March 2023 PULSE

AGGREGATE MARGINAL GAINS...

I think I was in graduate school at the University of Hartford, in pursuit of a master’s degree in Organizational Development when I rst heard the saying, “In business it’s very di cult to improve any process or behavior by 100%. However, if we look at the big picture, it’s simple to improve 100 di erent processes in business by 1%.”

I’m not sure if there is some management guru who deserves credit for the concept. If so, his or her name long escapes my memory.

It’s called the principle of “aggregate marginal gains.” The idea is that if you improve by just 1% consistently, those small gains will add up to remarkable improvement over time. To highlight how PTSMC puts this idea into action, let’s look at a few of the changes we have made recently in the areas of bene ts and recognition.

Through employee surveys, work groups, competitive analysis and conversations with our team we identi ed and implemented improvements in programs and bene ts that we already o ered.

Bene t Updates

• 401(k) enrollment after 6 months of employment

• Vacation accruals increased for Exempt and Non-Exempt Part-Time 20 and Part-Time 30 employees

• Dental, Life and Short-Term Disability coverage o ered to employees working 30+ hours

• Domestic partner coverage added to UHC medical and dental plans

• Employee contributions for medical base and buy down plans 0% increase two years in a row

Recognition Program Updates

• Referral bonus program enhanced to include additional positions

• Years of Service recognition gift values increased in conjunction with the development of a tiered program

• Welcome gifts sent to new hire PTs and PSCs

These are just a few of the “100” small changes we are making to improve the quality of life for our people.

New Haven Renovations

As an organization we are committed to continuous improvement. One of the fundamental ways we can achieve this goal is by asking questions. We ask them in a lot of di erent ways and for di erent reasons including:

• Energage Surveys (Top Workplace)

• Leadership Management and Development Program (LMDP)

• Dialogue for Development (D4D)

• The student program

• The Residency Program

• The DOCS Program

• Management Meetings

• Exit interviews

• HR is Here for You virtual visits

• Sta meetings

I hope all PTSMC employees feel comfortable seeking the opportunity to provide feedback and insight. PTSMC will use this information to create aggregate marginal; making who we are and what we do a little bit better for our people and those we serve.

I am extremely proud that PTSMC is a Top Workplace in CT for the last 12 years and Top Workplace USA for the last three years. It’s incredible! We are doing something great for our people.

These achievements, combined with organization NPS scores of 92 and greater since 2018, prove that great people are doing great things for those we serve.

We are in our 23rd year of asking “what can we do better” and those small results over a longer period of time are creating remarkable improvement.

Let’s continue to get better together.

Thanks for all you do,

Alan

New Haven recently completed renovations that transformed the space into an open, modern, and bright clinic.

IN THIS ISSUE

Clinician’s Corner by Dan Pagliuca New Milford Physical Therapist

An Early Approach to Concussion Rehabilitation in Adolescent Athletes

2022 Top Documentors

Dr. Cli Rios Doc Talk Review

By Mike McGowan

HR Buzz

Learning Management System

Vacation Time Reminder

401(k) Employer Contributions

United Healthcare Bene ts

HR is Here for You

Employee Spotlight

PTSMC’s Athletic Trainers

The Extra Mile: What to Expect

By Kristen Forster

March Madness Inter-Clinic Competition

DEI: Women’s Herstory

By Marilex Santiago

StriveHub Fab 5

“You can tell they are very up-to-date with knowledge and techniques. Nice people too that make you feel comfortable when you walk in the o ce. I'm having another knee operation in April and will be contacting Rebecca (Petrosino) again for treatment.” - Fair eld

“Erik (Olsen) is the consummate professional. He is courteous, caring and always checking to be sure you are getting the help you need as well as bene ting from the exercises he recommends.” - Southbury

NEW TICKETING SYSTEM!

PTSMC’s IT sta is utilizing ZENDESK for IT requests and problems. By submitting the request, PTSMC IT sta are noti ed in one place for all tickets to be worked on.

How to Submit:

Via email to: Support@ptsmc.zendesk.com

Via Website: https://ptsmc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

(Click “Submit a Request”)

Email submissions are easiest. Prefer the website? Save the link as a favorite!

