NSU DPT Students Sarah Monahan and Hayley Davis Present Research Capstone Project at APTA CSM 2022

Congratulations to NSU DPT students, Sarah Monahan and Hayley Davis, who under the guidance of their faculty advisor Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez, PT, DPT, PhD, CNT, presented their Research Capstone Project entitled, "Safe Sleep in the NICU: Implementation and Barriers" at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in San Antonio, Texas on February 3, 2022. Abstract can be found at link provided below.

Poster Abstract

NSU DPT Class of 2024 Student Alessandro A. D'Innocenzo Elected PCHCS SGA President

Congratulations to NSU DPT Class of 2024 student Alessandro A. D'Innocenzo, SPT, ATC, LAT on his election to the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences (PCHCS) Student Government Association (SGA) presidency. Alessandro states, "Through the role, I am able to bring in my perspective on initiatives as well as represent the Department of Physical Therapy. This role has made me grow as a leader and bring new ideas to the table. SGA will be a learning process, however, I am excited to bring new ideas and have the opportunity to work with different colleges to represent Nova Southeastern University. I am excited to be representing the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences and look forward to the new adventure this role will bring." Congratulations to Alessandro! We are so proud of you!

DPT Student Megan Burns Selected as AASPT Conference Intern

DPT student Megan Burns was selected to serve as a conference intern for the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) Inaugural Annual Meeting and Scientific Conference in September 2021. Please see Megan's bio below: Megan Burns- Nova Southeastern University-Ft. Lauderdale, 3ra Year Hometown: Sylvania, OH Undergraduate: Nova Southeastern University, BS Exercise and Sport Science Why are you a member? I became a member of the Sports Academy during my second year of PT school, December of 2020, because I wanted to expand my knowledge of sports physical therapy beyond what I was learning in the classroom at the time. My program does not offer any sports PT specific courses and I knew that I want to practice as a sports physical therapist, so I decided that joining this academy is a way to immerse myself in the information I am truly interested in. I also wanted to attend events and presentations related to intriguing topics in sports PT while having the opportunity to connect with the professionals that I hope to be colleagues with one day. During my time as a member so far, I have attended a couple virtual educational events and the virtual Teammates event at CSM this past year. I have felt welcomed into the community by everyone I've interacted with and feel that no one has made me feel like "just a student." I've also enjoyed hearing others ' professional experience and being a part of the community that is sports physical therapy. Finally, the special interest groups within the academy such as Concussion, college and Professional Sports, and Female Athlete have provided me with information that is specific to some of my main interests in the field of sports PT. I would have never come across these excellent educational sessions and information if I did not join the academy. Future Plans? My plans in the physical therapy profession are to apply for a sports residency and become a sports certified specialist. I believe that attending a residency program right after graduating from PT school will allow me to fully immerse myself in the sports setting with guidance from mentors and a structured curriculum. I also am very interested in continuing to find ways to support young female professionals interested in sports PT and to support the female athletes I work with in any way possible. Congratulations Megan!

Learn more about the AASPT Conference

DPT Student Danielle Robinson-Pratt Inducted into the13th NSU Athletics Hall of Fame

DPT student Danielle Robinson-Pratt (Class of 2021) will be inducted into the13th NSU Athletics Hall of Fame Danielle played women's basketball at NSU from 2011-2015. A four-year starter at Nova Southeastern during her career, Robinson-Pratt's name can be seen at the top of nearly every Women's Basketball all-time record. Danielle is the NSU all-time leader in points (1,676), games played (125), games started (123), three-point field goals (227), and free throws made (357). Additionally, Robinson-Pratt also ranks in the top-10 all-time in steals (2nd/191), minutes played (2nd/3,452), rebounds (3rd/594), field goals made (3rd/546), and assists (7th/235). As a freshman, Robinson-Pratt was named to the Division II Bulletin All-American Freshmen Team and the All-SSC Newcomer Team while earning Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year honors. Danielle followed her freshman year success with another exceptional season as a sophomore, earning co-SSC Defensive Player of the Year honors, and was named to the All-SSC Second-Team and All-South Region Second-Team. Danielle also added the SSC Tournament Most Valuable Player and All-SSC First-Team honors as a senior. During Robinson-Pratt's time as a Shark, NSU Women's Basketball experienced the program's first Elite-8 appearance in 2013, going 23-9 and finishing as the SSC Co-Champion, the first Final Four Appearance in 2014, finishing 29-5 and SSC Tournament Champions, and the program's third consecutive Elite-8 appearance in 2015, guiding the Sharks to a 27-6 record while winning both the Sunshine State Conference regular-season and tournament crowns. Off the court, Danielle excelled at Nova Southeastern. Robinson-Pratt was selected as captain of the NSU Women's Basketball team three times, a member of the distinguished President 64, a SAAC representative, Executive Vice President of Alpha Kappa Psi's Psi Prospect Class, and the President of the Flying Sharks Aviation Club. Robinson-Pratt graduated with her undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sport Science as a junior in 2014 and completed her graduate studies in Athletic Administration in 2015. She will finish her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in May 2022 from the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences at NSU. Congratulations Danielle! We are so proud of you!

