2011 Speaker Bios
Bara Alsalaheen
Bara completed his Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan (2006), and worked as teaching and research assistant at the University of Jordan. In 2008, he completed his Master's of Science degree in physical therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a currently a graduate student researcher in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. His current research emphasis is the role of vestibular/ balance rehabilitation in management of patients with dizziness and balance disorders after concussion. He is currently investigating the presence of a relationship between neuropsychological and balance recovery after concussion, and conducting a study to establish normative data for common gait and balance measures in high school age students.
Dr. Robert E. Boyles, PT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT
Dr. Boyles is the Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Pugeot Sound in Tacoma Washington. Dr. Boyles recent education presentations include: Evidence-based Examination and Selected Interventions for Patients with Upper Extremity Disorders, Evidence in Motion, Austin, TX, 2010; Evidence-Based Interventions for the Lumbar Spine and Pelvis: Basic Lumbar Manipulation and Exercise Interventions. Preconference Course, APTA Advanced Clinical Practice series, Dartmouth Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, 2010; Evidence-based Examination and Selected Interventions for Patients with Cervical Spine Disorders. Evidence in Motion. Syracuse, NY 2010; Manual Therapy for the Cervicothoracic Region. Multi-service Physical Therapy Conference. Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 2010; Examination and Selected Interventions for Patients with Cervical Spine Disorders. University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA 2010; Manual Therapy for the Shoulder. Manipalooza. Evidence in Motion. Denver, CO 2010; Examination and Selected Interventions for Patients with Cervical Spine Disorders. Advanced Clinical Practice, APTA. Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland OH 2010; Evidence-based Examination and Selected Interventions for Patients with Lumbopelvic Disorders, Evidence in Motion, Greenville, SC 2010; Evidence-based Examination and Selected Interventions for Patients with Upper Extremity Disorders, Evidence in Motion, Fort Wayne, IN 2010; Evidence-based Examination and Selected Interventions for Patients with Upper Extremity Disorders, Evidence in Motion, Poulsbo, WA 2010. Dr. Boyles Topic Relevant Peer Reviewed Publications include: Boyles RE, Walker MJ, Young BA, Strunce JB, Wainner RS. The addition of cervical thrust manipulations to a manual physical therapy approach in patients being treated for mechanical neck pain: a secondary analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2010;40(3):133-40.; Strunce JB, Walker MJ, Boyles RE, Young BA. The immediate effects of thoracic spine and rib manipulation on subjects with primary complaint of shoulder pain. J Manual Manip Ther, 2010;17(4):230-236.; Young BA, Walker MJ, Strunce JB, Boyles RE, Whitman JM, Childs JD. Responsiveness of the Neck Disability Index in patients with mechanical neck disorders. Spine Journal, 2009; 9: 802-8.; Boyles RE, Ritland BM, Miracle BM, Moore JH, Wainner RW. The short term effects of thoracic thrust manipulation on patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Manual Therapy, 2009, 14, 375-380.; Walker MJ, Boyles RE, Young BA, Strunce JB, Deyle G, Whitman JW, Garber M, Wainner RS. The efficacy of manual therapy versus placebo ultrasound for mechanical neck disorders, a randomized clinical trial. Spine. 2008: 33(22): 2371-2378. ; Boyles RE, Flynn TW, Whitman JW Manipulation following regional interscalene block for shoulder adhesive capsulitis: A case series. Manual Therapy, 2005, 10: 80-87. Fritz J, Whitman J, Boyles RE. Evidence in practice: treatment of the frozen shoulder. Physical Therapy. 2003; 83: 486-495.
Kristy Brandon, PT, DPT, MTC
Kristy is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and graduate of University of St. Augustine’s Orthopaedic Residency. Kristy is currently a teaching assistant for the University of St. Augustine and holds her Manual Physical Therapist certification and is a current travel physical therapist.