“The entire sta cares about each and every patient. The employees are upbeat all the time and listen to the patients. This is the only place I will go for PT” - Watertown

“There are so many reasons to give this place a 10.... It’s always very clean, sta is always friendly, they get to know their patients by asking life questions, and it’s pretty easy to get too. I enjoy my sessions even though they are sometimes painful.” -

Wallingford

I have to say, the best part of PT is Heather (Marosz). She always helps my physical problems lessen. She is very good at what she does. The atmosphere is friendly and often joyful. All the sta are knowledgeable and helpful. For me, Heather helps so much!” - Middletown

CLINICIAN’S CORNER

An Early Approach to Concussion

in Adolescent Athletes

By: Dan Pagliuca, PT, DPT Physical Therapist at PTSMC New Milford

Rehabilitation

Concussions and head injuries have been brought to the forefront of the sports medicine world over the past decade following the release of the movie “Concussion” in 2015 as well as new studies showing the long-term e ects of concussions in athletes. This new information has generated questions such as, “Will you allow your kids to play contact sports?” As clinicians, it is our responsibility to review the most recent literature to ensure that we are minimizing these post-concussive symptoms and returning athletes to the eld.

Leddy et al1., performed a randomized controlled study comparing the e ects of early targeted heart rate aerobic exercise versus placebo stretching for sports-related concussions in adolescents. The goal of the study was to determine if non-symptomatic aerobic exercise could reduce the risk of persistent post-concussive symptoms. There were 118 adolescents recruited for the study, of which 61 were randomly assigned to the aerobic exercise group and 57 to the stretching group.

The rehab protocol of the aerobic exercise group focused on at least 20 minutes of daily “subsymptom threshold aerobic exercise” within 10 days of a sports-related concussion. The exercise intensity was measured with heart rate monitors and consisted of machines such as stationary bike, elliptical and treadmill. Four weeks after the initial injury, patient outcomes were taken in relation to clinical recovery; Leddy et al1., used return to baseline symptoms and normal exercise tolerance as outcomes.

The results of the study show that the group randomly assigned to the aerobic exercise group were both more likely to recover within four weeks and had a 48% reduced risk of persistent post-concussive symptoms when compared to the stretching exercise group.

UPCOMING JOURNAL CLUB AND CASE DICUSSION DATES

All meetings are 12:00- 1:00 pm on TEAMS.

Case Discussion dates:

03/07 Upper focus

04/04 Spine focus

05/09 Spine Focus

Click HERE for the full 2023 CD & JC schedule.

Email Channing.Harwood@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting group.

Based on these results, clinicians should feel con dent prescribing early aerobic exercise when treating adolescents with sports-related concussions. Early aerobic exercise when non-symptomatic can be the key to returning athletes to the eld and preventing persistent post-concussive symptoms longer than 28 days. This study does not suggest that aerobic exercise should be the only treatment in concussion rehabilitation.

These results of this study suggest that early aerobic exercise combined with traditional use of vestibular, balance and postural training may be bene cial in preventing post-concussive symptoms as well as returning athletes to sports. Clinicians should educate their patients on the e cacy of physical therapy intervention in the treatment of acute sports related concussions. It is important as clinicians that we feel con dent and can educate our patients on the ways to prevent a concussion as well as the proper way to recover from one.

Reference:

Leddy

Mallon A, Rownd K, Arbogast KB, Cunningham A, Haider MN, Mayer AR, Willer BS. Early targeted heart rate aerobic exercise versus placebo stretching for sport-related concussion in adolescents: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2021 Nov;5(11):792-799. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(21)00267-4. Epub 2021 Oct 1. PMID: 34600629.

- Anonymous Survey Monkey Response

We have an awesome team of clinicians at PTSMC and one of the best ways to share your skill set is to give back to the PT profession by hosting a student! Interested in learning more? Reach out to Juliann Chacko anytime (Juliann.chacko@ptsmc.com)

This month, we have Kaitlyn McCausland from Columbia starting her a liation with Community College starting his a liation with Quinn McAnaney and Steve Platt in Guilford. Welcome Kaitlyn and Noah!

JJ, Master CL, Mannix R, Wiebe DJ, Grady MF, Meehan WP, Storey EP, Vernau BT, Brown NJ, Hunt D, Mohammed F,

“PTSMC exceeded my expectations. It was a great...clinical experience!”

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

Upcoming Courses

SPONSORED COURSES

Myopain Dry Needling DN-3: Advanced May 19-21, 2023

Location: QU North Haven Campus

Email Mallory Mason at ConEd@ptsmc.com for all sign ups or questions.

All course attendance must be approved by Partner/Director.

CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES LIST

Use the following link for a list of PTSMC Internal, PTSMC Sponsored, and External course opportunities: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/RCnzB8GqVU/Clinical_Excellence_List_of_Courses.xlsx_

Three new courses are scheduled for 2023! See page 4 for details.

