priority for our class and we
represent WVU Physical Therapy with pride.
Overall, my experience with PT school has had its ups and downs. The profession is so multifaceted that it is easy to get lost
in it. What keeps me grounded and focused is knowing that these struggles will pay off when we are able to help our future
patients and see the rewards of physical therapy. I feel that this passion has bonded our class and through the trials of
school, we have become a family. Thank you alumni for the continued support of our class, program, and family.
Welcome Class of 2016
(WV County or State)
Chelesa Anderson (Jackson), Stephen Armitage (Wood), Cassandra Blackburn (Raleigh), Kandis
Castelli (Hancock), Caleb Dodd (Jefferson), Jacqueline Faeth (Ohio), Leah Fletcher (Harrison), James
Galloway (Lewis), Bethany Gaston (Harrison), Kendra Gay (Upshur), Sara Giebell (Hancock), Michael
Graham (Kanawha), Allison Hall (Marshall), Chelsea Hamric (Virginia), Emily Hargreaves (Maryland),
Jenna Hejilik (Wisconsin), Melissa Hickman (Randolph), Douglas Hornak (Monongalia), Rebekah
James (Preston), Kayla Johnson (Preston), Ashley Lemming (Pennsylvania), Andrew Manke
(Pennsylvania), Michelle McDonald (Hancock), Justin Mitchell (Putnam), Kenneth Paz (Pennsylvania),
Shane Piatt (Harrison), Michael Piazza (Wisconsin), Joseph Potesta (Marion), Michael Priestas
(Pennsylvania), Rebecca Rohanna (Pennsylvania), Erica Sengewalt (Ohio), Lauren Siburt (Marshall),
Shannon Sine (Hampshire), Luke Skiff (Virginia), Dustin Starsick (Marion), Melodie Tweedlie (Ohio),
Kayla Weiser (Pennsylvania), Laura Whitt (Mercer), Jenna Wood (Marion), Emily Yoder (Marshall).
WVU Physical Therapy Faculty
MaryBeth Mandich PT, PhD (Professor and Chair)
John Petronis PT, MS (Professor and Assistant Chair)
Anne Swisher PT, PhD, CCS (Professor & Dir. of Scholarship Develop)
Scott Davis PT, MS, EdD, OCS (Professor & Dir. of Professional Ed)
Bill Stauber PT, PhD (Professor)
Corrie Mancinelli PT, PhD, CEEAA (Associate Professor)
Ralph Utzman PT, PhD (Associate Professor)
Mia Erickson PT, EdD, CHT, ATC (Associate Professor)
Dina Jones PT, PhD (Associate Professor)
Carol Waggy PT, PhD, CHT (Assistant Professor)
Tracy Rice PT, MPH, NCS (Assistant Professor)
Valeriya Gritsenko PhD (Assistant Professor)
Kimeran Evans PT, DPT (Assistant Professor)
Krystal Thomas PT, DPT, WCS (Assistant Professor)
Mike Timko PT, MS (Assistant Professor)
PAGE 8 Students (Class of 2013) Present Research Posters at
WVPTA Spring Meeting
One of the strengths of the WVU program has always been involving students in real research. This is quite rare in entry-level PT
education nationally. The following faculty-mentored projects were presented by students at the WVPTA spring conference:
• The Effects of Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD) on Sensation, Gait, and Balance (Anne Swisher and Corrie Mancinelli)
• The Effects of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy on Hemiplegia Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review of
Pediatric and Adult Literature (Tracy Rice and Mia Erickson)
• Get Fit for the Fight ®: Effects of an Exercise and Nutritional Intervention on Quality of Life in Overweight Survivors of Triple
Negative Breast Cancer (Anne Swisher)
• Gait and Posturography: Age Matched Comparison between Individuals with and without Non-acute Low Back Pain (Scott Davis)
• The Effects of an Eight-Week Hamstring Static Stretching Program on Force Output in College-Aged Individuals (Scott Davis)
• Feasibility of Using Low Cost Motion Capture in Assessing Upper Extremity Motor Impairments in Individuals with Chronic
Stroke (Valeriya Gritsenko)
• Long-Term Outcomes of a Modified LRTI Procedure (Carol Waggy)
• Reliability and Validity of the Numeric Dizziness Scale (NDS) (Tracy Rice, Corrie Mancinelli and Ralph Utzman)
• The Patient-Specific Functional Scale: Concurrent Validity with the DASH in Patients with Upper Extremity Pathology (Mia
Erickson)
• The Effects of a Ridged Insole on Gait Parameters in Older Adults (Corrie Mancinelli)
• Functional Characteristics of Individuals with Stroke after Discharge to Rural Communities (MaryBeth Mandich)
• The Relationship between Clinical Outcome Measures in Gait and Balance and the Videonystagmography to Predict Falls in
Individuals with Vestibular Dysfunction (Tracy Rice, Corrie Mancinelli and Ralph Utzman)
Photographs-- Upper left: Lindsey Gentry presented her poster at WVPTA Spring Conference and was selected to present a brief
platform presentation of her group’s work as well. Upper Right: Megan Burkart and Brittany Dennison present their project entitled
Functional Characteristics of Individuals with Stroke after Discharge to Rural Communities at the WVPTA spring conference. They
went on to win the Student Research Award for their work.
