News

PT Program Congratulates Dr. Ward Glasoe
Ward Glasoe recently completed his PhD training.  Dr. Glasoe's research measured the change in tarsal kinematics associated with foot bunion.  Using MR imaging methods, the investigation showed that alignment of the great toe and first ray arch segment may be altered as consequence of hindfoot position.  The premise advanced makes a paradigm shift for how bunion is currently treated in clinical practice.  A two part write-up of the research is being prepared for journal publication.  Dr. Paula Ludewig served as the advisor on the project.  Dr. Glasoe will continue to pursue this line of research, and plans to use bi-planar fluoroscopy to characterize the kinematics foot bunion.  The Program congratulates Ward for successfully completing his PhD, and on his recent promotion in rank to Assistant Professor.

Cassidy to Present at the University of Florida
Congratulations to Jessica Cassidy, DPT, on having a poster accepted to the Neuromuscular Symposium at the University of Florida and for being awarded a travel stipend to attend.  Jessica is currently pursuing her PhD in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Minnesota.  She also serves as a teaching assistant in the University's Physical Therapy doctoral program.

Dr. Dawn Lowe Awarded K02 Career Development Award from NIH
The Physical Therapy Program proudly announces Dr. Dawn Lowe, Associate Professor, has been awarded a K02 Career Development Award from the National Institute of Aging (NIA). NIA is a part of the National Institute of Health (NIH). The title of her grant is "Estrogenic Effects on Aged Muscle." This grant complements her laboratory's research in the area of hormonal and physical activity effects on myosin and muscle function in the aged. Congratulations Dawn!

Joint DPT/PhD Program Approved by Board of Regents
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents recently approved a proposal by the Program's in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science for a joint DPT/PhD program option. This program would allow select DPT students to begin work toward a PhD in Rehabilitation Science prior to completion of the DPT. The goal would be to streamline the process for a DPT student, completing a professional doctoral degree, to continue pursuit of an additional doctoral research degree. Students must be enrolled in the DPT program prior to applying for this joint program option. More specific information will be forthcoming. Questions can be addressed to Dr. Paula Ludewig, Director of Graduate Studies for the Program in Rehabilitation Science.

Dr. LaDora Thompson Appointed to the University's Women's Faculty Cabinet
The Physical Therapy Program proudly announces Dr. LaDora Thompson, PhD, BSPT, has been appointed to the Women's Faculty Cabinet by Thomas Sullivan, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. This group provides leadership to improve and enrich the academic and professional environments for women faculty at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and ensures that the University continues and strengthens its commitment to the success of its women faculty members. Congratulations LaDora!

Physical Therapy Program Begins Post-Professional Geriatric Clinical Residency
Responding to the increasing demand for Clinical Residencies across the country, our Physical Therapy Program began a Geriatric Clinical Residency, September 1, 2010. This 12 month program (September-August) provides the Geriatric Residents extensive didactic education, clinical practice, individual mentoring, and service learning, in the area of geriatric physical therapy and issues related to aging. Clinical Faculty are geriatric experts in a variety of disciplines. Resident graduates will be prepared to sit for the GCS exam. Augustana Terapy Services is the contracted clinical site for the Geriatric Residency. Plans are already underway for another clinical site next year. For more information on this Geriatric Residency, contact Becky Olson-Kellogg, Residency Director at olso0184@umn.edu .