CU Physical Therapy Annual Newsletter 2024

PHYSICAL PHYSICAL

THERAP

ANNUAL BULLETIN 2024

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM

University of Colorado Anschutz Medi www.CUPhysicalThera

CLASS OF 2024

DEMOGRAPHICS 54%

29%

Non-Resident

54% 46%

Non-Resident Colorado Resident

54%

54% 24% Non-Resident 29%

29%

46% 25% 24% Rural Colorado Resident

24

URM First-Generation

29%

Non-Resident

URM

URM

46% 3.67

Colorado Resident

URM

Fir

First-Generation

Incoming GPA

24%

46%

Colorado Resident

First-Generation

25% 3.67 Rural Incoming74% GPA

3.67 AVERAGE AGE Incoming GPA YEARS OLD 25%

3.67 24

Rural

Incoming GPA

Female

26%

Male

54%

0% NonBinary/Other 74%26%

Non-Resident

Female

26%

Male

Male

0%

NonBinary/Other

0% 46%

NonBinary/Other Colorado Resident

74%

Female

29% URM

26%

Male

0%

NonBinary/Other

24%

*reflects total cohort on first day of program

First-Generation

CU PHYSICAL THERAPY 25% 3.67

Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA Editor Associate Dean for Physical Therapy Education Zachary Noriega, MPA Director, Physical Therapy Program Joanne Posner-Mayer Endowed Chair Design and Production in Physical Therapy CU Design & Print Services

Incoming GPA

CU Physical Therapy Program 13121 E. 17th Ave, Room 3106 Aurora, CO 80045 www.cuphysicaltherapy.org (303) 724-2878

Rural

A LETTER FROM

THE DIRECTOR We recently concluded our year-long recognition of the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program’s 75th anniversary through a celebratory event at the new Anschutz Health Sciences Building. Joined by University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program (CU PT) alumni both near and far, local clinical partners, current and former faculty members, and university leaders, it was an evening to remember. Highlights of the celebration included a brief review of our program’s history by former faculty member, Sharon Jordan, PT, MA who served as the Chair of the CU PT Oral History Task Force. Our oral history project helped to inspire the creation of the Lawrence Award to honor the first CU PT Program Director, Mary S. Lawrence, and recognize meaningful contributors to our program goals on and off campus. Those who attended our celebration event were also fortunate enough to hear an outstanding keynote address by Jandel Allen-Davis, MD, CEO of Craig Hospital. Her message of “capability, comfort, and calm” was fitting for the many students and practitioners in the audience.

Certainly, CU PT has instructed our graduates to lend comfort to their patients through the provision of skilled and compassionate care. We have also remained calm in the face of a challenging healthcare landscape while strategically building our educational capability over time. This academic year we were able to support PT students with more than $300,000 in scholarship funding, which is our largest amount of scholarship distributions on record. Additionally, the sustained efforts of Dana Judd, PT, DPT, PhD and Catherine Bilyeu, PT, DPT, OCS resulted in the successful accreditation of our Physical Therapy Faculty Development Residency. The Orthopaedic Residency Team at UCHealth and CU PT has also been outstanding as their first cohort passed their OCS Board Specialty Examination. Moreover, Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD led our efforts to establish a new DPT-MPH dual-degree track with the Colorado School of Public Health. In addition, Dr. Magnusson’s work on racial disparities in early intervention care garnered national attention in the March 7, 2023, USA Today article, “Children of color aren’t getting early intervention some need. Why are there so many barriers?” CU PT continues to gain recognition within the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) given the CU Anschutz campus visit by the association’s President, Roger Herr, PT, MPA, and Jenny Rodriguez, PT, DPT, MHS receiving the Award for Leadership in Education, which is the highest recognition given by the APTA Academy of Education. I also had the honor of being invited to participate in the panel for the APTA’s 4th Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Physical Therapy.

Our CU PT faculty know that learning is a life-long endeavor, so we congratulate Amy McDevitt PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT for successfully completing her PhD defense and Holly Ingham PT, DPT, PCS for recently becoming a BoardCertified Pediatric Specialist. We also congratulate Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD for recently attaining the rank of Associate Professor. The Interdisciplinary Movement Science Laboratory and RESTORE Laboratory Group continue to distinguish themselves at CU Anschutz through their clinical research accomplishments. A prime example is Michael Bade, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT securing a NIH/NIAMS R21 grant award to help improve the clinical management of people with total knee joint replacement. The program also thanks Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley PT, PhD, FAPTA for positioning CU Anschutz to co-sponsor the NIH-funded Training in Grantsmanship for Rehabilitation Research (TIGRR) workshop with Shepherd Center.

New additions to the faculty include EJ Gann PT, DPT, NCS, Rebecca Keefer PT, DPT, CCS, Alyssa Arms PT, DPT, OCS, and Lauren Hinrichs-Kinney PT, DPT, PhD, OCS. Regarding our post-professional education efforts, Maria Larson, PT, DPT, PCS, a CU PT DPT and residency alum, joins the program as our Pediatric Residency Coordinator. Finally, after joining the CU PT faculty in 2008 and providing 42 years of service as a clinician, Lisa Dannemiller PT, DSc, PCS has retired from the program. We wish Dr. Dannemiller well and express gratitude for her longtime dedication to the program!

Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA Associate Dean for Physical Therapy Education Director, Physical Therapy Program Joanne Posner-Mayer Endowed Chair in Physical Therapy

CU PHYSICAL THERAPY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS On the evening of October 6, 2023, the CU Physical Therapy Program celebrated its 75th Anniversary.

Over 150 attendees, including faculty, staff, current students, alumni, campus leadership, benefactors, clinical partners, friends of the program, and their guests, were in attendance. The evening started with a cocktail reception in the second-floor atrium, followed by a formal program in the Donald M. Elliman Conference Center.

The programming started with a comedic skit by CU Physical Therapy program director and associate dean of physical therapy education Michael Harris Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA, and co-president of the CU Physical Therapy Alumni Association and Super Bowl 50 Champion David Bruton, PT, DPT '21. Following this skit, Joanna Roybal, PT, DPT '10, co-president of the CU Physical Therapy Alumni Association, and Margie O'Rourke, alumni relations manager, presented to the alumni in the audience on ways they could get involved with the association.

Retired faculty member of the CU Physical Therapy Program, and president of the CU PT History Committee Sharon Jordan, PT, MA, and communication program manager for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Zachary Noriega, MPA, debuted a 12-minute documentary capturing the history of the CU Physical Therapy Program over the last 75 years. Afterwards, Venu Akuthota, MD, chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and John J. Reilly, Jr., MD, dean of the CU School of Medicine introduced executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs Roderick Nairn, PhD, who received the Mary S. Lawrence Award, which is given to university employees or other academic partners who have provided sustained, meaningful contributions to the program. Award recipients demonstrate dedication to the program by promoting the CU PT vision, mission, and goals.

Dr. Roderick Nairn receiving the Mary S. Lawrence Award.

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Dr. Michael Harris-Love with keynote speaker Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis.

After the presentation of the Lawrence Award, current CU Physical Therapy students Angela Delos Santos, Blake Vanderploeg, Aryssara Bryndzia, and Makayla Callender introduced the "Friends of the Program" video. People across the physical therapy community sent in home videos congratulating CU PT on this milestone anniversary. Following this video, Jennifer StevensLapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA, director of the Rehabilitation Science PhD Program and section director of research and development, gave an update to the audience on research within the program, and Jennifer Rodriguez, PT, DPT, MHS, director of clinical education gave an update on the state of clinical education in the program.

Dr. Rodriguez is retiring in 2024 and was surprised by the clinical education team with a special acknowledgement as the longest serving director of clinical education in the country (28 years!)

After Dr. Rodriguez's special acknowledgement, Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD, associate professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and current PhD student and practicing physical therapist at Craig Hospital, Wesley Thornton, PT, DPT, NCS, PhD(c), introduced the keynote speaker, Jandel Allen-Davis, MD, President and CEO of Craig Hospital, who gave a compelling speech to the audience on the importance of compassion in the field of physical therapy, and acknowledging the many CU Physical Therapy graduates who now work at Craig Hospital. Following the keynote address, Travis Leiker, MPA, senior director of development, and Karen Aarestad, PhD, MBA, assistant vice chancellor of Advancement, acknowledged the benefactors in the audience, and introduced the new president of the Philanthropy and Advisory Council, Martha Schram, PT '73. Dr. Harris-Love concluded the programming with closing remarks about how his family's story motivated him to pursue a career in the physical therapy field.

The CU Physical Therapy Program is grateful to everyone who attended the festivities, and everyone who has contributed to making us one of the top physical therapy programs in the country throughout our history. From our humble beginnings in the late1940's as a small cohort of six students tucked away at the back of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the program has grown tremendously in the last 75 to include over 220 students, millions of dollars in research funding, partnerships with over 500 clinical sites, expansion to hybrid learning in partnership with UCCS, and a dual DPT-MPH degree with the Colorado School of Public Health. We are proud of all we have built together and look forward to the next 75 years!