Need to Find a Clinical Specialist?
WVU Physical Therapy Alumni Practicing in West Virginia who hold ABPTS Certification
Rob Acciavatti –OCS (2003)
Stacy Callow –OCS (2005)
Scott Davis –OCS (1988)
Doug James –OCS (1994)
Chris Moore –OCS (2002)
Tracy Rice – NCS (1998)
Clark Vaughan –OCS (1993)
John Beasley –OCS (1980)
Marnie Clemens –OCS/WCS (1992)
Brandon Fink –OCS (2002)
Lori Lovern –OCS (1985)
Gretchen Pfost –NCS (1999)
Anne Swisher –CCS (1988)
Stephen Young –OCS (2000)
James Burke –OCS (1997)
Mike Conaway –OCS (1988)
Mark Hose –OCS (2000)
Thomas McFadden –GCS (1982)
Billy Racer –OCS (1993)
Krystal Thomas –WCS (1994)
(The above list only includes those individuals who are posted on the official ABPTS website under WV)
PAGE 9 Division Scholarship News
aaas Anne Swisher PT, PhD, CCS
Funding from granting agencies is one of the hardest types of scholarship to achieve. This year, our faculty have
been quite successful. Congratulations to the following faculty members for receiving grant funding for their work:
• Dina L. Jones, PT, PhD, Corrie Mancinelli, PT, PhD, GCS, and colleagues were funded for the project,
“Translation of an Evidence-Based Fall-Prevention Program into Rural West Virginia Churches” by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. The team will receive $540,669 over a three-year period to implement a Tai Chi
exercise program for older adults in rural churches.
• Jean McCrory PhD (WVU Exercise Physiology program); Krystal Thomas PT, DPT, WCS; and Corrie Mancinelli
PT, PhD, GCS were funded for the project: “An analysis of postural instability in women with urinary incontinence”
by the WVU Injury Control and Research Center. This nearly $50,000 grant will allow the research team to study
the effects of pelvic floor muscle weakness and urinary incontinence on postural control.
Publication of scholarly work is vital to share information and help move the profession forward. Congratulations to
faculty for having their work published in the following journals:
•
Journal of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy (Davis, Mancinelli, Petronis)
•
Journal of PT Student Research (Mancinelli and Rice)
•
Journal of Neurological Physical Therapy (Rice, Mancinelli, Utzman, Davis, and Swisher)
•
Pediatric Pulmonology (Swisher and Mancinelli)
•
Journal of Arthroplasty (Jones)
Sharing scholarly work with peers is also an important part of gaining a national reputation for WVU PT. This year,
faculty were very productive. Presentations were made at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting by the following
faculty members:
•
Anne Swisher (Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Section)
•
Carol Waggy and Mia Erickson (Hand Therapy Section)
•
Scott Davis (Orthopedics and HPA Sections)
•
Tracy Rice, Corrie Mancinelli, Ralph Utzman, Scott Davis and Anne Swisher (Neuro Section)
•
MaryBeth Mandich & Corrie Mancinelli (Pediatrics Section)
Other national presentations:
•
Anne Swisher (American College of Sports Medicine and North American Cystic Fibrosis Meeting)
•
Valeriya Gritsenko (Society for Neuroscience)
•
MaryBeth Mandich (Assistive Technology Industry Association)
•
MaryBeth Mandich, Ralph Utzman and Mia Erickson (APTA Education Leadership Conference)
Education of the next generation of PT students is another aspect of scholarship where WVU faculty are excelling.