Gerard Brennan, PT, PhD
Gerard P. Brennan, PT, PhD. is the Director of Clinical Quality and Outcomes Research for Intermountain Healthcare Physical Therapy. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic and Manual Physical Therapists, and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Utah and the University of Pittsburgh. After Dr. Brennan completed a Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Duke University in 1975, he and his wife moved West, where he completed his PhD in Exercise Physiology at the University of Utah in 1985. In reflecting on his 36 years of practice, Dr. Brennan describes his philosophy of care as "rooted in quality improvement and clinical research." Dr. Brennan has made numerous scientific presentations at state and national meetings and has lectured at the graduate level on Orthopedics, Manual Therapy, Exercise Science, and Quality Improvement. He maintains an active clinical research agenda in areas related to orthopaedics, classification of patients with low back pain, spinal manipulation, quality improvement and treatment effectiveness studies. He has received research grants from the Agency for Health, Research, and Quality (AHRQ), the Deseret Foundation and private funding. Dr. Brennan has published over 25 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He is a member of the Orthopedic and Research Sections of the APTA, and has served as the Vice President of The Section on Research for the APTA. Currently, he serves as Vice-President of the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA.
Joshua Cleland, PT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Dr Cleland earned a Master of Physical Therapy Degree from Notre Dame College in 2000 and the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Creighton University in 2001. In February of 2006, he received a PhD from Nova Southeastern University. He received board certification from the American Physical Therapy Association as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist in 2002 and completed a fellowship in manual therapy through Regis University in Denver, CO in 2005. Josh is presently a Professor in the Physical Therapy Program at Franklin Pierce University. He practices clinically in outpatient orthopaedics at Rehabilitation Services of Concord Hospital, Concord, NH. He is actively involved in numerous clinical research studies investigating the effectiveness of manual physical therapy and exercise in the management of spine and extremities disorders. He has published over 100 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals including Spine, Physical Therapy, the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy and Manual Therapy. He is on the Editorial Board for Physical Therapy and is an Editorial Review Board Member for the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. He currently serves on the Nominating and Research Committees of the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. He is the recipient of the 2009 Eugene Michels New Investigator Award. He received the 2008 Jack Walker Award from the American Physical Therapy Association. Additionally, Dr Cleland was awarded the Excellence in Research Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists on 2 separate occasions (2004 and 2006).
Erin Conrad, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT
Erin Conrad received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in 2004. She received a MS Exercise Science with a Rehabilitation Concentration in 2007. Also, Erin has received a Manual Therapy Certification through the University of St. Augustine, a Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification through NASM, as well as her Orthopaedic Specialist Certification. She completed a Fellowship in Manual Physical Therapy through the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy in 2007. Erin is currently the Director of the Residency and Fellowship program and an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine. She also teaches E2 Extremity Integration Continuing Education for the University of St. Augustine. Erin works part time in an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Her post-graduate clinical experiences also include: Outpatient Orthopaedics, Home Health, Neuro Rehabilitation, and Geriatrics.
Chad Cook, PT, PhD, MBA, OCS, FAAOMPT
Chad Cook is a Professor/Chair of Walsh University in North Canton Ohio and holds consulting or adjunct faculty appointments at Duke University and the University of Otago. Chad is an international lecturer and has published 120 peer reviewed manuscripts on multiple topics, including outcomes measures. He has created 3 novel outcomes measures and has published a number of articles using item response theory for validating or condensing patient outcomes tools. Hes won a number of research and teaching awards, and currently has three textbooks; and is the editor in chief of the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy.
Carol Courtney, PT, PhD, ATC, FAAOMPT
Carol Courtney is Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She received a BS in PT from Washington University in St Louis, MApplSc in Manipulative Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia, and PhD from University of Miami. At UIC, she serves as the director of the post-professional Fellowship in OMPT. Her research investigates effects of joint injury and osteoarthritis on pain processing and joint function, and pain modulation through manual therapy intervention. Dr. Courtney serves as co-chair of the Standards Committee of AAOMPT and is a deputy editor of the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy.
Gail Dean Deyle PT, DSc, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Gail Deyle is a professor with Baylor University Graduate School and senior faculty for the Army-Baylor University Doctoral Fellowship in OMPT. Dr Deyle has received degrees from the University of Nebraska, Baylor University, Creighton University, and Andrews University. He is board certified in orthopaedics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. His publications include some of the best evidence available for the application of clinical physical therapy with a manual therapy emphasis. Dr Deyle has received numerous awards for his clinical and research accomplishments. He is actively involved with clinical practice, clinical mentoring, and clinical research, as well as teaching in a variety of entry level and post-professional settings.