THANK YOU

LISA DANNEMILLER! After 14 years on the CU Physical Therapy and CU Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation faculty, Lisa Dannemiller, PT, DSc, PCS retired from the University of Colorado in February of 2023.

Prior to coming to CU, Dr. Dannemiller was a full-time clinician, primarily in pediatrics, for nearly 25 years. She mostly worked in early intervention with families of children from birth to age 3, who had special needs. Dr. Dannemiller completed a Doctor of Science in Pediatric Physical Therapy at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions from 2000-2005, after which she worked part-time in a county hospital pediatric out-patient clinic and part-time at the University of Findlay in Ohio, as an adjunct faculty member. In 2008, she was chosen as a full-time faculty member at CU, with clinical time at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

During her time at CU, Dr. Dannemiller taught most of the pediatric physical therapy content.

She worked with the faculty on integrating this content into appropriate courses and making sure that students were exposed to family-centered care. In addition, Dr. Dannemiller was on the Recruitment and Admissions Committee as a member, and chair of the committee with a major goal of growing the diversity of our cohorts to serve the communities in which they work. This work grew into participation in other School of Medicine and CU PT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives over the years. “There is phenomenal work being done in this arena on our campus!”

Dr. Dannemiller says.

Dr. Dannemiller describes her time at CU as, “an amazing learning adventure! I so valued the opportunity to gain knowledge and insights from our collaborative faculty and staff who have incredible expertise in a variety of areas that impact the field of physical therapy.” When asked what she will miss most about being on the faculty at CU PT and PM&R, she says, “I feel that I will really miss being a part of the formation of future physical therapists who will move this profession ahead in ways I can only begin to imagine. It is all about finding ways to help students maximize their potential through the collaborative work of faculty who are constantly striving to support our students’ passion.”

In retirement, Dr. Dannemiller and her partner moved to the mountain community of Buena Vista, Colorado. They have spent time hiking, kayaking, and visiting friends and family. They hope they can continue to go outdoors in the winters, but she plans to do more weaving when it is too cold. Dr. Dannemiller will continue to do some pediatric lab instructing at Hawaii Pacific University, some projects with CU PT as an associate faculty member, and volunteer activities with the Academy of Pediatric PT and in her new community. Dr. Dannemiller and her partner have a kayaking and hiking trip planned in Portugal for May 2024. In reflecting on her retirement, she says, “I am so very grateful for this time in my life because I have the gift of time to take care of myself and others in ways that were not feasible when working full-time. I am thankful for all the students, faculty and staff who have influenced my life in ways they may never know. Every moment is a gift.” CU Physical Therapy and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation wishes Dr. Dannemiller the very best in this new chapter of her life!

I will really miss being a part of the formation of future physical therapists who will move this profession ahead in ways I can only begin to imagine. It is all about finding ways to help students maximize their potential through the collaborative work of faculty who are constantly striving to support our students’ passion.

WELCOMING EJ GANN! The CU Physical Therapy Program welcomed EJ Gann, PT, DPT, NCS to our faculty at the beginning of 2023. Dr. Gann was born and raised in Mountain View, California (home of Google), and received his BS in Biokinetics from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN in 2015, and his DPT from the University of California at San Francisco/San Francisco State University in 2018. He then completed a year-long neurologic physical therapy residency program at Kaiser Permanente in Redwood City, CA. Prior to joining the CU PT faculty, he spent three years as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California at San Francisco. His role included working clinically with patients with neurologic conditions, and teaching in the DPT program in the neurologic rehabilitation courses and within the Interprofessional Education series. Dr. Gann specializes in, and is passionate about, working with individuals with neurological conditions. He most commonly treats individuals with neurodegenerative conditions including Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular disorders, and stroke survivors.

Dr. Gann’s role within the CU PT program will include a strong involvement in the Neuromuscular Conditions track courses. He will be responsible for coordinating Neuromuscular Conditions I, beginning in 2024, and will lecture and assist with lab sessions throughout the rest of the track. He is excited to continue to serve as a facilitator within the two Interprofessional Education courses offered to DPT students which occur in the Spring and Fall and will also serve as a facilitator within the Capstone Course for 3rd year DPT students. Outside of teaching, Dr. Gann works clinically 2 days per week at the University of Colorado Health Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion, where he helped revamp a multidisciplinary clinic for people with functional neurologic disorder, and continues to see patients with a variety of other neurologic conditions. From a research perspective, Dr. Gann is interested in studying novel interventions to improve gait and balance for people with multiple sclerosis, and developing interventions to augment vestibular rehabilitation. He is grateful for the mentorship of Mark Mañago and Cory Christiansen, and looks forward to assisting on their projects in the future. Lastly, his service to the CU PT Program will consist of serving on the Recruitment & Admissions Committee, Scholarship & Awards Committee, and the Lab Management Work Group.

I was drawn to CU PT for many reasons, but highest among them was the quality of the leadership and faculty in this program. I look forward to working with, and learning from, the faculty here as I seek to develop my skills as an educator, clinician, and researcher.

Outside of work, Dr. Gann loves spending time with his family and being active. His family consists of his wife, Liz, son Beau (age 2), and cats (Chunk & Chester). While the cats keep an eye on the home-front, his family has been enjoying the many beautiful hiking trails nearby and exploring Denver by bike. He also loves to play hockey, soccer, and basketball, and is an avid San Jose Sharks fan despite their descent to the basement of the NHL.

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WELCOMING LAUREN HINRICHS-KINNEY! The CU Physical Therapy Program welcomed Lauren Hinrichs-Kinney, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS to our faculty in 2023. Dr. Hinrichs-Kinney is originally from Belleville, IL, a small town across the river from St. Louis. She earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Science and Athletic Training from Miami University (OH). Subsequently, she achieved her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Northwestern University in December 2008. Dr. Hinrichs-Kinney furthered her education by completing an Orthopedic Residency program at Temple University in 2013. In 2019, she embarked on a PhD program in Rehabilitation Science, with a specialized focus on implementation science. She successfully completed this program in September 2023. Presently, Dr. Hinrichs-Kinney is engaged in post-doctoral training as an Advanced Research Fellow at the Geriatrics, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC) within the Eastern Colorado VA Healthcare System. Prior to joining the CU PT faculty, Dr. Hinrichs-Kinney worked with an exceptional team at Cascade Sports Physical Therapy, an outpatient orthopedic/sports clinic in Colorado. Concurrently, she held an adjunct position within the PT program at the University of Colorado. In 2019, she made a transition to devoting herself full-time to research training, while still maintaining some teaching commitments.

Dr. Hinrichs-Kinney’s clinical expertise is in orthopedics, including over 10 years of clinical experience alongside recognition as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in 2013. Over the past four years, her research has been primarily focused on post-acute care, specifically exploring methods to effectively implement evidence-based rehabilitation practices within skilled nursing facilities.

Dr. Hinrichs-Kinney will hold the rank of Assistant Professor within the CU PT program, where her role encompasses teaching responsibilities in foundational, musculoskeletal, and applied exercise science courses. Additionally, she actively participates in several committees, including the Student Enrichment Committee and the Student Awards Subcommittee. She also makes contributions to the Education Scholarship Group. She considers herself fortunate to have the opportunity to further explore her research interests in implementation science and workforce development. Dr. Hinrichs-Kinney’s ongoing development also involves deepening her expertise in qualitative and mixed methods research, which she achieves through collaborative work with the RESTORE lab.

I am eagerly anticipating my journey as a part of CU PT, and what excites me the most is the prospect of learning from and serving with an exceptional faculty, alongside dedicated students, in an enriching environment. All allow me to grow and equip myself to have great impact on our students and the field of physical therapy.

"CU PT faculty are collaborative, innovative, and strive for excellence across research, education, and clinical practice. It is a privilege to have these distinguished thought leaders serve as my mentors and colleagues. Their expertise is sure to inspire and guide me as I strive for excellence in my own endeavors. Equally exciting is the opportunity to interact with the remarkable students at CU PT. Their passion and dedication are contagious, and I eagerly anticipate the reciprocal learning that will take place as we work together to shape our abilities and futures. Lastly, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus provides a supportive environment filled with resources including interdisciplinary collaboration, both within research and the classroom, and continuous opportunities for lifelong learning and professional development. I look forward to embracing these resources and contributing to the vibrant academic and professional community at CU PT,” says Dr. Hinrichs-Kinney.

Outside of work, Dr. Hinrichs-Kinney loves anything outdoors, specifically hiking. She also enjoys baking. Most valued is spending time with her wife (Michelle), daughter (Maxine “Max”) and beagle (Tina).