In the past year, textbook authoring has been done by the following:
•
Mia Erickson and Ralph Utzman (Physical Therapy Documentation: From Examination to Outcome
2nd Ed)
•
MaryBeth Mandich (Human Performance through the Lifespan 2nd Ed)
•
Mia Erickson (Documentation Basics: A Guide for the PTA, 2nd Ed)
•
Anne Swisher (Chapters in: Rehabilitation Specialists’ Handbook and Physical Therapy Case Files:
Acute Care)
•
Ralph Utzman (Chapter in: Human Performance through the Lifespan 2nd Ed)
See Honor Roll of Giving on Page 15
PAGE 10 Class 2013 Graduation Awards Ceremony
Megan Burkart DPT receives the Dave Pariser
Leadership Award presented by MaryBeth Mandich
PT, PhD [See more on the Pariser award on pg 6]
Megan Burkart DPT (left) and Brittany Dennison DPT
(right) receive the Student Research Award from
Anne Swisher PT, PhD, CCS (Center). Brittany
Dennison also received the Outstanding Student
Clinician Award.
John Petronis PT, MS
receives a plaque and a
SURPRISE
announcement of a new
award presented in his
name. John J. Petronis
Award for Outstanding
Performance on the
Comprehensive Exam
Read more on page 16
Courtney Sanner (Center) receives the John J. Petronis Award for
Outstanding Performance on the Comprehensive Exam from John
J. Petronis PT, MS (Left) and Scott Davis PT, MS, EdD, OCS
(Right)
Steven Young MPT, OCS (right) receives the Sandy Burkart
Clinical Instructor Award from namesake Sandy Burkart PT,
PhD, OCS (Center) and John Petronis PT, MS (Left)
PAGE 11 Letter from the Class of 2014
By Jessica Criswell
Hello to all, from the WVU DPT Class of
2014! We are now officially 3rd year PT students, and
we have been very busy in our first two years of PT
school. They have been filled with many smiles,
occasional tears, and large amounts of caffeine. Along
with a vast amount of learning in the classroom and in
labs, our class has also participated in many
community service opportunities including the
American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Children’s
Miracle Network Dance Marathon, and donating to St.
Ursula’s Outreach Christmas gift program, just to
name a few.
This April, our class was honored to receive
our white coats in the Clinical Pathways Ceremony in
preparation for our first set of clinical rotations. We
were very grateful to the alumni who chose to sponsor
each of our coats, and again we say thank you!
Currently, our class is in the midst of gaining valuable
hands-on experience during our second clinical
rotation. In our final year, we will continue to gain
knowledge and experience in preparation for entering
the physical therapy profession. From the Class of
2014, we say thank you alumni for your continuing
support of our program in developing great future
physical therapists!
Scott Davis PT, MS, EdD, OCS
Receives Promotion to “Full” Professor
Criteria for Promotion to
Professor
The primary consideration for
promotion to the rank of “full”
Professor is substantial
evidence of national or
international recognition in one
of the three areas of clinical
service, teaching or research
and a sustained record of
service and scholarly
contributions.
Corrie Mancinelli PT, PhD, CEEAA, GCS
Dr. Mancinelli successfully passed the Geriatric Clinical
Specialization Examination to become one of only four
Geriatric Certified Clinical Specialists in West Virginia.
WVU Division of Physical Therapy Pathways Sponsorship
Under the guidance of Corrie Mancinelli PT, PhD, CEEAA the Division had another successful year with the Clinical
Pathways Student Sponsorship Program. The students were greatly moved by the letters of encouragement placed in their
white coat pocket.
