IPTA

#THIRDTHURSDAY: Tech Neck Unplugged: Preventing Pain in the Digital Age (March 2025)

As screen time increases, so does the prevalence of "Tech Neck"—a modern musculoskeletal disorder resulting from prolonged forward head posture and poor ergonomics. This #THIRDTHURSDAY presentation is designed for physical therapists seeking to enhance their expertise in diagnosing and managing this condition.

Participants will explore the anatomy and pathophysiology of Tech Neck, gaining a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal and neurological implications of sustained cervical strain. The course will cover comprehensive clinical assessment strategies, including postural analysis, range of motion testing, and special tests to classify the severity of the disorder.

Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based treatment approaches, including manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, postural retraining, ergonomic modifications, and patient education. Additionally, participants will learn how to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to various patient presentations.

By the end of this course, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat Tech Neck, improving patient outcomes in both clinical and preventative settings.

Dr. Fred Kassal, PT, DPT, CMT, OCS shares insight and expertise on "Tech Neck Unplugged: Preventing Pain in the Digital Age."

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the biomechanical and physiological effects of prolonged screen use and poor posture on the cervical spine, shoulders, and thoracic spine.
• Differentiate between musculoskeletal, neurological, and myofascial contributors to “Tech Neck” and related pain syndromes.
• Perform functional movement assessments to evaluate posture, mobility, and muscular imbalances in patients with screen-related pain.
• Implement targeted interventions, including manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic exercise, to address postural dysfunction and pain.
• Develop patient-centered ergonomic recommendations and movement strategies to reduce strain and improve posture during screen use.
• Educate patients on self-care strategies, including posture awareness, movement breaks, and technology modifications, to prevent recurring pain.

About the Speaker: 

Dr. Fred Kassal, PT, DPT, CMT, OCS graduated from Saint Ambrose University, Davenport IA, in 2019 with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Following graduation, Dr. Kassal pursued an Orthopedic Residency program with Edward Hospital to become an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, which he completed in 2021. Currently, Dr. Kassal is pursuing a certification in vestibular rehabilitation to focus primarily on pediatric vestibular rehabilitation. He also enjoys helping athletes, shoulder, hip, and knee pain.

Dr. Kassal is a Physical Therapist at Goodlife Physical Therapy in Orland Park, IL. He has a passion working with orthopedic conditions, chronic pain, vestibular rehab, and concussion rehab.. However, he is up for any challenge that a patient may come into the clinic with. Dr. Kassal is also currently the SCCE for student coordination and the lead on their concussion program for adolescents in the area.

Outside of the clinic, Fred loves to spend time outdoors, hiking, and playing sports. Some of hidden talents included country line dancing and snake breeding. He enjoys the winter season with hopes of daily snowfalls. In his free time he enjoys helping with Dance Marathon, which is an organization aimed at helping kids treated at local Children’s Hospitals.

This program was originally recorded March 20, 2025.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days. 

EXTRA CREDITS: "Legal Basics of Starting or Owning a PT Practice"

This course covers key legal considerations including business entity selection, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation. Attendees will learn about state and federal laws that impact PT practices, as well as discuss employment law essentials, and common pitfalls to avoid when structuring or growing a practice.

Whether you're an established owner or exploring the idea of starting your own practice, this course will provide actionable insights to help you navigate the legal landscape!

Chris DeGrande, Partner at Benesch, Healthcare Attorney shares his insight and expertise on "Legal Basics of Starting or Owning a PT Practice."

What to expect: 

Objectives: 
By the end of this lecture participants will be able to:

• Understand key legal considerations including business entity selection, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation.
• Understand state and federal laws that impact PT practices.
• Discuss employment law essentials, and common pitfalls to avoid when structuring or growing a practice.