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NSU Poster Presentation Wins the CoHSTAR's 2021 Pamela Duncan Poster Presentation Award

NSU students and faculty presented their research as a poster presentation during the Shaping the Future Through Telerehabilitation Research conference entitled Telehealth to Increase Physical Activity and Self-determination for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Feasibility Trial. Faculty researcher Dr. Melissa Tovin and research partner Dr. Annabel Nunez-Gaunaurd mentored research capstone students Adriana Burd, Thomas Graf, and Bradley Moler. The poster won the CoHSTAR 2021 Pamela Duncan Poster Presentation Award. Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment!

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NSU DPT Class of 2022 Leads Dania Beach Clean Up

In honor of Physical Therapy month on October 2020, Shannon Poole, SPT, NSU DPT Class of 2022, took the lead in organizing nearly 20 students to pick up debris on the North and South ends of the Dania Beach pier. This initiative included clean up on the beach and also included a few snorkeler's that went out into the ocean to pick up pollution! Thank you to the class of 2022 for serving the community and helping to keep our South Florida beaches clean!

Congrats to Nate Sirkis and Kelsey Jones who were elected to the PCHCS Student Government Association E-board!!

Congrats to Nate Sirkis and Kelsey Jones who were elected to the NSU Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences (PCHCS) Student Government Association (SGA) E-board! Nate was elected as president and Kelsey as interprofessional education chair. We are so happy to have PT representation on the board and are especially proud of Kelsey and Nate!

NSU DPT Class of 2023 Welcomed to the PT Profession in a Virtual Pinning Ceremony

On September 9, 2020, the NSU Professional DPT (PDPT) program held a virtual pinning ceremony to welcome the class of 2023 to the profession of physical therapy. The student mentors from class of 2022 gave words of wisdom as the class of 2023 mentee donned their pins. The new incoming class then recited the pledge and their commitment to the vision and mission of the NSU PDPT program. Congratulations to the class of 2023!

NSU DPT Program Awarded the 2020 CHCS Alumni Engagement Award

The NSU DPT Program was awarded the College of Health Care Sciences (CHCS) Alumni Engagement Award for their efforts in donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic and recognition of their Alumni Spotlight highlighting graduates who are managing patients on the front lines of the pandemic.

The NSU DPT Class of 2022 wishes the graduating Class of 2020 well with Zoom selfies!

The Covid pandemic has changed the face of higher education, including graduation. Despite this, our DPT students remain committed to supporting each other. A perfect example of this is the the DPT class of 2022 helping to make the graduation celebrations a little more special for the graduating class of 2020. The class took Zoom selfies to wish the graduated well as they embark on their careers in physical therapy! So proud of our students supporting each other!

NSU DPT Team Leads Successful Fundraiser for Moving Day Broward County - Virtual Walk to benefit the Parkinson's Foundation

The NSU DPT program in Fort Lauderdale, consisting of 40 team members, led by faculty member Dr. Rania Massad, raised nearly $2700 in 12 days for the Moving Day Broward County - Virtual Walk to benefit the Parkinson's Foundation. In the United States, 50,000-60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are diagnosed each year, adding to the one million people who currently have PD. The physical therapy community plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals with PD, as well as their families, caregivers, and friends. This money supports bringing national awareness to the challenges individuals with Parkinson's Disease face every day and provides resources to improve the quality of care for those living with the disease. the NSU DPT team is the top team in Broward with a week left to go and has done so all remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic! We congratulate the NSU DPT Team on this effort! To learn more visit http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/NSUPTSharksinMotion

DPT Students Participate in the Annual Boca Raton Boating and Beach Bash for People with Disabilities

On March 1, 2020, NSU Fort Lauderdale DPT students volunteered their service at the Annual Boca Raton Boating and Beach Bash for People with Disabilities. Located at Spanish River Park in Boca Raton, Fl, this event provides opportunities for people of all ages and different abilities to experience adaptive beach activities and boat rides from captains who donate their boats and time to this cause. Under the leadership of Dr. Kim Smith, the students help manage traffic on the dock and assist participants in and out of the boats safely. For more information on the Beach Bash, visit https://boatingbeachbash.com/