Megan Donaldson, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT
Megan Donaldson PT, PhD, FAAOMPT is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Walsh University DPT program. She earned her BS/ MS degrees at DYouville College and her PhD from the Nova Southeastern University from Ft. Lauderdale FL. She has completed a manual physical therapy fellowship program from Daemen College in Buffalo, NY. She is a reviewer for the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy. She is active in the district and state level of the APTA. She remains active in clinical practice. She has 3 peer reviewed publications, 1 text book chapter, and teaches locally and nationally.
Alison Duncombe, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Alison Duncombe serves as Coordinator of Outpatient Physical Therapy Services at the University of Illinois Medical Center and Clinical Instructor at UIC Department of Physical Therapy. She is a graduate of The London Hospital School of Physiotherapy, London, England and is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist. In 2006, Alison successfully completed the UIC Fellowship in OMPT and was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy.
Timothy W. Flynn, PT, PhD
Dr. Flynn is board certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS), a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), and a frequent research presenter at state, national, and international meetings. Dr. Flynn is widely published including 5 textbooks, 8 book chapters, over 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts on orthopaedics, biomechanics, and manual therapy issues. He has received numerous research grants. Awards include the James A. Gould Excellence in Teaching Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, the Steven J. Rose Excellence in Research (twice), the AAOMPT Outstanding Research Award (twice), and the Distinguished Alumnus- Marquette University Program in Physical Therapy. Dr. Flynn continues to maintain an active research agenda in the areas of spinal and extremity manipulation, low back disorders, characterization of spinal stability, and appropriate healthcare utilization. Dr. Flynn is an expert clinician and owner of Colorado Physical Therapy Specialists where he is dedicated to providing the highest quality care possible. His primary clientele is made up of individuals suffering from low back pain, chronic spinal disorders, failed back surgeries, and chronic pain disorders. Dr. Flynn's clinical expertise is frequently sought by national and international clients. He is on the executive board of Evidence in Motion Institute for Health Professions, which passionately promotes a culture of evidence-based practice within the physical therapy profession. Dr. Flynn is the immediate past President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists and an Associate Editor for the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT). He is a Distinguished Professor at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions where he teaches professional and post-professional students in the area of musculoskeletal management, advanced manipulation skills, and evidence based practice.
Amy Garrigues, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Amy completed her DPT from Simmons College in 2004 and fellowship with AAOMPT in through Regis University 2009. She is currently a full time clinician at Groves Physical Therapy in Minnesota. http://grovespt.com/staff-amygarrigues.asp
Joe Godges, DPT
Joe Godges, DPT, MA, OCS, is the Coordinator of Clinical Education and Practice for OptimisCorp where his primary role is to oversee the continual development of the clinical elements embedded into OptimisPT and OptimisSport. In addition, Dr. Godges is the ICF-based Clinical Practice Guidelines Coordinator for the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA, Inc. He has spent the last 20 years of his career training physical therapy residents and fellows in clinical residency and fellowship programs for Kaiser Permanente, OptimisCorp, and the University of Southern California. Part of Dr. Godges' professional development included receiving his MA in counseling psychology from Loyola Marymount University.
Benjamin Hando, PT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT
http://www.evidenceinmotion.com/facultyfiles/current%20CV_2-09.pdf
Kevin Harris, PT, DPT, D.Sc., OCS, FAAOMPT
Dr. Kevin Harris is the internship director at Brooke Army Medical Center and a graduate of the Army-Baylor University Doctoral Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. He has also served in multiple assignments within the United States Army Special Operations Command as a fully independent direct-access provider in numerous deployed and non-deployed settings. He is a Fellow of AAOMPT and a board-certified as an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist from the APTA. Dr. Harris holds a Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Baylor University. His research interests include the effects of an orthopaedic manual physical therapist approach to common musculoskeletal complaints.