DOCUMENT FASTER

by Melissa Boutagy, Clinical Compliance O cer

Magical is an auto text expander tool and a free Google Chrome extension. A browsing extension is similar to adding an app on your phone for enhanced features. For clinicians who are familiar with WebPT Smart Text, Magical’ s features are similar. This tool can help reduce time spent on documentation by creating typing shortcuts that automatically get replaced by full phrases. It especially creates e ciencies for common documentation phrases.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/magical-text-expander-aut/iibninhmiggehlcdolcilmhacighjamp

2022 Top Documentors

Congratulations to the following clinicians who scored 92% or higher on all their audits of 2022:

Jennifer Ashman

Cait Ayotte

Meghan Blanusa

Kelley Cahill

Joe Caligiuri

Amy Demers

Victoria Fainstein

Kathryn Flodquist

Michelle Gallerani

Alex Gauthier

Alyssa Gri o

Ann Hall

Meagan Ho man

Miranda Jasienowski

Andrew Kalach

Pat Kinsella

Tom Kirsch

Kenny Kregling

Quinn McAnaney

Sam McMullen

Erik Olsen

Sam Ostrowsky

Rebecca Petrosino

Jen Powers

Lauren Randall

Jared Schi er

Keely Yarish

MYOPAIN SEMINARS DN-2

2. Set up your account and you will be directed to your “Magical Workspace”. Then you can begin creating personalized shortcuts!

3. To get to your Magical Workspace in the future, click on the Google Chrome extension icon (puzzle piece), click on Magical and a pop-up version of your Workspace will appear.

Recently, 19 PTSMC clinicians attended Myopain Seminars’ Dry Needling 2 course hosted by PTSMC Glastonbury, and instructed by Michelle Finnegan, instructor-in-training Will Freres, and assistant instructor

Mike McGowan (Windsor Assistant Director).

DOC TALK REVIEW

Dr. Cli ord G. Rios, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Cli Rios, Orthopedic Surgeon at Orthopedic Assocaties of Hartford, presented on “Graft Choice in ACL Reconstruction” at PTSMC West Hartford on February 9th.

Click here to watch Dr. Rios’ Doc Talk

Review by Mike McGowan, Windsor Assistant Director

A breakthrough event for PTSMC was held on February 9, 2023 as we were able to host our rst in-person Doc Talk since pre-COVID times. Dr. Cli ord Rios, a well-renowned surgeon born and raised in the Hartford Area treating patients of all ages focused on treating the knee and shoulder, was able to share his expertise and knowledge with sta and clinicians regarding ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation.

A few of the key takeaways from the talk were his discussions regarding grafts harvested for the reconstruction with the main distinction being between allograft versus autograft. Allografts are derived from donors and the most common locations these grafts are taken from include the Tibialis (anterior or posterior), Achilles, and Patellar tendons. Allografts are commonly used in the older population that may not be as active, have incurred some degree of trauma or multi-ligament involvement, or an overall inactive population - due to the graft’s 2-3x more likelihood of re-tear as compared to autograft. One bene t of allografts however, is that the surgery itself is quicker with an “easier” onset to the rehabilitation process.

Conversely, autografts, which are harvested from the patient themselves, are most commonly derived from patellar (bone patella bone), hamstring, and quadriceps tendon grafts. The bone patella bone (BTB) graft is most commonly chosen, especially in the younger, athletic population (as long as their growth plates have matured) as there is a fast incorporation of the xation of bone within the graft. Quadriceps tendon grafts were once used much more heavily (1979 the graft came to fruition) but had taken the back seat to hamstring and BTB grafts. However, with growing research and newer techniques coming about, including a horizontal incision just proximal to the knee joint, there is promise for this technique to begin to be more readily used. The quadriceps tendon graft also shows no limits with age/maturity of the patient, and less overall knee morbidity following the surgery. Dr. Rios brought to light one major reason why hamstring autografts aren’t used as much, especially with females athletes. Although it is considered the “second gold standard” to BTB, there are bene ts to the hamstring autograft including better extensor strength post-operatively and is considered a biomechanically stronger graft. However, grafting from the medial side of the posterior knee, if improperly rehabbed following surgery leaves the patient’s knee at increased risk to experience a valgus laxity due to the muscular/tendinous asymmetries left from the harvesting. Although this risk is still present, Dr. Rios does say that at times, aesthetics come in to play for young athletes. If the patient is persistent in wanting the hamstring autograft, that is the one of the primary reasons he will choose this graft over the others. However, clinically speaking, BTB graft is still Dr. Rios’ main option in which he is con dent with their high outcomes. Overall, careful consideration and use of clinical experience, as well as a discussion with the patient are ultimately used to choose which graft will be used.

With all of the positive progress made within ACL research, there are still some limiting realities that should be recognized within rehabilitation. As we consistently work with this patient population, it should be known that only 60-65% of athletes and patients return back to their pre-injury state. Additionally, an alarming 1 out of every 5 cases experience another ACL injury to either the ipsilateral or contralateral knee. And, 80% of patients show signs of post-traumatic osteoarthritis at 10 year follow-ups. These statistics should be seen as important to keep in the back of our minds, as educational pieces, but more-so, act as further driving forces to ensure our rehabilitation programs are comprehensive and establish appropriate guidelines for patients as they strive to return back to where they were prior to their injuries.