Physical Therapy Program

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2023 CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR & CLINICAL PARTNER AWARDS OUTSTANDING CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR: This award was established by the CU Physical Therapy Program to honor Clinical Instructors who have made significant contributions through their mentorship of our students during the clinical phase of the curriculum. The award recognizes the CI’s integral role in providing excellent clinical experiences to prepare well-versed, caring, and compassionate professionals who will lead the physical therapy profession in the future. The 2023 Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award went to Matthew Pomeroy, PT, DPT, OCS. Dr. Pomeroy received nominations for this award from 2 different students in the Class of 2023. He was a peer mentor during his undergraduate days at the University of Oregon before enrolling as a student in the CU PT program and graduating in 2015. As he considered postDr. Matthew Pomeroy receiving the Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award. professional training, he sought out an orthopedic residency that offered teaching opportunities and re-joined our program as an associated faculty member in 2019. Students working with Dr. Pomeroy during their clinical experiences have highlighted how he helps them become the best PTs that they want to be, not the PT he wants them to become. He provides a supportive learning environment, being genuinely curious about student perspectives on both patient care and professional practice and validates their input on clinical decisions. He respects students’ individual learning goals as well as their learning styles, checking in frequently to ensure the right balance of both comfort and challenge. Dr. Pomeroy also mentors effectively through his actions, approaching both patients and students with empathy and compassion, and advocating for interprofessional collaboration to improve care. Dr. Pomeroy was also recognized for the way he facilitates the development of clinical reasoning in students, using patient cases for context as well as article reviews to promote the application of evidence into the students’ clinical practice. Students have identified what an outstanding mentor, role model and human being Dr. Pomeroy is, which agrees with the definition of a mentor, “an experienced and trusted advisor.”

OUTSTANDING CLINICAL PARTNER AWARD: The Outstanding Clinical Partner Award was established by the Physical Therapy Program in 2023 to honor a Clinical Site for their strong commitment to a collaborative partnership in order to create a culture of teaching and learning that contributes to Excellence in Clinical Education.

This award recognizes the collective effort of all the individuals at this site who make each clinical experience successful, including the administrative leadership, the site coordinators of clinical education, clinical instructors, clinicians, and staff who provide a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for our students to be able to thrive.

The UCHealth Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion was selected Dr. Cindy Armstrong and Dr. Renee King, on behalf of the The UCHealth Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion, receiving to receive the very first Outstanding Clinical Partner Award. the Outstanding Clinical Partner Award.

CU Physical Therapy is fortunate to share a truly integrated partnership with a dedicated and talented group of clinicians, educators, and administrators. Our Clinical Education Team has been impressed by the collaborative and very intentional approach their department uses in offering, planning, and implementing outstanding clinical experiences for all levels of learners. They carefully consider the implications of having an additional student or students throughout the year, and regularly engage in discussions with our team when planning. They see possibilities when faced with potential barriers, and typically can come up with creative solutions that are feasible. They have demonstrated that there is not just one champion for clinical education, but instead, the entire department sees the added value of having students in their clinic. Many of the clinical instructors are also Associated Faculty participating in a variety of courses throughout the curriculum – this creates a seamless transition from learning in the classroom and laboratory to learning in the clinic. This also provides the opportunity for clinical instructors to get to know students better and better meet their learning needs in the clinic.

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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023 On December 15, 2023, the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program celebrated the Class of 2023 at the Fall Convocation Ceremony on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, followed by the commencement ceremony at the Colorado Convention Center on December 16, 2023. Seventy-one graduates were recognized.

Graduates heard remarks from university, department, and program leadership, class president Aryssara Bryndzia, the convocation address delivered by retired faculty member Paul Mintken, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, and from David Bruton Jr., PT, DPT, co-president of the CU PT Alumni Association, and Margie O’Rourke, alumni relations program manager.

Jenny Rodriguez, PT, DPT, MHS, was presented the Cerasoli Award for Outstanding Contributions to PT Education. The award recognizes the significant contributions towards the academic or clinical education of student physical therapists at the University of Colorado. She also received the CU Physical Therapy Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes and supports excellence in the education of our DPT students through the acknowledgement of an individual with exemplary teaching skills. The Program also presented Roderick Nairn, PhD, executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, with the Champion of CU Physical Therapy Award.

The CU Physical Therapy Program congratulates all our graduates and proudly welcomes them to the CU PT Alumni Association!

A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING GRADUATES WHO WERE RECOGNIZED: National PT Student Honor Society: Heidi Hanson, Kara Lunski, Alison Rickert, Emily Wardyn.

Herbert J Levy Humanitarian Award: Kendra Freiden Richard D Krugman Award: Tori Serna PT Program Altruism in Action Award: Edric Zahn Mary Gosnell Award: Zachary Sapinsley Outstanding DPT Student Award: Laura Durkee Outstanding Capstone: Kristen Kirby, Zachary Sapinsley APTA CO Chapter ACE Award: Cassie Constine

Zachary Sapinsley displaying both awards received at the 2023 Convocation Ceremony.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: RENEE JONES CU DPT STUDENT AND DENVER BRONCOS CHEERLEADER

Many of our CU Physical Therapy Students have multiple roles as they pursue their doctorate and juggle other responsibilities. For secondyear CU DPT student Renee Jones, that means not only excelling in the classroom, labs, and clinical rotations, but also on the field as a cheerleader for the Denver Broncos! Renee received her Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biology from The University of Texas at Austin in 2022. She also earned a certificate in Business in Healthcare and PreHealth Professions. Born in Stavanger, Norway, Renee grew up in The Woodlands, Texas. Being from Houston, she was bound to be a Texans fan, and her parents were split between the Saints and the Vikings, (being from Minnesota and Louisiana). They were a household divided. However, once Renee moved to Denver for PT school, she realized how amazing the Broncos fan base was and immediately became a fan herself.

What is your history with cheerleading (childhood, high school, college, etc.)?

I began dancing at a local dance studio when I was three years old. I did every style throughout the years from ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, modern, and lyrical. When I was six years old, I joined a competitive dance team that kept me busy all the way through high school. My team and I competed at local, regional, and national competitions around the United States. During my senior year of high school, I auditioned for the Texas Pom Squad when I got accepted to UT and I started my rookie season with the team that summer. I was a member of Texas Pom for all 4 years as an undergraduate.

What was the audition process like to become a Denver Broncos cheerleader?

The audition process to become a Denver Broncos cheerleader was extremely difficult, but a learning experience in and of itself. For me, it started with attending prep classes every Tuesday and Thursday evening from February through March. The official tryouts consisted of a preliminary round, where cuts were made. A couple weeks later, there was a final round with about 50 finalists which occurred on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This included headshots, a business interview, a football exam, a dance workshop, solos, and a whole bunch of dancing. On Sunday, they announced the 28 women that would be the 2023 Denver Broncos Cheerleaders.

Do you have to re-audition every year, or do you have a set term as a Denver Broncos cheerleader?

Every Denver Broncos Cheerleader has to re-audition every year!

What has surprised you most since joining the squad?

Since joining the squad, I’ve been most surprised with how much I’ve grown as a professional outside of dancing. I’m surrounded by 27 other amazing women along with the Broncos organization which has opened doors to a lifetime of opportunities. In addition, I was surprised with how being a cheerleader and being in PT school really go hand in hand.

As Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, we strive to connect with our community and fans to make an impact. It’s amazing how conversations and interactions I have with people during promos mirror the conversations I’ve had with patients in the clinic.

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How have you balanced being a Denver Broncos cheerleader with your studies within the CU Doctor of Physical Therapy Program?

The biggest thing I’ve done to balance my studies and professional dance life has been time management. It’s not about if there is enough time in the day to get things done, but it’s about making the time to do them. I am extremely intentional about how I spend my time, whether that’s waking up early to workout, meal prepping over the weekend to prepare for the week, practicing dances during my lunch break, or studying before practice. After being in the program for a year, I knew my study habits and strengths and weaknesses when it came to the curriculum and clinic time, so I really just had to learn how to add in having a really fun job!

Do you have to travel a lot for the away games, and are there challenges that come with that as a current student?

We do not travel for away games, as we are considered a home field advantage. Therefore, I haven’t experienced any challenges with traveling for games while in school.

What are your goals after you graduate from the CU DPT Program?

Currently, I am interested in orthopedic PT and pelvic floor PT, and I hope to find a job in the field that allows me to do both once I graduate from the CU DPT Program. I have goals of remaining with the Broncos Organization for as long as they will have me and pursuing a role in physical therapy in Colorado.

Is there anything else you want to share about your experience as a physical therapy student or a cheerleader?

I was extremely hesitant to try out for the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders because I knew it would be a big change in my life that I wasn’t sure I could balance with school.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, BOTH DANCING AND PHYSICAL THERAPY ARE PASSIONS OF MINE, AND I KNEW I NEEDED TO PURSUE BOTH. THE CU PT PROGRAM AND MY PEERS HAVE BEEN MY BIGGEST CHEERLEADERS THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR, AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING I’VE LEARNED, IT’S THAT LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NOT GO AFTER WHAT YOU WANT!

