Adjunct Faculty
Purpose of Role
This course provides foundational knowledge to prepare students to engage in effective clinical management of patients with pediatric onset musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. Students will build upon concepts of typical development to apply conceptual frameworks of the International Classification of Function and Guide to PT practice, for children with pediatric musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diagnoses. Musculoskeletal and neuromuscular based pediatric movement disorders will be introduced and emphasized within the context of the elements of physical therapy practice and patient/client management from examination through contemporary intervention and outcome analysis. Students will incorporate analysis of movement and identification of underlying impairments that lead to functional activity limitations and participation restrictions for children with a variety of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diagnoses.
Philosophical Approaches
Philosophical approaches that include aspects of parent and child as teacher, awareness of cultural diversity and humility, and evidence informed clinical decision making in the context of pediatric patient management, will be reinforced. Collaborative medical management through pharmacological, surgical, and assistive technology interventions will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on empowering children and caregivers to maximize function from childhood through late adolescence.
Course Content
Course content will reinforce the development of professional and ethical behaviors, the scope of physical therapy practice, collaborative practice models, therapeutic communication skills, and documentation.
Laboratory Sessions
Laboratory sessions will promote the development of skill in the application of pediatric specific examination and intervention techniques discussed in lecture to case scenarios.
Required Qualifications
- Current New York State PT License
- Contemporary experience/expertise in Pediatric Physical Therapy
- An interest in teaching and mentoring entry-level DPT students