Lastly, Dr. Rios enjoys working together as a team through patient care and he is aware that we spend a majority of the time with patients comparative to himself. He urges us that if we have a question about their progress, mental perception of their situation, or concerns moving forward, he is always open for conversation.

NEW 2023 Sponsored and Internal Courses

Examination and Treatment of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Instructed by PTSMC experts: Michelle Kijweski, MPT, cert. MDT & Rebecca Petrosino PT, MHS, OCS, COMT, CMTPT

April 22, 2023

8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

PTSMC Wallingford

Open all PTSMC Clinicians

This TMJ course provides an advanced understanding of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). Participants will learn anatomy and biomechanics of the normal Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), as well as abnormal mechanics or pathophysiological mechanics that will require a comprehensive evaluation and treatment approach. This course is designed to help di erentiate myofascial related pain from internal derangements and educate on the interrelationship between the cervical spine and the TMJ. Lab time will allow participants to perform a thorough evaluation, palpate anatomical structures, perform treatments including soft tissue and joint mobilizations, positional release and therapeutic exercises.

Evaluation and Management of Headaches: Lab Intensive

Instructed by Partner 4 Rehab: Jason Myerson, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT & Jason Grimes PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, ATC

June 24- 25, 2023

PTSMC Clinic TBD

Open to PTSMC clinicians

This course provides a comprehensive overview of primary and secondary headache disorders. The physiology and underlying mechanisms are discussed in combination with screening considerations for red ags. This course also implements manual therapy techniques and exercise from a research and evidence perspective including soft tissue mobilization and thrust (HVLA) and non-thrust mobilization directed at the cervical, cervicothoracic spine and adjacent ribs. This course is at least 60% hands-on lab and will give the clinician hands-on skills they use immediately.

Modern Management of the Older Adult Instructed by ICE

September 16-17, 2023

(RSVP by August 25)

PTSMC Guilford

Open to all PTSMC clinicians and ATCs

Designed for rehabilitation professionals who want to elevate their clinic skill set in the management of older adults. The size of this population is growing rapidly, unfortunately the desire to manage them with cutting edge evidence guided treatment has lagged well behind. Too often we see our older adults getting under treated, both with exercise and manual therapy, apparently as a consequence of both fear and ignorance. Take a deep dive into exploring myths and misconceptions of aging while laying out a clear current best evidence pathway to enable our older adults to not only survive but to thrive. A special emphasis is placed on progressive functional tness in this population to stave o functional decline. https://ptonice.com/our-courses/mmoa-live/

Drew Coisson, New Haven Physical Therapist

Grace Langdon, Fair eld PT Aide

Megan Morgan, Float PSC

Michaela Owens, New London PT Aide

Olivia Tarca, Windsor Physical Therapist

Rachel Slater, West Hartford Speech Language Pathologist

Jacob Viteritto, New London PT Aide

Michele Zemaitaits, Groton PSC

HUMAN RESOURCES

WE ARE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM!

The Learning Management System (LMS) is a tool in ADP that houses and delivers training content such as new hire orientation, compliance training, job speci c training and online courses. The LMS will be used for future PTSMC online trainings as a single source for content, course materials and instructions.

Keep an eye out for emails with more information about using the LMS this month. Our rst training will be Q1 Compliance that needs to be completed by all clinicians.

VACATION TIME REMINDER

Use it or lose it!

Employees will lose any unused accrued vacation hours by your reset date, which is your anniversary date.

Full time employees are allowed to use up to 40 hours vacation before the hours are actually accrued. Part time employees are allowed to use up to 20 hours vacation before the hours are actually accrued. Balances will be displayed as a negative. The system will not allow entry of vacation requests if hours exceed -40 or -20.

UNITED HEALTHCARE SUMMARY OF BENEFITS AND COVERAGE

Summary of Bene ts and Coverage for all plans are located in ADP. From the home page click under company documents click on: Forms Library > Company Documents>Health Bene t Documents

Reminder, the 2023 UHC coverage begins March 1, 2023. Eligible employees who elected for coverage will be receiving new insurance cards. Be on the look out in your mailbox!

HR IS HERE FOR YOU!

We are excited to resume the HR virtual visit format in the months of April and May. Be on the lookout in your email for for meeting sign ups. Sign ups are made simple through the scheduling tool Calendly.

This is a great opportunity for you to sign up for an individual timeslot to ask questions or just chat ��. We are here to help and support YOU in any way we can.