The following individuals sponsored a student this year: Amy Ball (2001); Diane Benson (1989); Bridgeport Physical
Therapy; Al Casini Jr. (1985); Scott Davis (1988); Patricia Downey (1980); Kimeran Evans (2004); Steve George (1994);
Edward D. Hardy (1996); Aaron and Jennifer Hartstein (2003); Jill Logan Hensley (1997); Mindy Hull (1991); Dina
Jones (Faculty); Mark Karnoupakis (2012); Andrea Rodriquez-Karrs (1983); Jay and Tracy Keener (1991); Corrie
Mancinelli (1985); Renee Riffle McGinnis (2002); Andi (1998) and Brian Mills; Jennifer O’Neal (2010); PRO Physical
Therapy; Progressive PT & Sports Medicine; Physical Therapy Class of 2013; Bill Stauber (Faculty); Mike Timko
(1990); Ralph Utzman (1989); Ryder Whiterell (1994); and Corey Young (2005).
Alumni Weekend (Football Tent)
Come and join us for the annual WVU Professional Programs Alumni Football Tent on Saturday, September 28,
2012 prior to the WVU v. Oklahoma State game. The tent will be located in Tent City 3 (near the signal light on Don
Nehlen Dr.). The start time will depend on the scheduled kickoff. Look for a registration form in the mail.
You may also contact April Cukic at (304) 293-1320.
WIN 2 FREE TICKETS: All alumni who have an updated and valid e-mail address in the WVU PT Alumni
Database (http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/PTAlumni/) by Friday, September 6th, will be entered in the drawing.
PAGE 12 6th Annual PT Classic Golf Scramble
Location: Mountaineer Golf Course
Date: Sunday September 15th, 2013
Time: 9:00 am – Shotgun start
(To support the WVU PT Class of 2014’s professional development)
Player Registration Form
Cost: $50 per person; $200 per team
Includes: 18 holes, Green Fees, Cart, Food, T-Shirt & Fun
Player’s Full Name:
Team Name (if have 4-some):
Address:
Contact number/email:
T-Shirt Size:
(Adult sizes)
S
M
L
XL
XXL
Amount of additional Donation:
Contact Mike Winfrey for additional entry forms or further information at [email protected]
RETURN ENTRY FORM BY Monday, September 9, 2013 for GUARANTEED T-SHIRT!!
Mail this form and your check, Payable to PT Class of 2014 to:
c/o Mike Winfrey – GOLF
WVU Division of Physical Therapy
8312 HSS, P.O. Box 9226
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV 26506-9226
PAGE 13 Class of 2013 Graduation Weekend
Top: Class of 2013
Middle Left: Allison Toffle
and her mother
Middle Right: Megan
Burkart, Genelle Botje, and
Stephanie Bailey
Bottom Left: Bo Marcy,
Richard Gandee, Matt
Childress, and Scott Loving
Bottom Right: Nicole Stark
& Haley Snyder
PAGE 14 40-Year Anniversary Program Celebration at
Health Sciences Center
MaryBeth Mandich PT, PhD
Chair of the Division of Physical
Therapy and Associate Dean of
Professional Programs in the
School of Medicine. Dr. Mandich
is the longest serving Chair (18
years) of the WVU PT program.
Past Chairs
Sandy Burkart PT, PhD (1980-1995)
MaryLou Barnes PT (1970-1980)
Chancellor Christopher Colenda
Dr. Colenda came to the WVU
Health Sciences Center in 2009. He
previously was the Dean of the
College of Medicine at Texas A&M
Health Sciences Center. Dr. Colenda
is a physician by training and has a
background in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Dean Arthur Ross MD, MBA Dr.
Ross has served as the Dean of the
School of Medicine since August
of 2010. Dr. Ross is a pediatric
surgeon by training. Prior to
coming to WVU, he was the Dean
of the Chicago Medical School at
Rosalind Franklin University.
A special thank you to Anne Swisher
PT, PhD, CSC for coordinating the
Health Sciences Center event.
PAGE 15 Class of
2015
See article on
Pg 7
HONOR ROLL OF GIVING 2012-­‐ 2013
Supporting the Division of Physical Therapy
The Honor Roll recognizes individuals or organizations that have made gifts between July 1, 2012 and June
30, 2013 to support the School of Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy according to information provided
by the WVU Foundation. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but errors and omissions may have
occurred. Contact our School of Medicine Development Office at 877-766-4438 or
[email protected] if you have questions about the Honor Roll. If you would like to make a gift
online, visit www.hsc.wvu/development/som Click the “Make a Gift Now” box to make your secure online
gift to the Department of Physical Therapy. We are grateful for your commitment to a healthier future for
West Virginians and beyond and look forward to another successful year of teaching, research, and service.
