Programs in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science At Drexel University February 2007 News Letter

Faculty and students in Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences feel strongly about contributing to our community, and we do! This highlights a small snapshot of our extensive community activities that amounted to over 1,400 hours in 2006!

Community Teaching. Under directorship of Professor Patty Rubertone, DPT students instructed various community groups about topics including promoting play, falls prevention and PT as a career. They spoke to groups at places like the Salvation Army, Health Careers Opportunity Program, and Philadelphia Senior Center. Drs. Lisa Chiarello and Robert Palisano spoke to school-based therapists and teachers in the Philadelphia Public School District. Dr. Maria Benedetto spoke on musculoskeletal pain to pregnant women at 11th Street Family Health Services.

Community Events. Drs. Benedetto, Chiarello, Professor Deb Wojcik and DPT students hosted a “Fit for Life” table at the Celebrate Health Fair at McMichael School. Professor Kate Mitchell and DPT students assisted with Brain Awareness Week sponsored by the Philadelphia Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience. Dr. Kevin Gard participated in a Webcast at Hahnemann University Hospital on treatment of cervical disc herniation. Most of the faculty, including Dr. Dave Ebaugh, PhD and DPT students, contributed to a Health Sciences Conference for high school students. Our DPT classes hosted a PT Month education/fundraising event for the PT Foundation.

Community Organizations: Boards & Committees. Dr. Margo Orlin and Professor Rubertone serve on the President’s Council at Magee Rehabilitation. Dr. Orlin serves on the Board of Directors at United Cerebral Palsy. Dr. Chiarello served on the State Interagency Coordinating Council reviewing reports about early intervention. Dr. Maggie O’Neil serves on the community health advisory board at the Arthritis Foundation of Eastern PA, and Dr. Sue Smith serves on two committees for that agency. Dr. Sheri Silfies assists the Wilmington Montessori School faculty in writing science grants for children. Professor Jane Fedorczyk is a board member on two hand foundations, one of which assists therapists in underdeveloped countries.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences: 25th Anniversary

Programs in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science At Drexel University January 2007 News Letter