Examples of what you may want to discuss are:

• ADP system

• Bene ts

• Policies

• 401(k)

• D4Ds

• SIPTA program

• Upcoming life changes and what to expect

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to the following PT Aides who have completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program:

Kristi Patel, Branford

401(K) EMPLOYER SAFE HARBOR CONTRIBUTIONS

All eligible employees will receivetheir 2022 Safe Harbor employer contribution into their John Hancock account no later than March 15, 2023. Reminder, PTSMC contributes 3% of your total 2022 compensation.

Katya Lazor, Simsbury

Alexa Medor, Naugatuck

Isabella Mesturini, Middletown

Employee

Spot light

March is National Athletic Training Month. Therefore, we are spotlighting our amazing ATCs! Their names don’t appear on the stat sheets or the “Greatest Moments” highlight reels, but their presence and performance at critical moments is crucial to the safety of the athletes of any level that they watch both on the eld at a youth event, sports stadium and on TV. Recent events, like the life-saving care provided for the Bu alo Bills safety Damar Hamlin and the Army hockey players, have brought the profession of athletic training into the media spotlight.

Currently, PTSMC provides athletic trainers to secondary schools across CT and each are essential to the success of those high school athletics programs. To get to know PTSMC's athletic trainers better, we asked them to share about their careers, proud and memorable moments on the job, and their thoughts on the future of athletic training.

CAREER PATHS:

Keaton Mangi (New London) joined PTSMC in the Fall of 2021 after graduating with a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Sacred Heart University. He is the athletic trainer for Waterford High School. “During my career so far I have had the experience of working with a multitude of sports and athletes in the high school setting, rehab in the clinic setting, observed orthopedic surgeries, and worked with the CT State Police Academy. All of these experiences have boosted my con dence in relationships, critical thinking, decision making and resilience.”

Sam Donahue (Guilford) completed a clinical rotation at North Branford High School while working on his degree at Quinnipiac University. He joined us in 2017 to take over as the athletic trainer at NBHS. Jenna Bou ard (Watertown) completed a clinical rotation during her time at SCSU, with our very own Erik Lanese (Waterbury) at Holy Cross High School. Jenna joined PTSMC in 2016 as the athletic trainer for Watertown High School.

PROUD MOMENTS:

PTSMC’s athletic trainers have had some outstanding accomplishments, starting with, Jenna Bou ard was named the best female Athletic Trainer in the Naugatuck Valley League in October 2017. Additionally, Erik Lanese was named the Donald Bagnall Secondary School Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2020. Sam Donahue shared, “My greatest memory as an AT is winning the state championship with the eld hockey team. Seeing the blood sweat and tears of a team come to fruition is extremely rewarding.”

EMBARASSING OR FUNNY MOMENTS:

Keaton and Sam weren’t afraid to share their most embarrassing moment. In his rst year as athletic trainer at Waterford High School, Keaton said a seagull dropped “a gift” on his head while he was talking to the track coach and a group of athletes! Sam shared that one year during preseason football, a pair of his khaki shorts got caught and ripped. In both moments, there’s not much else you can do but laugh!

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ATHLETIC TRAINERS:

PTSMC ATCs were asked “What is the one thing you want people to know about what it meant to be an AT?” In all responses, they emphasized that being an AT means being a skilled healthcare provider and an integral part of the multi-disciplinary sports medicine team equipped with the knowledge and ability to provide preventative and emergency care.

Jenna explained, “Some people might think Athletic Trainers just sit and watch sporting events”, and that is far from the reality. “Our profession is very unpredictable, some days we’re watching the game and other days we don’t have time to catch our breath. We’re always prepared for any emergency event and we know how to react within seconds.”

Keaton echoed Jenna’s thoughts, “I want people to know that we can o er a consistent day-to-day impact in the lives of others and are an essential force in providing immediate care in emergency situations that can be the di erence in saving people’s lives.”

THE CURRENT “STATE OF THE PROFESSION”:

Athletic training certi cations have transitioned from requiring a Bachelors to a Masters degree within the past few years. Because of this increased schooling requirement, there are less people pursuing athletic trainers. Simultaneously, the need for athletic trainers at all levels of sport has increased due to the heightened awareness of the job.

Sam agreed that, “With the athletic training degree being changed to a 6-year program, there are going to be signi cantly less athletic trainers coming out of school. So for the current athletic trainer, it puts us at a premium. However, for the profession as a whole, I’m worried about it in the long term.”