Dennis Hart, PT, PhD
Dr. Hart is a physical therapist with a doctorate in industrial engineering. He is the Director of Consulting and Research for FOTO, Inc., an international medical-rehabilitation outcomes database management company where he analyzes outcomes data, develops outcomes instruments, and uses item response theory methods to develop computerized adaptive testing applications. He has published over 85 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and he is active as a reviewer for several peer reviewed journals for his expertise in measurement, item response theory methods and computerized adaptive testing, ergonomics, industrial rehabilitation and litigation support.
Charles Hazle, PT, PhD
Charles Hazle earned a doctor of philosophy in studying the manual skills of students and practicing clinicians. A full-time practitioner for 13 years, he made the transition to the academic setting at the University of Kentucky after being an adjunct faculty member for seven years. He contributes to teaching in the musculoskeletal coursework with particular interests in manual therapy and diagnostic imaging for physical therapists. He is co-author of the 2008 text Imaging in Rehabilitation and has also published on an alternate diagnostic category for sacroiliac joint disorders.
Alicia Emerson Kavchak, PT, MS, OCS, FAAOMPT
Alicia Emerson Kavchak is a board certified orthopedic specialist within the APTA and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist. Alicia is a Fellowship Mentor at the University of Illinois in Chicago and has a strong background in evaluating the creation of outcomes
measures (the initial stages, prior to validation).
Ken Learman, PT, PhD, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT
Ken Learman, PT, PhD, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT, is an Associate Professor at Youngstown State University's and is an adjunct faculty member at Walsh University. He received his BSPT from SUNY Buffalo, an MEd from Penn State University, and his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a board
certified orthopedic specialist and a fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. He is an associate editor of the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy and has 6 peer reviewed publications, two textbook chapters, and has taught over 70 continuing education courses nationally.
Matt Lee, PT, DPT, OCS, FFAOMPT
Matt Lee PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT has a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Regis University and a Masters of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Evansville. He completed his clinical fellowship at the Kaiser Permanente Fellowship in Advanced Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy in
Hayward, California. Matt is involved with post graduate education with Regis University, the University of Kentucky, Select Medical and Kaiser Permanente. His clinical interests are in pain science, manual therapy, and whiplash associated disorder. https://sites.google.com/site/mleecv1/
Paul Mintken, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Dr. Mintken is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado Denver, where he is the track coordinator for the musculoskeletal content. He completed his entry level masters in physical therapy in 1994 at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and returned to compete a Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2004. Dr. Mintken completed the Regis University Manual Therapy Fellowship in 2008. Dr. Mintken is a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic and Manual Physical Therapists. He maintains an active research agenda in the areas of spinal and extremity manipulation, with grants from the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic and Manual Physical Therapists. He has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including Physical Therapy, the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, and the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, and has co-authored four book chapters.
Micheal O'Hearn, PT, MHS, OCS, FAAOMPT
Michael O'Hearn is chief of Physical Therapy at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St Joseph MI and teaches in the UIC Fellowship in OMPT. He is a graduate of the University of Sydney, School of Physiotherapy in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He received his Masters of Health Science from the University of Indianapolis, Krannert School of Physical Therapy in 1999. He is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy.
Catherine Patla, PT, DHSc, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT
Catherine acts as both associate professor and as Co-Director of OMT Fellowship at USA. She has been a fellow of AAOMPT since 1996. Since 1996 - 2010, she has been on AAOMPT standards committee and co-chair 2003-2008. She is active in the FPTA both at the sub district level , as a delegate to HOD since 2002 ,chief delegate from 2004-2006 and Florida chapter President from 2007-2009. Her research investigations are on the topics of end-feel and clinical diagnostics skills. She has completed her 10th marathon in 2010 and is an avid hiker of the Appalachian Trail.
