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Doctor of Physical Therapy - Advanced (DPT)
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DPT-Advanced Students
Coming Soon! We are currently creating additional profiles of DPT - Advanced students and alumni. In the meantime we encourage you to read the faculty profiles by clicking the appropriate tab above.
Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Education
Research interests: I am a board-certified neurologic clinical specialist in the PT program. I plan on looking at evaluating the reliability of a balance-assessment tool in community-dwelling elderly individuals. In the future, I plan on evaluating this tool for individuals with Parkinson's disease to determine their risk of falling. Lastly, I plan on completing a study that looks at the use of this tool by physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and physician assistants. Beyond the classroom: I have attended “club day” and was able to meet and speak with a variety of students that actively participate in a variety of organizations. I also have attended various lunches and fund raisers student groups have offered. In my program, I have supported our PT students and acted as a faculty advisor when students presented at a local Parkinson's Support group on balance training and fall/risk prevention. I hope to do more of these types of things in the future. I think WesternU is an outstanding University. Our graduates routinely score very high on the state boards and work in varied areas of practice. 
Victoria Graham, PT, DPT, OCS
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Education
WesternU distinctive: Western University offers local and international service opportunities and I find working with underserved patients both locally and internationally to be a tremendous opportunity. I enjoy sharing my passion for service with the students. Why WesternU: I came to Western University because I have a passion for learning, and enjoy mentoring future physical therapists. Practicing as a physical therapist adds meaning to my life, and I welcome those who wish to follow this gratifying path. About the university: Western University offers an intimate learning setting for future physical therapists. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, faculty are engaged in research and clinical practice. Students will find mentoring opportunities in clinical practice and research, as well as close interaction with faculty and staff. 
Sandra J. Stuckey, PT, MA, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Education
Research interests: My colleague Casey Chaney and I are working on: The Effects of Therapeutic Exercise with Firm or Light Taping on Muscle Activity, Pain and Function in Treatment of Patients with Shoulder Impingement. My own research involves evaluating the accuracy of visual assessments and ROM measurements made by physical therapists. I am attempting to develop methods of testing and training using computerized video presentations. I am also beginning to use these materials for training students in how to improve their basic skills. On interprofessional education: I believe IPE will provide students with an important component of physical therapy – interaction with other professionals. It is extremely important that we understand each other and develop strong professional relationships. If students begin developing these relationships in school I believe the will benefit them in the future by forming stronger connections with other health professionals. Best thing about WesternU: Interaction with multiple professionals and professions in an academic environment. WesternU distinctives: We can make positive changes rapidly to our programs and do this on a yearly basis in response to student feedback. We try to keep our lab ratios small to give the students more feedback on manual skills.The Department of Physical Therapy has some very skilled and talented faculty that have strong ties with the community and present a strong clinical education program. 
Dee Schilling, PT, MS, PhD
Chair, Department of Physical Therapy Education & Associate Professor
Most valuable aspect of WesternU: Dedication to student success, availability of support services and an appreciation of the unique learning needs of each student. On the university: This institution is unique in many ways: the sense of family, availability of support academically, interprofessional commitment, and a quality education taught by experts that remain active in clinical practice and professional organizations. On interprofessional education: The ability to deliver the best quality of patient care lies in the ability of the healthcare team to engage in dialogue and work in partnership. Patients are not individual body parts and through understanding the role of other team members we can provide effective, efficient and patient-centered healthcare. 
David Selkowitz, PT, PhD, OCS, DAAPM
Professor of Physical Therapy Education
Why WesternU: Our program has a relatively low number of students, so students receive more personalized attention. Our courses are taught primarily by our regular faculty, although we have highly qualified adjunct faculty for specialized content expertise when needed. 
Donna Redman-Bentley, PT, PhD.
Associate Dean of Research
What makes WesternU's DPT program unique? 
Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA
Associate Chair, Department of Physical Therapy, Director of Clinical Education & Associate Professor
WesternU distinctive: We have the opportunity for students to choose courses in areas of interest toward the end of the three-year program. The course, PT 8500 Selected Topics, is organized in a “continuing education” format and includes participation from alumni and local clinicians. This allows for great role modeling in “lifelong learning” and integrates students ready to graduate with currently practicing PT’s. Best advice: Look beyond the lack of a large, green campus quad or other traits of the typical college landscape, and recognize the uniqueness of an all graduate, all healthcare related university with its many opportunities for collaboration and involvement with students and faculty sharing common interests and knowledge. 
Ginny Dunn, PT, DPT, MSHCA
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Physical Therapy
WesternU distinctive: I have been given great autonomy in teaching the DPT program. I am a clinician and a manager so I feel I have a lot to offer to WesternU. I participated in the transitional DPT program as a student and that allowed me to look at the program from a student perspective, which in turn helps me to adapt my teaching. Best thing about WesternU: One on one, personal approach with excellence and learning in mind. About thing about the program: Excellent curriculum and instructors that support the concept of the DPT whether you are a new graduate or transitional PT obtaining your DPT. There’s also online and onsite education that supports the forward-thinking goals of the profession. 
Casey Chaney, PT, PhD. OCS, CSCS
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Education
Research Topics: I have participated in research on low back pain in students, the effect of inhibitory taping in normal subjects, the immediate effect of inhibitory taping to the upper trapezius muscle in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome and I am currently working on the long term training effects of exercise with inhibitory taping on patients with shoulder impingement syndrome over an 8-week intervention program. WesternU Distinctive: A unique aspect of our program is the fact that we have faculty teaching in the areas of their expertise. Many programs assign faculty to teach in areas that may not be their strengths. I think that the ratio of instructors to students in our labs, by using some adjunct clinical instructors, is especially valuable for manual evaluation and treatment skills. Beyond the Classroom: I have been involved in long distance running for decades and coached adults from novice to Olympic trial caliber. My son, granddaughter and two dogs provide balance in my life. Best Advice: Maintain some balance in your life.
Melinda Salvador, DPT
DPT-Advanced, Class of 2008
Time commitment: I was a long-distance student in the DPT-Advanced program. This was a great way for me to attend school, as it was mostly online, though I did enjoy my times on campus. I could study at my own pace and the curriculum was perfect in that it applied to my current job responsibilities. WesternU distinctive: Because it is online, I can study at my own pace, and it’s very affordable compared to other institutions. |