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

Donna Baribault 1 Admin

Cameron Whalen 1 Middletown

Lindsey Scianna 1 Watertown

Samantha Jarry 2 Essex

Heather Marosz 3 Middletown

Alison Pearce 4 Admin

Pat Kinsella 4 Guilford

Jeremy Mercier 4 Southington

Olivia Schaub 6 Simsbury

Tom Kirsch 8 Avon

Mackenzie Anderson 8 Essex

Katie Scalora 9 Shelton

Kera Thorne 10 Danbury

Morgan Go 10 East Hampton

Michelle Madorran 10 New Milford

Danielle Pilgrim 10 New Milford

Kimoy Osorio 11 Admin

Taylor Modzelewski 11 Branford

Angela Riehl 12 Guilford

Zack Currie 12 Guilford

Lauren Jameson 12 New Haven

Dave Lawrence 13 Admin

Julianne Balavender 13 Admin

Jared Schi er 13 Wallingford

Sara Miller 13 Plainville/Wethers eld

Kevin Howard 14 Orange

Amanda Leiss 14 Wallingford

Katie Redman 14 West Hartford

Beverly Roche 15 Southbury

Danielle Ja er 15 Southington

Nancy Chilson 16 Avon

Je Hoerst 16 Glastonbury

Karin Larsen 19 Groton

Micah Lee 19 Guilford

Caidyn Galovich 21 East Hampton

Tyler Carmen 21 Wallingford

Jenna Bou ard 21 Watertown

Amanda Baldwin 21 Westbrook

Sarah Sommer 21 Windsor

Terran Travis 23 Lock St

Brian O'Dea 23 Newington

Jamie Collimore 23 Southington

Heather Feiner 24 Admin

Liannie Negron 24 Naugatuck

Shelby Deep 24 Watertown

Lauren Cummins 24 West Hartford

Ted Raczka 26 Branford

Annemarie Gigante

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES

Jill Cristaldi Physical Therapist Wethers

Keaton provided a positive spin with his outlook, “I believe that the profession is moving in a positive

direction. The shortage of athletic trainers and recent recognition has shined a spotlight on how valuable and in-demand athletic trainers are. Salaries and aspects of work life balance are improving as well.”

Thank you to all the PTSMC athletic trainers for their commitment and hard work for their respective schools and athletes!

Director

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRISTINE HILL

Promoted to Senior Referral Coordinator

Christine joined PTSMC in September 2020 when PTSMC entered into a three-year contract with Yale Health Plan to provide Yale Health members physical therapy services at their Lock Street location and at other PTSMC locations. Previously, for eight years, Christine served in a similar role with the organization who had the contract.

Fast forward, a pandemic and a slow return to “normalcy,” Christine has provided leadership, institutional knowledge and a customer-centric approach to this PTSMC partnership with Yale Health. Christine’s capacity to navigate the Yale Health system, manage volumes of referrals, troubleshoot challenges and do it all with the most positive attitude has been amazing. Sandy Wickman Mason, Vice President of Operations, exuded, “PTSMC’s success with the Yale Health partnership sits squarely on Christine’s shoulders. When we rst started, we didn’t know what we didn’t know. Christine led the way. What was a one person operation is now sta ed with 2.5 employees (Christine, Julianne Balavender and Grace Burke) plus support from Theresa Nolan, Customer Service Representative at the Lock Street location. All employees are PTSMC employees. Most of the time it’s been fun growing this venture. Christine’s attention to detail and our PT for Life culture de nitely contributes tremendously to our success.” In her new role, Christine will oversee daily operations of the referral process, ensure all visits are authorized, work closely with PTSMC senior leadership in providing reports and analysis and safeguarding positive relations with Yale Health leadership and sta .

Christine is excited to be recognized and appreciated for her hard work. She views her career very seriously and is thrilled that her determination is noticed! She has many goals to accomplish within the new role. Mainly streamlining the referral issues with Yale to bene t PTSMC as a whole and taking even more of an active role with outside Authorizations and independent decision making for the Yale Health member’s care. She looks forward to continuing to set the direction and working with her team as they navigate the YH system. Christine is up for any challenge that Yale Health presents!

CONGRATULATIONS TO Emily Fillion

Promoted to Senior Marketing Coordinator

Emily joined PTSMC in the summer of 2018. A graduate from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Emily spent a couple of years working for a nonpro t providing community outreach including internal and external communications, supporting website management and database maintenance. Emily also earned her Master of Science degree in Interactive Media from Quinnipiac University. Emily has been with PTSMC for over four years and has been a key driver in moving PTSMC marketing initiatives forward.

Newly anointed Director of Marketing, Maggie Olson commented, “Emily’s ‘can do’ spirit, creation of new ideas and ability to drive initiatives forward have been strong contributions to the marketing department and PTSMC.”