Emilo "Louie" Puentedura, PT, DPT, GDMT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Dr. Puentedura is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he teaches gross anatomy, diagnostic imaging and spine examination and interventions, as well as other musculoskeletal courses. He completed his entry-level Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Physiotherapy (B.App.Sc.Physio) and subsequent Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy (GDMT) at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia in the early 1890s. He was awarded his Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree (with distinction) from Northern Arizona University in 2005, and is currently completing his dissertation for a PhD in Physical Therapy through Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Puentedura is also a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT). Dr. Puentedura has worked primarily in private practice settings, initially in Australia and since 1995, in the USA. He presented at Australian National and Regional Conferences, and since moving to the USA has presented at various State PT Association meetings and conferences. He is a senior instructor with International Spine Pain Institute and the Neuro-Orthopedic Institute (NOI) in the USA. He has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, and Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, and has co-authored several book chapters.
Dan Rhon
http://www.evidenceinmotion.com/facultyfiles/RhonCV_EIM.pdf
Eric Robertson, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Eric Robertson, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. He received his physical therapy education from Quinnipiac University and Boston University, and is board certified in orthopaedics. Eric teaches musculoskeletal and radiology courses at Texas State, and is active in clinical practice at Texas Physical Therapy Specialists. Eric is also part of the faculty for the Evidence in Motion, LLC Residency and Fellowship programs and has authored several web-based continuing education courses. Eric has a passion for the use of technology in healthcare and is a frequent national presenter. Eric specializes in information management and the use of social media in healthcare. Eric's work has appeared in several peer-reviewed journals and on popular health websites, as well as on his personal blog, PT Think Tank. He is a co-founder of Physiopedia, an evidence-based, open-source wiki written by and for physical therapists and physiotherapists around the world. Eric is also a public relations strategist for the physical therapy field, working closely with both individuals and national organizations. Eric lives in Austin, TX, and in his spare time has fun playing the French horn, playing with his Weimaraners, and amassing a collection of bonsai trees.
Amanda Grant Roys, PT, DPT, MTC, CLT
Amanda is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and graduate of University of St. Augustine's Orthopaedic Fellowship. Amy is currently a member of the University of St. Augustine's adjunct faculty and holds her certifications as a Manual Physical Therapist Certification and Lymphedema Therapis.
Bill Vicenzino, PhD, MSc, BPT
Professor Bill Vicenzino holds the Chair in Sports Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland, Australia where he is Head of Physiotherapy, director of the Treatment and Prevention of Sports Injury Research Centre and coordinator of the Master of Sports Physiotherapy program. His research activity focuses on the pressing need for an evidence base for current and evolving approaches to rehabilitation and management of musculoskeletal pain and injury. In a physical activity context, musculoskeletal pain and injury interferes with quality of life and impacts significantly on community, such that an improved knowledge of the management of such conditions will greatly improve our citizens' health and wellbeing. His research activity takes a 3 pronged approach, involving studies of: (i) effects, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy of physical treatments; (ii) the underlying nature of musculoskeletal pain states; and (iii) risk factor identification and preventative strategies in injury. His research to date includes study of manipulation – especially MWM, exercise, foot orthoses and tape in such musculoskeletal conditions as lateral epicondylalgia, patellofemoral pain syndrome, ankle sprain and neck pain. Bill has recently authored the first evidence informed book on mobilisation with movements, has over 120 peer reviewed journal publications, 28 book chapters, and serves as an associate editor of the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, British Journal of Sports Medicine, Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy and sits on the editorial review board for Manual Therapy. He has presented over 320 invited conference and workshop presentations.
Mark Werneke, MS, PT, Dip MDT
Mark is a physical therapist working as a full time clinician in a hospital-based outpatient spine clinic at CentraState Medical Center, NJ. Mark has authored many research papers published in Spine, Phys Ther, JRM, JOSPT, JMMT, J Clin Epidemiol, and APMR 2009. Mark has been actively involved in peer-review for several journals over the past 10 years. Marks clinical and research interests are related to classification and treatment of patients with spinal impairments, value-based purchasing, clinical application of the biopsychosocial model, and daily data and outcome documentation.
Alexis (Lexie) Wright, PT, DPT, PhD
Alexis (Lexie) Wright is a Visiting Specialist in Physical Therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. At University of Otago, Lexie received a number of research grants for her dissertation work. Lexie has published a number of papers on patient report and physical performance outcomes measures including studies that have refuted the validity of the minimally clinically important change score. She is currently enrolled in a manual therapy fellowship program at UIC.