Fort Lauderdale Professional DPT Ethics Bowl Team Earns Runner Up in the Annual 2020 NSU HPD Ethics Bowl

The Fort Lauderdale Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Ethics Bowl team earns runner up in the annual 2020 Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Health Professions Division (HPD) Ethics Bowl held on Feb 27, 2020. The team defeated Pharmacy Fort Lauderdale in the first round and Physician Assistant Fort Lauderdale in the second round. The team went on to face the West Palm Beach Nursing team in the third round and showed extremely well with judges commenting on their appropriate use of ethical terminology, earning runner up. Congratulations to the team on this accomplishment! (Team pictured L to R: Kishan Patel, John Hollnagel, Mamoon Bukhari, Marissa Stahl, Francesca Matarazzo) Mentors (not pictured): Whitney Yoder, Alexa Bianca, Kayla-Ann White, Alex Kais, Michael Veloz)

DPT Students Participate in Medical Outreach in Jamaica

The Fort Lauderdale NSU DPT students and faculty had the opportunity to attend a medical outreach trip to Jamaica in December of 2019. There, the team collaborated with DO, OT, cardiologists, optometrists, and volunteers to provide members of the Jamaican community with pro-bono services. Sites on the trip included Flankers, Somerset, Lilliput, and Adelphi. In total, the group was able to see over 100 patients free of charge and provide supplies to many people including assistive devices, biofreeze, theraband, and of course therapeutic exercise sheets. The team looks forward to many more missions in the future. Check out this student made video highlighting the experience:

Jamaica Medical Outreach Video 2019

NSU DPT Students Participate in Miles for Smiles Event in Broward County

Each year the College of Health Care Sciences Pediatrics Club has the opportunity to Volunteer for the "Kids Committee" at the Miles for Smiles fundraising event for the Broward Children's Center. This fundraiser supports the children and young adults who live in the BCC group homes because they require 24 hour nursing care. Broward Children's Center is is strong clinical partner of Nova Southeastern University's physical therapy programs and is committed to providing quality health care to the children and families of the Broward County community in addition to extending learning opportunities to students in the College of Health Care Sciences. This year the club had 25 students volunteer to push a child for the event and we hope to see this number continue to grow at next years Miles for Smiles Walk With Courage. Thank you Broward Children's Center for your commitment to challenging the standards of our health care community and to all of those who donated and participated in this years event!

NSU DPT Students Participate in Fall Screenings for the Global PT Day of Service

NSU DPT students participated in balance screenings for older adults on October 23, 2019 for the Global Day of PT service. This initiative was in collaboration with NSU's Life Long Learning Institute (LLI) which serves lifelong learning passions of retired adults. The LLI has been in existence since 1977 and is a division of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. To learn more about the Global PT Day of Service visit http://ptdayofservice.com/. For more information on the NSU LLI visit https://osteopathic.nova.edu/lli/index.html.

Academic Year 2019-2020 Student Government Leaders

A big thank you to all our student government leaders who serve as elected officers for their class.

Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences and Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing Collaborate on an Interprofessional Simulation Experience

Students from the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and the Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program collaborated in an interprofessional simulation experience. The learning objectives of the experience centered around interprofessional teamwork and communication. Small groups of students provided care to a simulated patient in the acute care setting. During this collaboration, students gained knowledge in their own ability to provide safe and efficient care as well as participating as an active member of the health care team. Each small group debriefed following the patient encounter and a large group debrief was held at the end focusing on interprofessional teamwork and communication. Student commented “I think the scenarios were well done and helped with the interactions between the different health professions”; “I appreciated the inter- professionalism and working together towards a common goal”; “It was a great opportunity to assess the importance in collaboration with physical therapist and nurses and gauge our skills when working as a team.”

NSU Hosts the 2nd Annual Interprofessional Mobility Fair

Mobility Fair is an annual health screening event organized with the intention to serve the community dwelling individuals with amputation. Every year NSU Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy department partners with Hanger Clinic & Concorde college of Occupational Therapy Assistant to organize this event. Many individuals with amputation living in South Florida benefit from this free health screening made available to them at this event every year. Mobility Fair involves screening of residual limb, balance & gait, prosthesis screening, use of adaptive equipment, recreational therapy & support group networking. Participants of this event also gets to explore various advanced prosthetic technology & learn about different resources available for them in the community. For more information click the link below.

Mobility Fair Information