Guest Post by Stephanie Bentley, RMUoHP Alumni Relations Manager.
Last week at the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting in Washington, DC, alumni, students, and faculty gathered and networked at a reception hosted by the Alumni Association of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP).
More than 52 students, alumni, and faculty from across various programs at RMUoHP came together for the event. Featured faculty included Dr. Jane Sweeney, program director for both the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program and the Neonatology Fellowship. Dr. Sweeney is also working with the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program to start a concentration track in Pediatric Science. Dr. Sweeney was swarmed most of the evening by students and alumni who told stories of their University experiences and their achievements since graduation.
In a recent alumni survey, alumna Dr. Joan Elliott said, “The quality of faculty in the transitional DPT program with a pediatric science track is phenomenal. I walked away from RMUoHP with a greater appreciation for my profession, improved skills in research, leadership, and a clear understanding of the importance of evidence-based research in our profession.”
The reception also gathered together alumni and faculty from the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, including Associate Program Director Dr. Steve Wilkinson. Many other DPT faculty were present at the APTA conference and the alumni reception. Dr. Hina Garg, a DPT faculty member, received many recognitions at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting, including the Outstanding Clinical Innovator by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy for starting the pro-bono Multiple Sclerosis Center at the RMUoHP Community Rehabilitation Clinic. Dr. Garg was also recognized by APTA for becoming a Neurology Clinical Specialist and received a blue ribbon by the APTA Health and Policy Administration for her poster presentation, The Clinical Cultural Competency Questionnaire (CCCQ-PRE): Psychometric properties in entry-level physical therapy students. DPT faculty Dr. Miriam Cortez-Cooper presented a session earlier that day, Interprofessional Education: From Classroom to Clinic and Back Again.
Students and alumni from RMUoHP’s various PhD programs were also in attendance, including Dr. Lori Brody, who teaches in both the PhD and Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) programs. Dr. Brody presented a session, How Loose is TOO Loose? The Female Athlete and Hypermobility. Those who came to the reception were able to reconnect with colleagues, eat good food, and reflect on their University experiences with friends. Plus, there were prize giveaways for four lucky alumni.
The Alumni Association and the Alumni Relations office at RMUoHP hosts these events for alumni to reconnect with the University, faculty, and each other. Not only do these events offer networking opportunities, but they also provide an environment for alumni and soon-to-be graduates to remember that they are part of a large Alumni Association that supports them in their professional and personal goals. For more information about upcoming alumni events, visit https://rm.edu/alumni//.