PROFILES IN RESEARCH:

CORY CHRISTIANSEN, PT, PHD Cory Christiansen, PT, PhD, joined the CU Physical Therapy Program faculty in 2007. Holding the rank of Professor, his roles include teaching, mentoring, research, and service. Dr. Christiansen’s teaching roles include coordination and teaching of DPTR 5101 Movement Science I, and DPTR 6102 Movement Science II in the PT Program. He also assists with teaching the Rehabilitation Science PhD Program. His mentoring roles include faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and students in rehabilitation science and clinical trials research. Dr. Christiansen’s research roles include leading clinical trials and translational science projects focused on optimizing rehabilitation for older adults with movement dysfunction. He is currently leading multiple studies related to improving rehabilitation with two primary populations: people with lower limb amputation and Parkinson disease. He works with other colleagues in rehabilitation for people with total joint arthroplasty. In addition, Dr. Christiansen’s service roles include professional service in peer-review for grant proposals and manuscripts, including grant review work for the VA, DoD, NIH, and Foundation for PT Research. Dr. Christiansen is the current Chair of the Assessment Committee for the CU DPT Program.

Briefly recall and describe why you chose to become a researcher?

When I made the shift to pursuing research training, I wanted to progress clinical practice through creating new evidence.

There was, and still are, gaps in knowledge for optimizing current practice guidelines so that people with lower-limb movement dysfunction can better participate in life activity. This need for research evidence, along with my passion for applying biomechanics principles into intervention, drew me toward rehabilitation research. When I was developing my research career after my PhD training, I was fortunate to join a dynamic group of rehabilitation and geriatric researchers at the University of Colorado who supported me in my research goals. Much of the success of my research is owed to a strong group of supportive research colleagues and mentors at CU.

Describe your current lab group and 1 to 3 current projects undertaken by you and your group.

Who are your primary collaborators?

I currently lead multiple studies. There are three major project examples, the first being the Walking exercise sustainability through telehealth for Veterans with lower-limb amputation (LLA). The goal of this clinical trial is to 1) determine if a telerehabilitation walking exercise self-management program produces clinically meaningful exercise sustainability compared to attention-control education after LLA and 2) evaluate potential for large-scale clinical translation of walking exercise selfmanagement program with RE-AIM framework assessments using a mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) approach.

The second example is the Study in Parkinson disease of exercise Phase III clinical trial: SPARX3. The goal of this multi-site clinical trial is to establish the efficacy of high-intensity endurance exercise as first-line therapy for recently diagnosed people with Parkinson disease (PD). I am the coordinator in this multi-site study for physical activity and exercise monitoring, and the site principal investigator at the University of Colorado.

The third example is Transfemoral osseointegrated prosthesis limb load symmetry training (TOPLOAD). This randomized controlled trial will 1) determine the feasibility of a 40-week limb-load biofeedback training intervention, 2) determine if there is an intervention signal of efficacy, and 3) identify functional movement priorities for people with transfemoral osseointegrated prostheses. This is a new line of research over the past few years, with strong collaborators in the departments of Orthopedics and Bioengineering.

The work done in my lab group is multi-disciplinary, with research partners who have expertise in physical therapy, occupational therapy, bioengineering, neurologic rehabilitation, prosthetics, nursing, physiatry, orthopedic surgery, biostatistics, and other clinical research areas.

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As one example, the lower-limb prosthesis osseointegration rehabilitation research is only possible through a surgeon who leads the osseointegration program (Jason Stoneback, MD), a lead bioengineer researcher (Brecca Gaffney, PhD), a physical therapist who is a motor learning expert (Michael Bade, DPT, PhD), and a very strong Osseointegration Research Consortium with multiple researchers and clinicians. It is rewarding to work within the Interdisciplinary Movement Science Lab, as all projects have similar highly collaborative teams with remarkable levels of expertise and experience.

Why is this work important?

One of the things I value most about my work is creating ways to help others. The teaching and mentoring responsibilities have impacts on the development of future leaders in rehabilitation practice and research. At the same time, the research work is designed to directly translate to clinical practice and impact people who experience barriers to physical function and activity. I am thankful for the opportunities to be involved in meaningful work, supported by both the University of Colorado and the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System. An example of current work with potential to help others is our line of study providing state of the science advances for people who have lost their limbs to amputation after vascular and or infectionrelated causes. The past clinical outcomes for this population have been very poor, with high rates of comorbidity, disability, and mortality. Our research work has provided impact by identifying and addressing some of the basic needs for improving rehabilitation in this population. We have particularly been successful in partnering with the VAMC and UCHealth medical centers to work with this underserved population. We have focused on multi-disciplinary interventions to help people better self-manage their health and physical activity, while also using technology as a key support to innovate rehabilitation.

Explain why you value pursuing your work (teaching and research) at CU, and what you look forward to over the next few years.

The people I work with provide the primary value of my work. I am fortunate to work with a great team of people, representing clinicians and researchers across the spectrum from early to late career. My work at CU provides challenges daily, which keep me engaged and always learning. It is valuable to work with people who are curious and creative, with a common goal of serving others. In teaching, I look forward to creating new ways to help students gain mastery of movement science for use in clinical and research applications. The movement science courses have continued to evolve over time, including training of new instructors who carry forward the mission of developing excellent clinicians. In the Rehabilitation Science PhD Program, we have added new faculty with new areas of expertise that have allowed us to continue to grow the Program. The graduates of the PhD Program are already taking key leadership roles across the nation in rehabilitation.

For our research, our current work will continue to bear fruit. In the next few years, we will be identifying evidence to guide exercise in various aspects of rehabilitation. Some specific examples of what we look forward to discovering are the effectiveness of endurance exercise on Parkinson disease progression, the promise of limb-loading biofeedback with wearable sensors for optimizing movement patterns for people with transfemoral osseointegrated prostheses, and the effectiveness of telehealth self-management intervention on helping people with lower-limb amputation sustain routine exercise.

The people I work with provide the primary value of my work. I am fortunate to work with a great team of people, representing clinicians and researchers across the spectrum from early to late career. My work at CU provides challenges daily, which keep me engaged and always learning.

Dr. Christiansen with the Interdisciplinary Movement Science group.

A LETTER FROM THE CU PTAA CO-PRESIDENTS It’s hard to believe that the CU Physical Therapy Program has been educating leaders in the physical therapy profession for the last 75 years! As your CU Physical Therapy Alumni Association co-presidents, we are proud to represent all the alumni that have helped make the CU Physical Therapy Program so exceptional over the last three-quarters of a century, and we are so excited to see what the future holds not only for the program, but also for our association.

In the last year, we have continued our momentum to support and mentor students during the most rigorous moments in their DPT education and provide opportunities for students to learn more about potential career paths after they complete the program. We have also remembered to have a little fun with networking and social events throughout the year! This work wouldn’t be possible without the extraordinary members of our Board of Directors. To keep the momentum going, our board needed to grow to keep up with all these activities, and so we were excited to welcome five new board members in 2023: Deana Gordon, PT, DPT ’20; Jessica Juan, PT, DPT ’22; Aimee St. Martin, PT, DPT ’20; Melissa Tran, PT, DPT ’22, MPH; and Andrew Trevino, PT, DPT ’16, MS. We hope to see many of you at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts (February 15-17, 2024). We look forward to seeing many of our alumni, faculty, and students for our complimentary alumni reception at CSM, which will be held February 15th at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. We invite all alumni and current students to connect with the CU Physical Therapy Program and our alumni association. If you are interested in mentoring current PT students, getting involved with our board, or participating in future events, please contact Margie O’Rourke at marjorie.orourke@cuanschutz.edu.

We are looking forward to everything that 2024 has in store for our association and the CU Physical Therapy Program, and we are grateful to all the alumni, students, faculty, staff, and colleagues who make this work so valuable and fulfilling!

David Bruton, DPT ’21 Co-President CU Physical Therapy Alumni Association

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Joanna Roybal, DPT ’10 Co-President CU Physical Therapy Alumni Association

2023 CU PHYSICAL THERAPY ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: ALYSSA ARMS "One of my favorite memories was working with the Student Academic Communities, teaching lunch-time wellness classes before there was a wellness center, hosting campus-wide recess, and running a weeklong TBI Awareness series of lunchtime sessions."

Since graduating from the CU Physical Therapy Program in 2010, Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS, has shown unwavering commitment to the program and the profession of physical therapy. Dr. Arms served on the CU PT Alumni Association board for 10 years, and as president for four of those years. She was a volunteer CPR instructor for the program for 8 years, which was a fundraising opportunity for the Alumni Association. She also served as an advisory committee member for the pre-PT track at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, working with high school students. She is the Denver Team Lead for the Bridge Dance Project, which is a group of health & wellness professionals that specialize in working with dancers. They do volunteer work and events within the community. She hosts a variety of students who shadow in her practice, from high school all the way through DPT students. She also mentors new grads and established clinicians who are interested in private practice and/or dance medicine. In addition, Dr. Arms became the most recent member of the CU Physical Therapy Program’s core faculty.