In Emily’s new role she will support marketing e orts by contributing to campaign planning, content creation and analysis of marketing initiatives. This includes the creation and maintenance of website content and utilizing marketing analytic tools to gather insights on campaign performance. She will be responsible for the management of social media accounts, production of organic content and analysis of organic performance. She will also lead the coordination, organization and support the promotion of planned PTSMC clinic and community events among other initiatives.

Emily is very excited to have more responsibilities as the Senior Marketing Coordinator. She looks forward to new challenges that will help her grow personally and professionally. She looks forward to taking the lead on projects and using her experience over the last 4.5 years to be successful.

In her free time, Emily enjoys working out and playing soccer and volleyball. As a personal trainer, she loves anything that has to do with tness and wellness. Emily is an avid reader and enjoy mostly fantasy, science ction, and thrillers.

DEADLINES

What to Expect

By Kristen Forster, Director of Operations

What do you expect when you call or walk into a medical o ce? What is your typical experience as a patient?

When I call a medical o ce, I expect it to be di cult to get through to the right person. I expect to be put on hold. I expect they have no idea who I am. When I walk in for my appointment, I anticipate they will not even look at me when I walk up to the desk. My visit will be quick, and eventually I will get a bill.

What do you expect when you walk into a PTSMC o ce? Is that picture in your head the same?

I know mine is not. I expect people to be friendly and warm. I anticipate they will ash me a smile and let me know they will be right with me as soon as they can. When they greet me, they will use MY NAME, and they will ask how I am and about my family. I expect that PT for Life experience!

PT can be a little scary and intimidating. Some people haven’t had good experiences in the past. We need to show patients the PT for Life experience from the rst time we talk with them, before they ever walk in the door, so they know what to expect. Setting expectations for the patient experience helps di use some of the uncertainty that goes along with being a patient.

Show patients that coming to PTSMC is di erent. Simple ways to convey this message and make the patient comfortable are:

• Ask, “Have you ever had PT/OT/ST before?”

• Let them know where to park, what to wear and when to arrive.

• Ask if there is any other information they need to make it easy for them to start their journey to recovery.

• Ask them a question to get to know them better.

To continue to meet expectations and uphold the PT for Life standard, remember these principles:

• Communicate – Asking questions, listening, and repeating back information is powerful.

• Put yourself in their shoes – Imagine the experience you would want, and show up like that.

• Be consistent – Hold yourself to the standards you would expect.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

DEI

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

WOMEN’s HERSTORY

By Marilex Santiago, DEI Leader & Administrative Coordinator

Women’s History month is celebrated in March to acknowledge and highlight the contributions of women throughout history and modern-day society. Milestones in the foundation of US history include women such as Abigail Adams, Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks and many more. It was rst celebrated in 1981 with Women’s History Week, changing to Women's History Month in 1987.

Furthermore, on March 8th, we celebrate International Women’s Day to raise awareness on gender inequalities, increase support for women worldwide, celebrate achievements, and highlight vital roles woman have played throughout time. We can show support of International Women’s Day by wearing purple and showing gratitude to women on this day. Purple historically represents justice and dignity, both important drivers in moving the acknowledgement of women’s roles in history forward.

This year, in honor of Women’s History month, we will bring together the women of PTSMC in special event. As both a DEI and Employee Engagement initiative we will be hosting a women’s self-defense class for anyone who identi es as female in the company. It will be an introductory self-defense class focused on empowering women, teaching valuable physical and mental skills, and cultivating connections! Our hope is by empowering and celebrating the women in our company they feel supported to always continue to break glass ceilings.

There will be two separate introductory classes on April 5th (Wethers eld Clinic) and 6th (Branford Clinic). We are asking for a minimum $5 donation from participants, and all of the proceeds Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence in New Haven, CT. UCDVS is dedicated to increasing awareness of domestic violence and its e ect on the community, empowering those victimized by providing advocacy and safe and e ective services, and to working for social change to eliminate domestic violence. If you would like to learn more

Engagement & Wellness Calendar

March

Women’s History Month March 1-31

National Employee Appreciation Day Deadline March 3

International Women’s Day March 8

April

Women’s Self Defense Class April 5 - Wethers eld

Women’s Self Defense Class April 6 - Branford

INTER-CLINIC COMPETITION

Game on, it’s bracket time! NCAA Women’s and Men’s Basketball tournaments take place this month, so it’s for a company competition. Each clinic can enter 1 bracket for the Women’s and 1 bracket for the Men’s tournament, and the WINNING clinic of each tournament will receive a sta lunch!

Post your bracket for patients to see and create some fun chatter. Standings can be seen live through the PTSMC bracket group via ESPN and will be emailed out after the conclusion of each round.

