Last week, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) alumnus Ronald Barredo, PT, DPT, EdD was recognized as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (FAPTA). The FAPTA designation represents the American Physical Therapy Association’s highest membership category and is awarded to individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the physical therapy profession for over 15 years.
Dr. Barredo credits the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program at RMUoHP with learning “the importance of and need for having an evidence-based mindset in my clinical practice.” He continues, “The judicious use of research evidence, patient goals, and clinical expertise is a powerful combination that every clinician needs to employ.”
Dr. Barredo came to RMUoHP to pursue a tDPT degree that would fill the knowledge and skills gaps between the entry-level baccalaureate degree had earned 15 years prior and the current doctorally-prepared clinicians. “RMUoHP offered the educational format that fit my schedule and was least disruptive to my professional practice.”
“My education has allowed me to look at patient care through a different lens—i.e., from reliance on expert opinion to evidence-based practice,” he says. “As an academician, I instill in my students the need to question habituated thoughts for the purpose of improving practice.” For those interested in the physical therapy profession, Dr. Barredo advises to, first, recognize the primacy of your patient and, second, be an advocate for the profession.
When Dr. Barredo started the tDPT program at RMUoHP, he worked as the Program Director of a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at a community college. After completing the program and receiving his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Dr. Barredo was hired at Tennessee State University where he eventually became the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director. In his current role, Dr. Barredo also serves as Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences.
Dr. Barredo receiving the RMUoHP 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award at the August 2018 Commencement Ceremony.
Dr. Barredo will be recognized at the June 2019 NEXT APTA Conference and Expo. In 2018, he also received the RMUoHP Outstanding Alumni Award, the highest honor an alumnus or alumna may receive from the University.
Aside from his impressive work accomplishments and professional success, Dr. Barredo has been actively engaged in professional service with the American Physical Therapy Association, the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, and the Foreign Credentialing Commission in Physical Therapy.
For more information about the physical therapy programs offered at RMUoHP, visit the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy website and the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy website.