Prior to enrolling in CU PT, Dr. Arms graduated from the University of Denver with a BS in Biology in 2007.

In 2016, she earned her OCS. Dr. Arms chose CU PT because she knew that she wanted to stay in state, and ultimately felt it was the best fit. Being on campus and around the faculty and students at CU felt comfortable. Information sessions had things that resonated with her, and she felt like she was where she was supposed to be. She was grateful for all the opportunities outside of the PT classroom – a chance to work in groups with students from different disciplines, and to participate in various student organizations.

After graduation, Dr. Arms started in acute care, where she became more involved with wound care. Then she moved on to an outpatient clinic but burned out because it wasn’t a good fit. That’s when she increased her time teaching as a lab instructor with the CU PT program. She started working PRN at various places around the city, always working her schedule around lab times for the next 6 years. In 2017, she started her own practice in Centennial, CO, all while maintaining an associated faculty role. Dr. Arms' passion is working with dancers and other performing artists, whether it’s working on injury risk reduction, rehab from pain or injury, or wellness programming. She’s also very involved within the dance community, often presenting at different conferences all the way up to the international level, doing seminars in dance studios, offering teacher trainings, and holding leadership positions in different dance medicine organizations. She still trains and competes as a dancer as well, so she often jokes that “it’s all an excuse for me to nerd out about all things dance whenever I want.” Over the next five years, Dr. Arms would love to develop more opportunities for dance educators and clinicians to learn about dance medicine and science. She also wants to start contributing to the body of research within the field.

“I had the honor of presenting the Alumni Achievement Award to the first 3 recipients. I’ve seen the nomination letters that would come in and have been so in awe of the individuals who are past recipients. They are people that I look up to or aspire to be like.”

When asked what receiving the Alumni Achievement Award means to her, Dr. Arms states, “I was president of the PTAA when the Alumni Achievement Award was established, and I had the honor of presenting it to the first 3 recipients. I’ve seen the nomination letters that would come in and have been so in awe of the individuals who are past recipients.

They are people that I look up to or aspire to be like. Linda Hannen was one of my professors and interviewers for the program. Kenda Fuller provided lectures on vestibular content, wrote some of our textbook materials, and was even a PT for my mom after her brain injury. It’s honestly surreal to know that I’m now going to be on that list with them and I am so incredibly honored.” When asked what advice she would give to current CU DPT students, Dr. Arms says, “It’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day grind or the minutia of what you’re learning in class, feeling like you must work hard all the time. Remember that taking time away, having some fun, and spending time with friends and family is just as important.

Make sure that you’re prioritizing self-care, because that’s what is going to keep you going in the long run.” The CU Physical Therapy Program and Alumni Association cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this honor!

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2023 CU PHYSICAL THERAPY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RISING STAR AWARD: MADDIE EASTMAN Maddie Eastman, PT, DPT, SCS, LAT has had an incredible rise in the physical therapy profession since her graduation from the CU Physical Therapy Program in 2020 and is currently a seasonal physical therapist for the Indianapolis Colts football team! Dr. Eastman has the distinction of being one of only four women physical therapists for the NFL. Prior to earning her DPT at CU, Dr. Eastman received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Biological Sciences in 2018 from Clemson University in South Carolina. After completing her DPT, Dr. Eastman furthered her education with a Sports Residency at the University of Wisconsin, and a Division 1 Sports PT Fellowship from the University of Houston.

Dr. Eastman was drawn to CU because she had a strong desire to be closer to her family and the mountains. She has fond memories of her time in the program where she met one her very best friends, and they would spend weekends studying together or going up to the mountains. When asked what receiving the CU PT Alumni Association Rising Star Award means to her, Dr. Eastman says,

IT MEANS EVERYTHING! CU IS MY FOUNDATION. CU STARTED IT ALL. I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO CU AND HELP FUTURE PTS PURSUE A PROFESSION IN SPORTS. Within the field of physical therapy, she had a particularly strong interest in sports PT, particularly within football, which led her to the amazing career she has today. Over the next five years, Dr. Eastman hopes to stay within the NFL, or to fill a director of rehabilitation role within a university setting. Outside of her daily work, Dr. Eastman has done much for the physical therapy profession including presentations at CSM, research projects at both the University of Wisconsin and Memorial Hermann Health System, as well as talking other aspiring physical therapists through the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy examination. When asked what advice she would give current DPT students, Dr. Eastman says, “all great things take time and sacrifice.”

The CU Physical Therapy Program is so proud of all that Dr. Eastman has accomplished in just the last three years, and we can’t wait to see where her career takes her in the future! Drs. Arms and Eastman were both awarded these prestigious honors at the 2023 Convocation Ceremony on December 15, 2023.

A LETTER FROM THE OUTGOING CHAIR OF THEPHILANTHROPY & ADVISORY COUNCIL A NEW DIRECTION AND RENEWED SENSE OF PURPOSE I became a member of the CU Physical Therapy Scholarship and Endowment Board (SEB) in 2019 and was elected Chair of the Board in January 2021. My term as Chair of the Board is coming to an end. In that time, we have moved from lock downs and virtual-only meetings to a hybrid of in-person meetings with remote or virtual options and other opportunities for meaningful engagement at the CU PT Program. During this tumultuous time, it became clear that the CU PT Program Scholarship and Endowment Board, which was founded in 2012, needed to be modified to meet current needs. Through much discussion, a strong desire to recognize and continue the legacy established in 2012 by Margaret Shenkman’s vision and to make the functioning of the board more closely align with the other University of Colorado schools, a change was proposed. The board unanimously passed a motion to change the Scholarship and Endowment Board to the CU Physical Therapy Program Philanthropy and Advisory Council.

The change from a board format to an advisory council format allows for more nimble support for and guidance from the PT Program Director. With a revised mission statement, job description, and charge, these changes provide the clarity members of the council needed to be successful in their roles and the predictability our faculty partners sought in terms of fundraising and scholarship implementation. The vision established by my predecessors, including Dr. Shenkman, Pat Grant, Colleen Kigin, Joel Larmore and others, now continues through the efforts of the CU Physical Therapy Program Philanthropy and Advisory Council. What has not changed is our unwavering commitment to make the CU PT Program our top philanthropic priority on campus, in the community, and within our respective networks. This amazing legacy continues to thrive. In 2012 the goal was to eventually have $200,000 for scholarships. According to the Advancement Office we have met a new milestone of awarding more than $1.5 million in scholarships since our founding and soon setting a record of annual awards in 2024.

I would like to thank the members of the Philanthropy and Advisory Council (formerly the Scholarship and Endowment Board). These individuals serve voluntarily. Their efforts support raising funds for needed scholarships. My hat goes off to the members of this council and thank you for the support you have given me as a member and Chair.

I would like to especially thank a few people. Margaret Shenkman and Nancey Bookstein first approached me about the need for scholarships and ultimately spurred my involvement with the advisory council. Thanks to a former board member and Chair, Colleen Kigin, for being a wonderful mentor, committed to the CU PT Program. Travis Leiker has been a great support to me and advocate for the program. I wish him well as he moves into a new leadership post on campus. Having worked with Dr. Michael Harris-Love, I know the PT Program is in capable hands and I look forward to the future of the program under his leadership. Lastly, I welcome Martha Schram as the incoming Council Chair. I know that the Council is poised for this new direction and will thrive with her leadership and vision.

Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as Chair.

Sincerely, Andy Levy, PT (’77)

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CU PT BENEFACTOR SPOTLIGHT: PAT AND CARLA GRANT Pat and Carla Grant are long-time friends and benefactors of the CU Physical Therapy Program and established the first and largest scholarship endowment dedicated to rural health in the CU PT Program. Get to know more about them and their commitment to the program:

Tell us a little bit about your background?

Carla grew up in Casper, Wyoming, and moved to Denver in 1965 where she attended Kent School, followed by Centenary College for Women in Hackettstown, New Jersey, and then University of Colorado, Boulder from which she graduated with a BA, majoring in Art History, with a special love for native American and Northwest Coast Indian Art. She and Pat married in 1975. As a “stay-at-home” mom which was a full-time commitment, she and Pat had 3 daughters, Cammie, now living in Highlands Ranch, with 3 children, Bo, Chase, and Hayden; Swede who is married to Ryan, living in Connecticut; and Alexis, married to John, who reside in Washington, DC, having three children, Margot, Theo, and James. Carla and Pat adore spending what time they can with their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.