$5,000 & Above
Kanawha Realty & Development Corporation
Mrs. Katherine P. Wiley
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy W. Hardwick
$1,000 to $2,499
Ms. Amy E. Ball
Dr. and Mrs. Steven Z. George
$250 to $499
Dr. Corrie A. Mancinelli
Dr. Mark G. Karnoupakis
Mrs. Diane O. Benson
Mrs. Jennifer S. Cawthorne
Mr. Aaron J. Hartstein
Mr. and Mrs. David W. Hill
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Karrs
Dr. and Mrs. Jay D. Keener MD
Hull Physical Therapy LLC
Up to $249
Mr. Albert J. Casini, Jr.
Dr. Scott Davis
Dr. Kimeran and Jeremy Evans
Mrs. Julie M. Fleming
Mrs. Andrea D. Geary
Ms. Jill L. Hensley
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Holden
Dr. Dina L. Jones
Mrs. Renee L. McGinnis
Mrs. Andrea L. Mills
Ms. Sherry E. Stansberry
Dr. Krystal L. Thomas
Dr. and Mrs. Ralph R. Utzman
Mr. and Dr. William W. Walter
Mrs. Adwenna M. W. Witherell
Mr. Corey R. Young
Anonymous - FY2013
Bridgeport Physical Therapy Services, Inc.
Hardy Physical Therapy, LLC
JLJ Physical Therapy
Timko Inc.
WVU PT Class of 2013
PAGE 16 Class of 2016
The 1st year students
started on June 10, 2013.
The summer term includes
gross
anatomy
and
introduction to evidencebased physical therapy.
See Pg 7 for a list of
names and the state or
WV County from which
they hail.
John J. Petronis Makes Plans for Retirement
Signs on for One More Year
John Petronis, patriarch of the Division of Physical Therapy, recently celebrated his 70th birthday. His children
Jason, Alanna, Alisha and his wife Linda hosted a surprise birthday party (Celebration of his Career) at the
WVU Erickson Alumni Center on May 25, 2013. Since that time, Mr. Petronis has announced his tentative plan
to retire from full-time teaching in the spring of 2014 after giving one more year of service to the Division. Mr.
Petronis has taught over 1,000 physical therapy students in his 42 years at WVU. He is one of the longest
serving faculty members at WVU. While he has mellowed greatly from his younger years, he remains just as
passionate about teaching musculoskeletal/orthopedic physical therapy as he did in 1972 when the first class
graduated. In honor of his extraordinary service and his commitment to learning, the Division presented the first
annual John J. Petronis Award for Outstanding Performance on the Comprehensive Exam at the recent
Awards Reception (see page 10 for details). Despite his planned retirement from a full-time faculty appointment,
we are confident that Mr. Petronis will continue to maintain an active role in the Division for many years to
come.
John Petronis and his wife Linda at the 2013
Graduation Awards Reception
WVU Physical Therapy Faculty
circa1980
PAGE 17 WVU Physical Therapy students provide service to rural communities
By Ralph Utzman PT, PhD
Each year, students in our DPT program participate in rural service learning projects. Students develop their own service projects aimed
at addressing health needs of a rural community, perform the service, and then reflect on their own learning and the impact of the project
on the community. Students are introduced to concepts of service learning, community needs assessment, and health promotion in PT
741: Professional Roles 2. They then apply these concepts by carrying out the service-learning project during one of their full-time rural
clinical rotations.
So far this summer, 23 students in the Class of 2014 have completed their rural service learning projects. Some examples of these
projects include:
•
•
•
•
Tyler Wamsley worked with his clinical instructor, Julie Fleming, and other Davis Memorial Hospital Physical Therapy staff to
provide fall risk screenings at the Healthy Living Expo at Davis & Elkins College on April 20. Screening included the Berg
Balance Scale, the Timed Up and Go Test, and the 30-Second Stand test. The team provided screenings, brochures, and fall-risk
counseling to 40 participants.
Jessica Ewers and the staff of Preston Memorial Physical Therapy and Fitness hosted a health fair on May 29 for National
Senior Fitness Day. Jessica screened older adults for fall risk and provided a presentation on flexibility exercises to participants.
Other available activities included yoga classes, massage sessions, and classes on polypharmacy, sleep apnea, and diabetes
education.
