Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Rachel Wheeler | DPT 2019

 

How have you seen the University’s humanistic philosophy lived out by members of the WesternU family?

Every day I see the humanistic philosophy reflected by my fellow WesternU family members. A recent example was volunteering with my classmates to help physically impaired adults and children surf for a day and bring smiles to hundreds of people. Their “art of caring” doesn’t stop there, if anyone in the class is struggling, the entire class comes together to make sure that student does not fall behind. When a WesternU student, faculty, or staff member asks me how my day went, they actually care and want to know.

Andrew Tusaazemajja | DPT 2019

Why did you choose WesternU program?

I chose the WesternU DPT program because I knew it would give me the best chance of being a knowledgeable and well-rounded clinician. I liked the fact that after the first year of the curriculum students get the opportunity to go out in clinic and apply the knowledge they acquired in the classroom. I liked the fact that WesternU has various graduate level programs that allow for interdisciplinary collaboration and interaction. But most importantly, I chose this program because it promotes a family oriented culture which makes it possible to really get to know faculty, and learn from some of the best clinicians in the profession.

Michael Ruiz | DPT 2019

Describe your best clinical experience and why it was memorable.

During my clinical experience I was given the opportunity to treat patients and to apply the knowledge that WesternU instilled in me during my first year. I was surprised at how much information I knew and how well I was prepared to work with actual physical therapists and their patients. I remember my clinical instructor telling me that he felt confident and trusted in my skills and knowledge enough to treat his patients. It was a rewarding experience to know that the education that I received at WesternU prepared me to succeed in a clinical environment.

Marcus Pedroza | DPT 2018

Who at WesternU has made you feel supported and how?

All of the faculty at WesternU is truly there to support you through this difficult program. Professors will sacrifice their weekends to help you work through difficult concepts. The department staff is available at all times to answer any questions you may have and last but not least your cohort is there to support you through the entire process.

What would you tell a prospective student about WesternU?

One important point for all prospective students to know is that everyone here wants you to succeed. One day you may end up practicing alongside your professors. They go above and beyond to make sure you become a successful clinician.

Nicholas O’Neil | DPT 2018

Why did you choose WesternU program?

I chose Western University of Health Sciences and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program for many reasons. First, I have a family history of attending WesternU and it’s Doctor of Osteopathic medicine program. I will be a 2nd generation graduate, first with a doctorate in Physical Therapy, and maybe a bit bias. Yet when volunteering in the clinic I always kept an eye out for alumni and often noticed they were different clinicians than the rest. The PT’s who went to WesternU were intelligent and well-rounded, exemplifying unprecedented compassion and humanism. They demonstrated the qualities and upheld the values I believe are of utmost importance. But, what solidified my decision, were my interactions with faculty, staff, and students. Whether it was at one of many Preview Days on campus, or a simple email I exchanged with Admissions. They displayed empathy and respect. They were a family here, and I wanted to be a part of it.

Garrett Masada | DPT 2019

Why did you choose WesternU program?

I knew WesternU’s DPT program was the one for me the moment I got introduced to this program. I admired the interaction and relationships that the faculty had with their students. The faculty does a great job making you feel apart of the WesternU family. WesternU upholds the core value of humanism and compassion toward all their future patients, which are all the qualities and values that I believe, will make a great health care professional.

Casey Chaney, PT, PhD. OCS, CSCS

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.

Read more about me…

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.

Nduka Unaka | DPT 2017

How has your involvement in co-curricular activities (e.g. clubs or student government association) impacted you and/or the community you serve?

Working as Vice President for the American Geriatric Society has been awesome. The geriatric patient population needs health care professionals on the front line to help them with a lot of health care conditions. I believe a true servant of the people goes where he or she is needed as opposed to where they prefer. Trying to inspire people to meet this void has been a calling for me.

Chelsea Ngo | DPT 2017

Why did you choose your WesternU program?

In my opinion, it was the best Physical Therapy program in the Southern California region, which is saying a lot considering there are a number of competitive schools in this area. The reason for my decision was a combination between the years of clinical expertise of the faculty, consistency of relationships with clinical sites for internships, and the opportunity to develop my foundation as a new professional in this richly diverse community.

Jaleesa Follens-Jones | DPT 2017

Who at WesternU has made you feel supported and how?

I feel supported by the faculty and staff in the DPTE. I am surrounded by faculty members that go above and beyond for their students. Many faculty members will stay after hours to answer questions and assist with practical examination preparation, answer late night emails, hold extra study sessions, among other things. I also feel very supported by the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Bowlin, in that she has established the feeling of family and community within the College since the beginning of my time at WesternU. She has addressed matters that were of concern to students quickly and personally, which I greatly appreciate.

Kayla Sakamoto | DPT 2017

How has your involvement in co-curricular activities (e.g. clubs or student government association) impacted you and/or the community you serve?

I am currently involved in PTAC (Physical Therapy Advocacy Club). This club is the only PT specific club on campus. It has helped me to learn to be a leader and improve my communication skills. It also provides a lot of volunteer opportunities that are PT related. As a member of this club I have been able to serve the community through free health screenings, sports clearances, and assisting in events like the Special Olympics. This gives me the opportunity to give back to the community and it also allows me to practice the skills I have learned in school.

Calli Jackson | DPT 2017

Why did you choose your WesternU program?

I chose the WesternU program because immediately, as soon as I set foot on campus, I felt that I was interacting with people who took in an interest in me as an individual and as a clinician. WesternU has continued to build a community in which our health professionals are compassionate, highly educated, and make it a priority to value the patient first. I have been nothing but satisfied with all of the faculty and staff, and the continuous efforts to expose students to the most up and coming research and technology in order to provide the best education possible.