Physical Therapist
• Specialized in evaluating, developing and implementing a treatment plan for individuals with complete or incomplete SCI including: brown-sequard syndrome/central cord syndrome/anterior cord syndrome, with or without dual diagnoses including: traumatic or non traumatic BI, respiratory compromise requiring use of diaphragmatic pacer and/or supplemental oxygen, orthopedic injury affecting weightbearing status, and/or other neurological involvement including MS/cerebellar infarct/pontine infarct• Participated in weekly interdisciplinary meetings and patient care conferences to communicate discipline specific goals and barriers to discharge to maximize patient function• Managed patients with cancer of variable prognosis, cardiac related issues, stroke, orthopeadic injury including those with partial limb amputations and status post shoulder/knee/hip/back surgery • Supervised 3 physical therapy assistants and managed caseload of 6-13 patients/day• Performed wheelchair seating evaluations with vendors and wrote subsequential letter of medical necessity to determine equipment needs including those requiring alternative drive controls and individualized programming• Carried out home assessments where equipment and modifications were recommended • Trained staff and students on SCI specific information to support continuum of care • Conducted education with patient and caregiver related to patient’s specific functional mobility/capabilities/and recommended equipment for safe discharge• Sought professional development through proficiency of lokomat gait therapy/Bioness/Motomed FES application, attendance in continuing education courses related to complex seating systems and nonviolent crisis intervention, in-services related to current durable medical equipment/OTAGO/SCI related topics including: pain and sexuality, as well as on-site training related to LVAD• Measured and fit spinal and lower extremity bracing with orthotist and trained hospital staff for competency