Pat grew up on the Grant Farm and Ranch west of Littleton and worked in the hayfields during summers. He attended Denver Country Day after which he attended and graduated from Colgate University, followed by Navy OCS, and Navy Supply Corps School and later volunteered for duty in Vietnam during the war. After discharge from the Navy, he managed the family cattle operation in Steamboat Springs, acquired an MBA from University of Denver and a law degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

He clerked for a judge on the state court of appeals, and then practiced law in Denver, specializing in real estate and probate areas while also lobbying for the Santa Fe Railway at the Colorado legislature. In 1984, he ran for and was elected from Denver to the Colorado House of Representatives where he served for 8 years. In 1990, he was tapped to head the National Western Stock Show and served as President/CEO until 2010, followed by tenures as Chair of Long Range Planning, Vice Chair and Chairman of the Board from which he stepped down in 2019. He is now Chair Emeritus.

How long have you been connected to the CU Physical Therapy Program?

Around 1996, Pat was preparing for a second run for Governor, but he was physically not able to ride horseback and undertake the stress of a campaign as his back muscles were taught and locked up. He was recommended to have physical therapy at CU PT, and with outstanding therapy and care for several months from faculty member, Denise Stelzner, PT, MBA, he was feeling much better.

He regarded the help he received as outstanding, and, in gratitude, committed to and did raise money, with others, for a rural physical therapy scholarship program, believed to be the first scholarship to be awarded to qualified students in the program who expressed interest in practicing in a rural community. This fund was renamed the Patrick and Carla Grant Physical Therapy Scholarship Endowment in honor of their commitment.

What inspires you to give?

Both Carla and Pat have been very involved over many years in helping raise funds for the National Western Scholarship program through Citizen of the West gala dinner and the Junior Auction of Champions, and Pat through the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale. They are passionate about endowing the young, and particularly the youth in rural America, with educational opportunities through financial help in scholarships.

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Indeed, they represent the future leaders of America! Higher education is so important to leading fulfilling and productive lives!

Pat’s commitment continued as he served as Founding Chair of the CU Physical Therapy Advisor Board for nearly 10 years and remains an emeritus board member.

You are passionate about rural healthcare. What drives your interest in this topic?

Former Physical Therapy Program Director, Margaret Schenkman, and her top-notch PT staff persuaded Pat to Chair the Advisory Board for CU PT, because health care in rural Colorado and rural America is sorely lacking and is needed so desperately. Physical therapy is often the “gateway” to medical care, and hence increasing physical therapists in rural Colorado and Wyoming improves the likelihood of improving access for those in need of acquiring good quality care. Pat also advocated for the National Western Stock Show Scholarship Trust to invest in supporting PTs who will work in rural communities. That ongoing support has continued for 8 years.

Tell us about the outcome of your gift and what scholarships or other initiatives you have helped to fund?

The funding of the rural physical therapy scholarship program has helped stimulate and create a structure and program by which all PT students are required to serve a clinical experience for a semester in rural Colorado. Moreover, now many scholarships for PT students have been created to broaden the financial aid opportunities for students facing ever increasing tuition and housing costs. Finally, the expansion of the number of PT students in rural areas is most gratifying.

What would you tell someone who is interested in attending the CU Physical Therapy Program?

What Carla and I would tell someone who is interested in attending the CU PT Program is---study hard, get good grades, and go to the very best---the CU PT program!! The talent, dedication, and commitment of students attending this program are unequalled, certainly in Colorado and across the nation. The PT faculty and staff is top notch and so passionate about their educational and training mission! The developing partnership with the Colorado Springs community gives credence to the terrific growth not only in geographic coverage to the southern part of the state, but in stature and recognition statewide and the country as well. I remain hopeful that this program will continue to climb the ranks of the very best PT programs in the country—even becoming number 1!

THE CU PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM EXPRESSES OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO PAT AND CARLA GRANT FOR THEIR UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THE EDUCATION OF OUR PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS AND THE IMPACT THEY ARE MAKING ON RURAL HEALTHCARE ACROSS THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION!

IN REMEMBRANCE OF ADRAH LEE LEITNER The Physical Therapy Program offers condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of Adrah Lee Leitner, Class of 2008, who passed away on February 9th, 2023, at the age of 39. Adrah was a deeply loved mother to her two-year-old son Brooks, partner to Bobby Barczyk, daughter of John Wayne and Ita, sister to Becky, and friend to so many. She actively practiced as a physical therapist for 13 years, including a highly competitive NICU Fellowship through PT Neonatology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Director of Clinical Services at Spark Home Health, and Manager of Quality and Training at DispatchHealth. Adrah was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015, but she refused to let her diagnosis define her life or deter her passions.

She became a dedicated Member of the Board of Directors for Can DO MS and SkiMS. She continued to lead a bountiful life conquering every back bowl the mountains had to offer, spinning circles on the dance floor to country music, and travelling the world.

FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS Michael Bade, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT received a three-year R21 award totaling $400k for his project titled: “Swelling Management after Total Knee Arthroplasty.” He also received the CU PM&R Professionalism Award.

Catherine Bilyeu, PT, DPT, OCS was named the CU PT Program Associate Director of Clinical Education. She was also an invited participant for APTA Academy of Education National Task Force on Excellence in Education Certification.

Robyn Gisbert, PT, DPT has previously completed Health and Wellness Coach training through the Mayo Clinic, met the training and certification exam requirements of the National Medical Board of Examiners, and is now recognized as a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA was awarded the Champion of Allied Health Award from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Alumni Association. The award is among the highest honors given by the association and recognizes contributions to professional mentorship and leadership, program development, multidisciplinary practice, and health science research. He was also a Panelist for the APTA 2023 Lynda D. Woodruff Lecture on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Meghan Hernandez, PT, DPT, PCS stepped into the pediatric content coordinator role at the beginning of 2023 when Lisa Dannemiller retired. She participated in the APTA Pediatrics Education Summit III in June, and continues to work with a small working group post-Summit related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in pediatric PT education. She presented two education sessions and one platform presentation at the 2023 Educational Leadership Conference. Lastly, she participated in the 2023 APTA Grant Writing & Mentoring in Education Research (GAMER) workshop in October.

Lauren Hinrichs-Kinney, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS completed her PhD program. She was also elected as co-chair of the Colorado APTA Nominating Committee.

Holly Ingham’s, PT, DPT, APT presented a proposal, “High school students with cognitive impairments: functional changes with group interval training” that has been accepted for the APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference scheduled in November 2023. She also passed her exam and is now a now a Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist.

Dana Judd, PT, DPT, PhD, directs the Faculty Residency Program. The residency program received initial accreditation from ABPTRFE. Rebecca Keefer, PT, DPT, CCS had two posters accepted at CSM 2024. She also spoke at the 35th annual Rocky Mountain Interprofessional Research and Evidence Based Practice Symposium for a platform presentation: “Outcomes following the implementation of a rehabilitation focused clinical pathway following lung transplant”.

She also joined a national task force as part of the clinical education SIG to build an SCCE roadmap.

Toby Kinney, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, MBA, PhD was selected as one of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare Virtual Scholars in 2024. He also completed his PhD program. He was also promoted to Assistant Professor.

Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS was selected to serve on the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy’s Movement System - Balance Diagnoses Knowledge Translation Taskforce.

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Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD was invited to serve on the PTJ Editor in Chief Search Committee. She is also working to advance equity- and family-centered early childhood systems with the Colorado team that received the Early Childhood Developmental Health Systems (ECDHS): Evidence to Impact Center award.

Daniel Malone, PT, PhD, CCS was named the CU DPT Hybrid Pathway Program Director.

Mark Mañago, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS won the ANPT DDSIG Best Platform Award at CSM: "Feasibility of Low-Load Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restrictions for People with Severe multiple sclerosis." He was featured on the latest Degenerative Disease SIG Podcast about his work using BFR in people with severe MS. Amy McDevitt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT completed her PhD program. She was also invited to speak at the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) Clinical Reasoning Symposium in Phoenix, Arizona, April 2023.

Amy Nordon-Craft, PT, DSc was the keynote speaker for the Metropolitan State University of Denver IPE Conference.

Joe Palmer, PT, DPT, PhD, along with Tami Struessel, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC were named part of the Colorado delegation to the American Physical Therapy Association House of Delegates. In his role as a member of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy's task force on academic-clinical partnerships, he co-presented an education session at ELC in Philadelphia in October. Joe completed his PhD in Education Leadership, Policy, and Research. He was also named CU PT Director of Clinical Education upon Jenny Rodrigeuz’s retirement.

Mike Pascoe, PhD, served as Editor of the “Kenhub Atlas of Anatomy” and co-authored two anatomy chapters for the textbook “The Head and Neck: Theory and Practice”. He co-authored an article published in PLOS ONE on the use of body donors for surgical skill training. His article published in Anatomical Sciences Education on personal autonomy in healthcare has an attention score higher than 95% of outputs from the journal. His work on gynecology resident training in anatomy lab was selected for an oral presentation at the annual meeting of the American Association for Anatomy in Washington DC. These accomplishments were discussed during interviews on the Modern Pain Care and The A&P Professor podcasts. His research publications have garnered 70 citations during 2023.