Ryan Dennis participated in the Weirton Medical Center Health Fair on May 15, providing educational materials
and a live
presentation on preventing complications of Type II diabetes.
Crystal Jeffrey developed a brochure describing the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors. She distributed the
brochure to participants at the Logan, WV Relay for Life.
The rural service learning projects are part of our program’s commitment to serve the health needs of the State of WV. All of our students
are required to complete one of their four full-time clinical rotations in a rural community setting.
Ryan Dennis (Class of 2014)
presenting on the prevention
and complications of Type II
Diabetes a the Weirton Medical
Center Health Fair
Our Commitment to Fostering Professional Responsibility and Student Involvement in the APTA
MaryBeth Mandich PT, PhD
In 2011, we began an initiative where I provided matching funds to those raised by the students in order to support attendance at CSM. West
Virginia University took a bus of students to Chicago that year. We felt we were very successful in generating excitement and enthusiasm about
the APTA and the learning opportunities inherent in CSM. So, in summer 2012, we adopted a policy stating that, during the course of their threeyear education at WVU, students were REQUIRED to attend one national APTA meeting and one state chapter meeting. To further demonstrate
WVU’s commitment to professional engagement and to express our appreciation for the efforts of our clinical educators on behalf of our
students, I am committing to pay airfare and conference registration for one clinical educator at a facility that routinely contributes to clinical
education of our students. If you would like to be entered in a drawing for that award, please contact Dr. Mia Erickson.
PAGE 18 Student Spotlight
Nicolas Kyle SPT
Class of 2014
Current 3rd Year Student
Morgantown, WV Resident
1. Why are you interested in becoming a Physical Therapist?
After I graduated from my undergraduate program I worked in an industrial shop. I realized quickly that I
wanted more out of my life than what that field had to offer. I volunteered at a local PT clinic and found
that I enjoyed the potential for helping people that PT offers. For me it is an opportunity to help people to
maximize their potential to enjoy life.
2. What made you select WVU for your DPT degree?
I grew up as a Mountaineer. My family is from this area and my wife and I have made a home in
Morgantown. In addition West Virginia University has an excellent program that was recommended by
many former students. When I began to consider PT, I contacted the school to discuss my potential plans
and the staff was very gracious and helpful in directing me through what steps I needed to take.
3. What defines a quality Physical Therapy education?
A quality Physical Therapy program is one that is preparing students to enter the clinic and work in a
competent manner. This is defined by the rate and completeness of students leaving and finding jobs in
the field. WVU graduates tend to be sought out because of the reputation for excellence that the program
has developed.
4. What is your favorite aspect of the WVU PT program?
The faculty is willing to go out of their way to work with students. Whether that is for examining
injuries, helping understand difficult material, or giving professional advice they always make
themselves available.
5. What is your favorite thing to do outside of class?
I enjoy running. It tends to be a great stress reliever and is something that I can do while maintaining a
busy class schedule
6. Where do you see yourself professionally in 5-10 years?
In 5 years I hope to be working in the field and working on a specialization.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering Physical Therapy school?
Work hard, discipline is a necessary part of life when in PT school.
PAGE 19 Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2013 (San Diego, CA)
Over the last few years, the Division has
encouraged and helped to support student
attendance at state and national physical
therapy meetings. Several students from the
Classes of 2013 and 2014 attended CSM in
San Diego and the WVPTA Spring
Conference at Stonewall Jackson Resort.
WVU Students attending CSM in San
Diego:
Class of 2014
Class of 2015
Lauren Benedum
Crystal Jeffery
Emily Bosley
Madeline Brumfield
Holly Casto
Stephen Mitchell
Olivia Novotny
Emily Squires
Lauren Thomas
Mike Winfrey
Toby Johnson
Olivia Novotny
Sarah Morriston
Kelly Takatsuki
April Rotilio
Michael Loving
William Badman
Alex Ashley
Kaitlyn Stone
Anthony Dimaio
Alan Barb
Stephen Bowen
David Weadon
Sarah Lewis
Abby Newman
Stephanie Bailey
Lori Dingess
Nicole Stark
Genelle Botje
Ben Wolford
Heather Gomez
Ryan Ruben
Students from the Class of 2014 found time between CSM programming to enjoy a few
minutes on the beach, shopping, and a night on the town.