About the Speaker

Christopher DeGrande, Healthcare Attorney at Benesch

Chris DeGrande specializes in healthcare law with a strong emphasis on physical therapy, encompassing transactional, regulatory, and corporate matters. His practice involves navigating state and federal licensing requirements, Anti-Kickback and Stark issues, corporate practice of medicine prohibitions, and transactional diligence review, all tailored specifically to the needs of physical therapy providers. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing this field, Chris excels in structuring and drafting contracts and transactions that ensure compliance and foster growth for physical therapy practices.

Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated his expertise in transactional and regulatory issues across a diverse range of healthcare fields. While his focus remains on physical therapy, he has also worked with entities in hospital settings, dermatology, ambulatory surgery, orthopedics, home health, behavioral health, ophthalmology/optometry, dentistry, women’s health, telemedicine, and veterinary medicine. Prior to entering the legal profession, Chris gained valuable industry insights as a consultant at Cerner Corporation, a global leader in health information technology solutions. He further honed his legal skills through externships with the Presence Health General Counsel and the State of Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County.

Chris's comprehensive background uniquely positions him to provide strategic and informed legal counsel tailored specifically to the needs of physical therapy providers.

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This program was originally recorded February 25, 2025.

You can even earn 1 hour of CE:  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $30. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days. 

#THIRDTHURSDAY: Physical Therapy for Cancer Survivors – During Cancer Treatment and Beyond (January 2025)

As of January 1, 2022 the number of American cancer survivors was 18 million.  This number is projected to increase to 21.6 million by 2030 and to 26 million by 2040.  In Illinois alone, an estimated 566,226 people are alive who were diagnosed with cancer in a 20-year time period of 2001 to 2020 (United States Department of Health and Human Services and National Cancer Institute).  As survival rates increase, this population will be seen for physical therapy, with issues that may or may not be related to their cancer diagnoses.  Professionals need to be equipped with the knowledge to provide effective and appropriate treatments. 

The goal of this #THIRDTHURSDAY is to provide an understanding of the aspects of cancer and cancer treatments that would impact the evaluation and treatment of survivors.  The role and principles of rehabilitation as they relate to cancer will be defined as well as potential precautions and signs of oncological emergencies that could present.

Evidence will be presented to support interventions and a list of relevant sources provided.  Specific topics to be discussed will be:

1. Terminology and staging process of cancer.
2. Exercises guidelines for patients with cancer including precautions and contraindications.
3. Effects of radiation and chemotherapy on the body and considerations with physical activity.
4. Rehabilitation following surgeries for breast cancer, head/neck cancer, and colorectal cancer.
5. Treatment guidelines for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and cancer-related fatigue.
6. Current research on the use of modalities for cancer survivors.

Mary Jesse, PT , DHS, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy shares insight and expertise on "Physical Therapy for Cancer Survivors – During Cancer Treatment and Beyond."

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand terminology as related to cancer and rehabilitation.
• Understand the precautions related to a cancer diagnosis that may affect a patient’s physical therapy treatment plan.
• Describe the acute and late effects of cancer treatments as they relate to physical therapy.
• Apply current evidence to discuss the benefit of physical therapy to improve pain, fatigue, and quality of life in cancer survivors.

About the Speaker: 

Mary Jesse, PT, DHS, is currently a clinician at Decatur Memorial Hospital. She graduated from Saint Louis University with a BS in Physical Therapy and from University of Indianapolis with a MHS and DHS in Physical Therapy. Mary has been working to develop an oncology rehab program at DMH over the past 10 years. She is currently a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy.

 

This program was originally recorded January 16, 2025.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days. 

Cultural Humility: Advancing Beyond Cultural Competence Toward Health Equity (1 CE Hour)

The transformative power of the physical therapy profession is greatly enhanced by a commitment to promoting and practicing high levels of cultural competence and humility in all areas of practice, research, and education, as emphasized by the American Physical Therapy Association. Cultural humility should be approached holistically, encompassing a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and processes that enable effective collaboration in cross-cultural contexts within the profession.

The purpose of this presentation is to enhance participants’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes, fostering cultural awareness and responsiveness to provide compassionate care to diverse patient populations. By increasing awareness of cultural differences, this educational session will promote inclusivity and respect in all physical therapy settings.