Jenny Rodriguez, PT, DPT, MHS received the APTA Academy of Physical Therapy Education's highest honor, the Award for Leadership in Education She also received the Cerasoli Award for Outstanding Contributions to Physical Therapy Education and the CU PT Excellence in Teaching Award.

Eric Sawyer, PT, DPT, OCS, STC, CFEI© became a Certified Financial Education Instructor through the National Financial Educators Council. He was promoted to Assistant Professor, named Assistant Director of Clinical Education for the Hybrid DPT Pathway at UCCS, was named to the Treatment Guideline Advisory Group for Labor & Employment for the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation and became a manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Allied Health. He and Lara Canham, PT, DPT OCS also presented at the Education Leadership Conference on "No frills; let’s talk dollar bills. Discussing finances, from prospective students to graduates".

Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD was promoted to Associate Professor. He was also invited to speak about his research at the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Project Directors Meeting in June 2023.

Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA was NIH Grant Awarded for the Training in Grantsmanship for Rehabilitation Research. She was also part of the team of APTA thought leaders in profession of physical therapy who assembled the Research Agenda for Physical Therapy from the American Physical Therapy Association.

Tami Struessel, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC will serve as the American Physical Therapy Association Colorado Chapter Governmental Affairs Co-Chair leading the Chapter through the Sunset process. She is serving on the National APTA Task Force to establish guidelines for Continuing Competency. She completed the Evidence in Motion Certification in Hybrid Learning.

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FACULTY PUBLICATION LIST Birkmeier M, Lundeen H, Furze J, Moore JG, Dannemiller L, Anderson D. Excellence in pediatric physical therapy education: recommendations and action items.

Pediatr Phys Ther. 2023 Feb 28. Epub ahead of print.

Claus D, Draganich C, Berliner J, Niehaus W, Berliner J, Magnusson D, Smith AC. Needs of an uninsured equity-deserving minority patient cohort with physical disabilities during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Rehabil Sci. 2023 Feb 17;4:1000838.

Mañago MM, Cohen ET, Cameron MH, Christiansen CL, Bade M. Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the patient-specific functional scale for measuring mobility-related goals in people with multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2023 Mar 8. Epub ahead of print.

Gaffney BMM, Davis-Wilson HC, Christiansen CL, Awad ME, Lev G, Tracy J, Stoneback JW. Osseointegrated prostheses improve balance and balance confidence in individuals with unilateral transfemoral limb loss. Gait Posture. 2023 Feb;100:132-138. Epub 2022 Dec 13.

Anderson CB, Fatone S, Mañago MM, Swink LA, Hager ER, Kittelson AJ, Christiansen CL, Magnusson DM. Improving shared decision-making for prosthetic care: a qualitative needs assessment of prosthetists and new lower-limb prosthesis users. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2023 Feb 1;47(1):26-42. Epub 2022 May 25.

Anderson CB, Kittelson AJ, Wurdeman SR, Miller MJ, Stoneback JW, Christiansen CL, Magnusson DM. Understanding decision-making in prosthetic rehabilitation by prosthetists and people with lower limb amputation: a qualitative study. Disabil Rehabil. 2023 Feb;45(4):723-732. Epub 2022 Apr 7.

Zagona-Prizio C, Pascoe MA, Corbisiero MF, Simon VC, Mann SE, Mayer KA, Maloney JP. Cadaveric emergency cricothyrotomy training for non-surgeons using a bronchoscopy-enhanced curriculum. PLoS One. 2023 Mar 23;18(3):e0282403.

McDevitt AW, Cooper CG, Friedrich JM, Anderson DJM, Arnold EA, Clewley DJ. Effect of physical therapy timing on patient reported outcomes for individuals with acute low back pain: a systematic review with meta analysis of randomized controlled trials. PM R. 2023 Apr 11. Epub ahead of print.

Gaffney BMM, Davis-Wilson HC, Awad ME, Tracy J, Melton DH, Lev G, Stoneback JW, Christiansen CL. Daily steps and stepping cadence increase one-year following prosthesis osseointegration in people with lower-limb amputation. Disabil Rehabil. 2023 Apr 19:1-6. Epub ahead of print.

Thornton WA, Marzloff G, Ryder S, Best A, Rasheed K, Coons D, Smith AC. The presence or absence of midsagittal tissue bridges and walking: a retrospective cohort study in spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord. 2023 Apr 29. Epub ahead of print.

Davis-Wilson HC, Christiansen CL, Gaffney BMM, Lev G, Enabulele E, Hoyt C, Stoneback JW. Changes in lower extremity joint moments one-year following osseointegration in individuals with transfemoral lower-limb amputation: a case series. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2023 Apr;104:105948. Epub 2023 Mar 27.

Garbin AJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Gritz RM, Tucker CA, Bade MJ. Long-term career earnings in academia might offset the opportunity cost of full-time phd and postdoctoral education for physical therapists who hold a doctor of physical therapy degree. Phys Ther. 2023 Apr 4;103(4):pzad015.

Mañago MM, Seamon BA, Boncella KL, Wallin MT, Maloni H, Hoover B, Blackman MR, Harris-Love MO. Ultrasound measures of muscle morphology in people with multiple sclerosis are associated with muscle performance and functional mobility. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2023 May 10;75:104759. Epub ahead of print.

Kline PW, Christiansen CL, Judd DL, Mañago MM. Clinical utility of the Trendelenburg Test in people with multiple sclerosis. Physiother Theory Pract. 2023 May;39(5):1016-1023. Epub 2022 Jan 24.

Stevens-Lapsley JE, Derlein D, Churchill L, Falvey JR, Nordon-Craft A, Sullivan WJ, Forster JE, Stutzbach JA, Butera KA, Burke RE, Mangione KK. High-intensity home health physical therapy among older adult veterans: a randomized controlled trial. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2023 May 24. Epub ahead of print.

Beisheim-Ryan EH, Butera KA, Hinrichs LA, Derlein DL, Malone DJ, Holtrop JS, Forster JE, Diedrich D, Gustavson AM, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Advancing rehabilitation paradigms for older adults in skilled nursing facilities: an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 1 clinical trial protocol. Phys Ther. 2023 May 31:pzad053. Epub ahead of print.

Davenport TE, Griech SF, VanDeCarr T, Rethorn ZD, Magnusson DM. Social power and the movement system: why and how physical therapists might influence the upstream currents of health. Phys Ther. 2023 May 30:pzad052. Epub ahead of print.

Vandenberg NW, Stoneback JW, Davis-Wilson H, Christiansen CL, Awad ME, Melton DH, Gaffney BMM. Unilateral transfemoral osseointegrated prostheses improve joint loading during walking. J Biomech. 2023 May 26;155:111658. Epub ahead of print.

McDevitt AW, O'Halloran B, Cook CE. Cracking the code: unveiling the specific and shared mechanisms behind musculoskeletal interventions. Arch Physiother. 2023 Jul 6;13(1):14.

Failla MJ, Mintken PE, McDevitt AW, Michener LA. Trajectory of patient-rated outcomes and association with patient acceptable symptom state in patients with musculoskeletal shoulder pain. J Man Manip Ther. 2023 Aug;31(4):279-286. Epub 2022 Oct 27.

Graber J, Churchill L, Struessel T, O'Malley S, Bade M, Stevens-Lapsley J. Expert consensus for the use of outpatient rehabilitation visits after total knee arthroplasty: a delphi study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023 Jul 10:1-28. Epub ahead of print.

Churchill L, Morrow M, Capin JJ, Jolley SE, Hare K, MaWhinney S, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Erlandson KM. Using wearable technology to quantify physical activity recovery: secondary report from the after (app-facilitated tele-rehabilitation) program for covid-19 survivors randomized study. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol.

2023 Mar 20;10:e43436.

Rauzi MR, Ridgeway KJ, Wilson MP, Jolley SE, Nordon-Craft A, Stevens-Lapsley JE, et al. Rehabilitation therapy allocation and changes in physical function among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19: a retrospective cohort analysis. Physical Therapy. 2023 Mar;103(3).

Bilyeu CA, McDevitt AW, Judd DL. A blended approach to developing psychomotor skills in novice learners in a doctor of physical therapy curriculum. Med Teach.

2023 Jul 28:1-8. Epub ahead of print.

Ha DM, Nunnery MA, Klocko RP, Haverhals LM, Bekelman DB, New ML, Randhawa SK, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Studts JL, Prochazka AV, Keith RL. Lung cancer survivors' views on telerehabilitation following curative intent therapy: a formative qualitative study. BMJ Open. 2023 Jun 23;13(6):e073251.

Harrington SE, Fisher MI, Lee JQ, Cohn J, Malone D. Knowledge regarding cancer-related fatigue: a survey of physical therapists and individuals diagnosed with cancer. Physiother Theory Pract. 2023 Sep 2;39(9):1964-1973. Epub 2022 Mar 30.