Women’s:

Study up with Bracketology: www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/30423107/ncaa-women-bracketology-2023-women-college-basketball-projections Selection Show: March 12

“First Four” March 15 – 16, First & Second Rounds March 17-20

Final 4 & Championship: Dallas, Texas, March 31 & April 2

Click here to start your clinic’s bracket. | PW: PT4life

Men’s:

Study up with Bracketology: www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-2023-march-madness-men- eld-predictions Selection Show: March 12

“First Four” March 14 – 15, First & Second Rounds March 16-19

Final 4 & Championship: Houston, Texas, April 1 & 3

Click here to start your clinic’s bracket. | PW: PT4life

Brackets must be completed Before the commencement of each tournament’s rst game. Email mallory.mason@ptsmc.com with any questions. Good luck!

Level Up #GETMOVING CHallenge

The annual #GetMoving Challenge is leveling up this spring to help you level up your wholistic wellness.

Click here to sign up for the Women’s Self-Defense Class

This will be a combination of challenges for physical and mental health! We are going back to an individual challenge, and if you meet the goals of the challenge, you will be rewarded. More details in next month’s PULSE.

Email wellness@ptsmc.com to join.

PTSMC Happenings!

MARCH

March 11th - Naugatuck, Southbury, Waterbury, Watertown

Shamrock Shu e 5k

March 16th - Human Resources

Sacred Heart University Career Event

March 21st - Wallingford

Cromwell High School Career Fair

March 22nd - Avon

Avon High School Career Fair

March 30th - Newington

Newington High School Career Fair

APRIL

April 1st - Human Resources

NE Student Conclave in Boston

April 29th - Windsor

Race to the Weekend Wheels 5k Run & Walk

Are you participating in an event?

Reach out to Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com

SoCIAl Media Sensation

Channing

Harwood,

Plainville Physical Therapist & Clinical Excellence Coordinator

Danielson gave out doggie gnomes for Valentine’s Day gifts made by PSC Melani Hayes. Cherie, a patient, is pictured holding one up!

New Haven proudly showed o their recently renovated clinic and Top Workplaces artwork.

Watertown celebrated Valentine’s Day by gifting small bags of chocolates and carnations to each patient. Pictured is a patient with her gitfs!

Congrats to Kevin Connellan, PTSMC Plainville Partner & Director! The Central CT Chambers of Commerce presented him with Community Volunteer Award for the Plainville community. this February. He was initially recognized in 2020, but the ceremony was delayed.

Amber Manville, Southbury physical therapist, married Josh Carlbert on January 24, 2023.

Channing has been working with the marketing team to create Reels for Facebook and Instagram and Tik Toks. Check out his most recent reel on dry needling by clicking on the image.

Dave Lawrence, Director of Information Technology, and Christine Rasile, Senior Accountant, were awarded Best Paper at the 2022 NEAIS Conference for their paper “Impacts of Health Information Exchance and Health Information Organization on Hospital E ciency: A Data Envelopment Analysis.” Both are currently pursuing their Master’s degrees from CCSU.

• Personal awareness

P e r s o n a l A w a r e n e s s

• Recognize and respond to personal threats

R e c o gn iz e a n d d e a l w it h p e r s o n a l

• Develop con dence

t h r e a t s

• Basic self defense techniques

D e v e lo p c o n f id e n c e

B a s ic s e lf d e f e n s e t e c h n iq u e s

When and Wher e:

Learn: When and Where:

Y o u c a n c h o o s e t o a t t e n d o n e o f

You can choose to attend one of two sessions:

t w o s e s s io n s :

• Wednesday, April 5 at 7:15pm

Wethers eld Clinic

W e d n e s d a y , A p r il 5 ,

W e t h e r s f i e l d C l i n i c a t 7 :15 p m

• Thursday, April 6 at 7:15pm

Branford Clinic

T h u r s d a y , A p r il 6 , B r a n f o r d

C l i n i c a t 7 :15 p m

Additional Info:

Additional Info:

A $ 5 m in im u m d o n a t io n w ill b e

c o lle c t e d a t t h e d o o r t o r a is e m o n e y

f o r Um b r e lla C e n t e r f o r D o m e s t ic

V io le n c e S e r v ic e s ( UC D V S ) . P T S M C

A $5 minimum donation will be collected at the door to raise money for The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS). PTSMC will match the total donated!

w ill m a t c h t o t a l d o n a t io n s !

Instructor

Jose Pacheco joins us with 27 years of martial arts experience. He has earned a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo karate, a brown belt in Brazilian Jujitsu, and over 100 hours of coursework in theory, technique, and instructional practices. He is married and a father of two.

SIgn Up Her e

Instructor: Sign Up Here:

Space limited!

RSVP required by March 24th.

Questions? Contact marilex.santiago@ptsmc.com or mallory.mason@ptsmc.com