In 2023, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker approved H.B. 2450, which added an additional CE training requirement for Illinois license or registration renewals occurring on or after January 1, 2025.

Illinois-licensed health care professionals must now complete a one-hour course in cultural competency training before renewing a license or registering to practice in the State of Illinois. Cultural competency training includes development of a set of integrated attitudes, knowledge, and skills that enables a health care professional or organization to care effectively for patients from diverse cultures, groups, and communities. 

This course meets the 1 hour Cultural Competency Training required by the State of Illinois.

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Distinguish cultural competence from cultural humility through the lens of privilege, oppression, and marginalization.
• Examine the social determinants of health and factors that may influence the therapist-patient relationship and outcomes.
• Develop knowledge and skills to navigate the intersectionality of cultural differences and address cultural barriers in physical therapy practice.
• Create strategies for enhancing cultural humility in communication, treatment planning, and decision-making during patient care.

CE CREDITS: 

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS/ CE SUBSCRIBERS - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $30. 
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a PDF document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. In order to receive CE you MUST complete the quiz with a passing score (80% or greater) to receive 1 hours of CE credit (Self Study).  If you are an IPTA member/CE Subscriber your CE award will be automatically post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, please allow 7-10 business days (after the submission deadline) for a CE certificate to be sent to you via the email address you provided.

Note to nonmembers: In free CE opportunities alone, your APTA/IPTA membership can pay for itself! Do the math – we welcome you to explore the various benefits of IPTA membership by clicking here. You too can be a part of your professional association, click here to join!

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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Dawn S. Brown PT, DPT, EdD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy  is the Assistant Chair of Curricular Affairs and an assistant professor in the Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, with over 25 years of clinical and educational experience. She completed a Bachelor of Psychology degree and Master of Physical Therapy degree at Northwestern University, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Alabama State University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration at Northern Illinois University. Dr. Brown earned ABPTS board-certification in orthopaedic physical therapy and uses this content expertise in her pedagogy, andragogy, and clinical practice. She is a national speaker and published researcher on leadership development, faculty development, motivation, and belonging. Dedicated to being an agent of positive transformation, Dr. Brown is an active member and leader within the American Physical Therapy Association, Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA), American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT), American Academy of Physical Therapy (AAPT), and National Association of Black Physical Therapists. She is Co-Chair of the IPTA DEI Committee, serves on ACAPT’s Education Planning and Innovation Committee, served on ACAPTs National Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission (NEDIC), and serves as the physical therapy representative on the Illinois State Board of Health. She is also an invited content contributor to PhysicalTherapy.com and serves on the Simucase Review Board.

Kim Tarver, PT, MPH With more than 30 years of experience, Kimberly Tarver holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from University of Illinois Chicago, an Associate’s of Science degree in Biology from Waubonsee Community College, and a Master’s degree in public health from Benedictine University. She is a professor of physical therapist assisting at Elgin Community College (ECC) where she has been part of the faculty since 1996. During her tenure at ECC, Kimberly has served in many leadership roles including president of the faculty association, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, and interim Program Director. She has demonstrated and ongoing commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, in service as a past leader and long-time member of ECC's Multicultural and Global Initiatives Committee, and a member of ECC's Teaching/Learning for Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity team, and championed many initiatives to advance and advocate for a culture of belonginess and servingness at ECC. She is a member of the APTA/IPTA and is the co-chair of the IPTA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. Awards and recognitions include Illinois Physical Therapy Association’s Outstanding Academic Educator Award in 2022, the NISOD Excellence in Teaching and ECC's Orrin G. Thompson Teaching Excellence Award. in 2016. Most recently, she has earned the Association of College and University Educators Certificate in Effective Teaching Practices.