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Annual Bulletin 2024

Davis-Wilson HC, Christiansen CL, Gaffney BMM, Lev G, Enabulele E, Stoneback JW. Improvements in disability and function in people with lower-limb amputation one year after prosthesis osseointegration. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2023 Aug 1;47(4):343-349. Epub 2022 Dec 27.

Bilyeu C, Niski J, Reilly M. Professional development for associated faculty: a national assessment of available resources. Journal of Physical Therapy Education 37(3):p 227-234, September 2023.

Hanlon SL, Swink LA, Akay RB, Fields TT, Cook PF, Gaffney BMM, Juarez-Colunga E, Christiansen CL. Walking exercise sustainability through telehealth (west) for veterans with lower-limb amputation: a study protocol. Phys Ther. 2023 Aug 24:pzad112. Epub ahead of print.

Rauzi MR, Mealer ML, Abbate LM, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Nearing KA. Older veterans' experiences of a multicomponent telehealth program: qualitative program evaluation study. JMIR Form Res. 2023 Sep 8;7:e46081.

Stevens-Lapsley J, Hicks GE, Zimney K, Slaven EJ, Manal TJ, Jeffries LM. Research agenda for physical therapy from the american physical therapy association.

Phys Ther. 2023 Sep 15:pzad126. Epub ahead of print.

Rauzi MR, Abbate LM, Lum HD, Cook PF, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Multicomponent telerehabilitation programme for older veterans with multimorbidity: a programme evaluation. BMJ Mil Health. 2023 Sep 14:e002535. Epub ahead of print.

Hoffman RM, Davis-Wilson HC, Hanlon S, Swink LA, Kline PW, Juarez-Colunga E, Melanson EL, Christiansen CL. Maximal daily stepping cadence partially explains functional capacity of individuals with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. PM R. 2023 Oct 11. Epub ahead of print.

Cook CE, O'Halloran B, McDevitt A, Keefe FJ. Specific and shared mechanisms associated with treatment for chronic neck pain: study protocol for the SS-MECH trial. J Man Manip Ther. 2023 Oct 11:1-11. Epub ahead of print.

Mañago MM, Cohen ET, Alvarez E, Hager ER, Owens JG, Bade M. Feasibility of low-load resistance training using blood flow restriction for people with advanced multiple sclerosis: a prospective cohort study. Phys Ther. 2023 Oct 10:pzad135. Epub ahead of print.

Chen VL, Hildebrand AD, Mañago MM, Cameron M. Self-assessed dynamic gait index correlates with physical therapist assessed dynamic gait index in people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2023 Oct 23;80:105101. Epub ahead of print.

Roda GF, Awad ME, Melton DH, Christiansen CL, Stoneback JW, Gaffney BMM. The amputated limb gluteus medius is biomechanically disadvantaged in patients with unilateral transfemoral amputation. Ann Biomed Eng. 2023 Nov 9. Epub ahead of print.

Swink LA, Mealer ML, Miller MJ, Anderson CB, Cook PF, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Christiansen CL. Telehealth walking self-management for individuals with amputation: a qualitative study of therapist perspectives on adoption. Phys Ther. 2023 Nov 7:pzad155. Epub ahead of print.

McDevitt AW, Cooper CG, Friedrich JM, Anderson DJM, Arnold EA, Clewley DJ. Effect of physical therapy timing on patient-reported outcomes for individuals with acute low back pain: a systematic review with meta analysis of randomized controlled trials. PM R. 2023 Nov;15(11):1466-1477. Epub 2023 Jul 10.

Judd DL, Cheuy V, Peters A, Graber J, Hinrichs-Kinney L, Forster JE, Christiansen CL, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Incorporating functional strength integration techniques during total hip arthroplasty rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2023 Dec 15:pzad168. Epub ahead of print.

Pearmain R, O Conner H, Schenkman M, Jayanna J. An exploration of the lived experience of a modern heart-focused meditation practice. J Transpersonal Psychology 2023;54:182-198 Bogard AT, Hemmerle MR, Smith AC, Tan AQ. Enhanced motor learning and motor savings after acute intermittent hypoxia are associated with a reduction in metabolic cost. Journal of Physiology. 2023. Online ahead of print.

Smith AC, Draganich C, Thornton WA, Berliner JC, Lennarson PJ, Rejc E, Sevigny M, Charlifue S, Tefertiller C, Weber KA. A single dermatome clinical prediction rule for independent walking one year after spinal cord injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2023. Online ahead of print.

Elliott JM, Walton DM, Albin SR, Courtney DM, Siegmund GP, Carroll LJ, Parrish TB, Weber KA, Smith AC. Biopsychosocial sequelae and recovery trajectories from whiplash injury following a motor vehicle collision. The Spine Journal. 2023;23(7):1028-1036.

Smith AC, Kuchnia A, Bodkin SG, Harris-Love MO. Editorial: innovative imaging approaches to advance musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences. 2023;4:1110409.

Draganich C, Weber KA, Thornton WA, Berliner JC, Sevigny M, Charlifue S, Tefertiller C, Smith AC. Predicting outdoor walking one-year after spinal cord injury: a retrospective multisite external validation study. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 2023.

Patel VV, Sawyer EE, Mintken PE, Michener LA, Cofer CL, Lindley EM. Initial validation of a sacroiliac joint-specific disability questionnaire. Orthopedics. 2023 NovDec;46(6):345-351. Epub 2023 May 2.

Chad E. Cook, Daniel I. Rhon, Joel Bialosky, Megan Donaldson, Steven Z. George, Toby Hall, Greg Kawchuk, Elizabeth Lane, Carolina Lavazza, Enrique Lluch, Adriaan Louw, Anna Maria Mazzieri, Amy McDevitt, William R. Reed, Annina B. Schmid, Anabela G. Silva, Keith M. Smart, and Emilio J. Puentedura. Developing manual therapy frameworks for dedicated pain mechanism. JOSPT Open 2023 1:1, 48-62 Jones JRA, Karahalios A, Puthucheary ZA, Berry MJ, Files DC, Griffith DM, McDonald LA, Morris PE, Moss M, Nordon-Craft A, Walsh T, Berney S, Denehy L. Responsiveness of critically ill adults with multimorbidity to rehabilitation interventions: a patient-level meta-analysis using individual pooled data from four randomized trials. Crit Care Med. 2023 Oct 1;51(10):1373-1385. Epub 2023 May 30.

Kinney AE, Nordon-Craft A, Kardong-Edgren S, Thompson A. Enhanced learning using digital recordings with integrated standardized patient examinations (ispes) in physical therapy education: a qualitative pilot study. Education Sciences. 2023; 13(9):948.

Bilyeu C, Reilly M, Niski J. Preparing clinicians for roles in academic teaching: a model for associated faculty development. Journal of Physical Therapy Education.

2023;37(3):235-242.

Butera KA, Gustavson AM, Forster JE, Malone D, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Admission cognition and function predict change in physical function following skilled nursing rehabilitation. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2023 Oct 17:S1525-8610(23)00799-5. Epub ahead of print.

Rauzi MR*, Olivos ME*, Currier DL, Abbate LM, Lum HD, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Emergency management during telehealth: planning and procedures for patient safety in the virtual landscape. Top Ger Rehabil 39(4):p 266-279, October/December 2023.

For a full list of our publications, please use the QR code or visit our website: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/physical-therapy-program/events-news/publications Physical Therapy Program

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Mail Stop C244 13121 E. 17th Ave, Room 3108 Aurora, CO 80045

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Denver, CO Permit No. 831

Honoring our community’s past.

Investing in our future.

The Physical Therapy Program at the CU School of Medicine is leading discovery and innovation to improve movement, participation, health and wellness for individuals and communities. Benefactor support is vital to pursuing and achieving excellence in education, research, care and community engagement. Through scholarships, CU PT provides economic opportunities to a diverse and talented student population.

The Barney Ford Fund is dedicated to promoting opportunity within the CU Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine by providing scholarships to students from diverse backgrounds. The fund is named for Barney L. Ford (1822-1902), a former enslaved person who escaped South Carolina to achieve great business success in the Rocky Mountain region. A leading Denver businessman and trailblazing hotelier and restaurateur, he was also active in civics and championed education throughout his life. The fund serves to carry on

Support the Barney Ford Endowed Scholarship Fund, or any CU PT fund of your choice, giving.cu.edu/physicaltherapy or contact Scott Arthur at scott.arthur@cuanschutz.edu.

“We are thrilled to launch the Barney Ford Scholarship, which strengthens our ability to attract top tier, diverse talent to the CU Physical Therapy Program.

This fund will invest in the next generation of expert physical therapists while honoring Mr. Ford’s extraordinary career and unique place in Denver history.”

– Dr. Michael Harris-Love Associate Dean – Physical Therapy Education, Colorado School of Medicine

(credit: Colorado Virtual Library)