Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) was host to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Utah’s Fall Conference this past weekend. The event drew 150 in-person and 75 online physical therapists (PT) and physical therapist assistants (PTA) who eagerly expanded their knowledge and skills.
RMU Student Receives APTA-UT Student of the Year Award
BrieAnn Holloway, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at RMU, received the Student of the Year Award for the Utah Chapter of APTA and was honored at the event.
BrieAnn was recognized with this award for her work at RMU’s Community Rehabilitation Center (CRC) and spearheading the “Learning Medical Spanish-at-Lunch” group for PT faculty and students. She also serves as part of the leadership for her cohort as the Social Chair.
According to APTA-Utah, the Student of the Year award is given to individuals who really immerse themselves in the physical therapy profession. They not only attend classes but are involved in their school and the community. This person has an eager desire to know all about the profession, to know everyone in the profession, and has a drive to make a mark on the future of physical therapy. The Student of the Year volunteers in the community, increasing their knowledge outside of classes and enhancing the profession.
Conference Offers Speciality Tracks
The Fall APTA-Utah Conference is a forum where experts and practitioners converge to learn, collaborate, and advance healthcare standards. At this event, the professionals attended specialized continuing education (CE) courses in three tracks: Orthopedic, Neurologic, and Pediatric.
Orthopedic Track
Guided by the expertise of Robert C. Manske, PT, DPT, MEd, the orthopedic track explored contemporary shoulder and knee orthopedic rehabilitation. Manske is a professor at Wichita State University and brought extensive experience to the table.
The focus of this track was on delivering cutting-edge insights, underpinned by the latest evidence-based references, to enhance the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome, rotator cuff repair, and advances in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation.
Neurologic Track
Laura Morris, PT, NCS, led the neurologic track. With 30 years of experience in managing adults with neurologic disorders, Morris is a highly respected figure in the field. Her sessions explored the comprehensive management of persons with delayed recovery following a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) and specifically addressed persistent headaches and dizziness.
The sessions included topics on pathophysiology, symptom etiology, diagnostic tests, interpretation, and differential diagnosis.
Pediatric Track
A diverse group of interprofessional experts led the pediatric track, which focused on updates in the area of outcomes research in the treatment of individuals with cerebral palsy across the lifespan. Genetics, adaptive sports, and addressing mobility needs were also addressed. Presenters included medical doctors, researchers, recreational therapists, and physical therapists.
A Hub for Healthcare
When RMU moved into the Tower at 1800 Novell Place, the vision for its future was shared — RMU is expanding as a healthcare hub. Along with state-of-the-art instructional facilities, RMU’s health clinics offer medical services with the latest techniques. Its spaces are meant to serve as a gathering place for healthcare professionals, and hosting the APTA Utah conference was the first step in showcasing the facilities and working to elevate healthcare.
Hosting this event aligns with RMU’s core mission of educating current and future healthcare professionals for outcomes-oriented, evidence-based practice. By providing a platform for healthcare experts to come together and exchange ideas, RMU continues its path of advancing the quality, delivery, and efficacy of healthcare.