Zachary Thill, PT, DPT is a dedicated physical therapist with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Governors State University, a Bachelor in Health Sciences from DePaul University, and an Associate of Science from Moraine Valley Community College. With extensive clinical and managerial experience at Revolution Physical Therapy Weight Loss, Zachary has grown from a staff therapist to clinic manager, where he now oversees operations, staff development, and financial performance to ensure exceptional patient care. Zachary is deeply committed to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in healthcare. As an active member of the Illinois Physical Therapy Association’s DEI Committee since 2021, he works to create equitable care practices and advocates for initiatives that address systemic barriers. He believes fostering an inclusive environment enhances patient outcomes and strengthens the healthcare community. His capstone project focused on optimizing home exercise programs to improve patient adherence based on demographic factors. He continues to contribute to the field through mentorship and community outreach, striving to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care in every role he undertakes.

This program was originally recorded January 23, 2025.

#THIRDTHURSDAY: Teaching Our Patients (and ourselves) to Eat Better and Live Longer! (October 2024)

This #THIRDTHURSDAY delves into the possible ways to improve your patients’ (and your) eating patterns to assist in eating healthier, more nutrient dense foods. Learn the effects that healthier eating can have on our overall health and how it can assist us in preventing and treating chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and various cancers.

This presentations talks about the complex topic of nutritional science, and strategies we can use with our patients and ourselves to improve eating patterns, as well as when to refer.  Better eating is one of the key pillars of Lifestyle Medicine to living healthier and longer!

Dr. Sarah J. Haag PT, DPT, MS, WCS, DipACLM & Dr. Jeffrey A. Damaschke PT, DPT, PhD, DipACLM share insights and expertise on "Teaching Our Patients (and ourselves) to Eat Better and Live Longer! A Lifestyle Medicine Approach."

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the health effects of a poor eating pattern.
• Describe nutrition science.
• Understand what foods promote health and wellness and prevent and treat chronic disease.
• Discuss what we should eat less of and what we should eat more of to improve our eating pattern.
• Apply the steps to take to assist our patients to develop healthier eating patterns.
• Understand the scope of Physical Therapy Practice and discussing nutrition.

About the Speakers: 

Dr. Sarah J. Haag PT, DPT, MS, WCS, DipACLM has been a Physical Therapist since 2002, when she graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy from Marquette University. Since then, Sarah’s clinical practice has evolved to have a focus on pelvic health and chronic pain. After becoming a board-certified Women’s Health Physical Therapy specialist, Sarah co-founded Entropy Physiotherapy and Wellness, LLC in 2013. While working with patients at Entropy, Sarah realized that she wanted to have a larger impact on healthcare and the profession of physical therapy. In 2019, Sarah joined the faculty at Rosalind Franklin University. At Rosalind Franklin University, Sarah has been involved in the Interprofessional Community Clinic, teaching students in several professional programs in anatomy, healthcare simulation, and pain. In alignment with her passion to improve outcomes for people in pain, Sarah became a board-certified Lifestyle Medicine professional in 2023. She is now integrating lifestyle medicine into her clinical practice and teaching.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Damaschke PT, DPT, PhD, DipACLM is an Associate Professor and Chair of Lifestyle Medicine Department at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Dr. Damaschke received his BS in Physical Therapy from The University of Texas Medical Branch. He subsequently completed his MS in Physical Therapy with an emphasis in orthopedics at Finch University of Health Sciences and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. In 2016, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Damaschke’s clinical practice has been performing primary musculoskeletal care and prevention, health promotion and wellness within the United States Navy for 20 years. He currently practices at the Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinic performing sports/orthopedic and neurologic physical therapy and incorporates Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Damaschke is a Diplomat in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He serves as the Director of ICC Clinical & Community Care and is an active faculty member teaching in the Doctor of Physical Therapy and is Department Chair of the Lifestyle Medicine Department where he teaches and advises students.

This program was originally recorded October 17, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days. 

EXTRA CREDITS: "PT Transactions: What to Know When Selling Your Practice or Buying another Practice"

This course addresses the key information and issues that PT practice should know in the event the practice is approached by a larger company or another PT practice with interest in buying their practice, or alternatively if a PT practice is interested in expanding and buying other practices.

Key discussion points include understanding the transaction process and what to expect, key deal terms that often pop up in negotiations, and current trends in the PT market consolidation.

Chris DeGrande, Healthcare Attorney at Benesch shares his insight and expertise on "PT Transactions: What to Know When Selling Your Practice or Buying another Practice."

What to expect: 

Objectives: 
By the end of this lecture participants will be able to:

• Understand the basics of understanding the transaction process for buying or selling your practice.
• Understand certain legal language that is common in deal terms that pop up in negotiations.
• Understand current trends in the PT market consolidation.

About the Speaker

Christopher DeGrande, Healthcare Attorney at Benesch

Chris DeGrande specializes in healthcare law with a strong emphasis on physical therapy, encompassing transactional, regulatory, and corporate matters. His practice involves navigating state and federal licensing requirements, Anti-Kickback and Stark issues, corporate practice of medicine prohibitions, and transactional diligence review, all tailored specifically to the needs of physical therapy providers. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing this field, Chris excels in structuring and drafting contracts and transactions that ensure compliance and foster growth for physical therapy practices.

Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated his expertise in transactional and regulatory issues across a diverse range of healthcare fields. While his focus remains on physical therapy, he has also worked with entities in hospital settings, dermatology, ambulatory surgery, orthopedics, home health, behavioral health, ophthalmology/optometry, dentistry, women’s health, telemedicine, and veterinary medicine. Prior to entering the legal profession, Chris gained valuable industry insights as a consultant at Cerner Corporation, a global leader in health information technology solutions. He further honed his legal skills through externships with the Presence Health General Counsel and the State of Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County.

Chris's comprehensive background uniquely positions him to provide strategic and informed legal counsel tailored specifically to the needs of physical therapy providers.

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This program was originally recorded September 10, 2024.

You can even earn 1 hour of CE:  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $25. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days. 

#THIRDTHURSDAY: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Strategies to set boundaries & beat burnout in PT (September 2024)

Feeling undervalued and burnt-out is a significant challenge facing physical therapists today - 1 in 3 rehab professionals are burnt-out and 2 in 3 rehab professionals are contemplating a career move.

This #THIRDTHURSDAY delves into the scope of burnout in the physical therapy profession, the difference between stress and burnout, and how to identify signs of burnout within yourself.

Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants will learn valuable tools and strategies to combat and prevent burnout. This includes learning to set healthy boundaries, advocate for their own worth within the field, and develop a personalized self-care plan. We will also explore effective communication techniques for navigating challenging workplace dynamics and fostering a more fulfilling and sustainable career in physical therapy.

Dr. Ricky Fernandez, PT, DPT, certified Burnout coach shares insights and expertise on "Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Strategies to set boundaries and beat burnout in the physical therapy profession."

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the impact of burnout on the Rehab workforce.
• Define and identify signs of burnout, as well as differentiate between stress and burnout.
• Develop strategies for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Learn how to advocate for their own value within the physical therapy field.
• Develop a self-care plan for maintaining well-being and preventing burnout.

About the Speaker: 

Dr. Ricky Fernandez, PT, DPT, certified Burnout coach who believes that healthcare workers deserve tools to help them cope with the stress of being miracle workers.

Dr. Fernandez learned the hard way that burnout lies around the corner for any clinician who works in our healthcare system and lacks the safeguards to protect their energy and mental health. Now Dr. Fernandez is committed to helping clinicians ditch their chronic stress, implement effective boundaries, and practice healthcare in a way that works for them, not against them.

Dr. Fernandez graduated in 2022 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

 

This program was originally recorded September 19, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days. 

#THIRDTHURSDAY: Advanced Cartilage Treatments for Knee Injuries (August 2024)

This #THIRDTHURSDAY presentation will focus on advanced knee cartilage treatments beyond the usual 'joint replacement'. Participants will learn and discuss operative and non-operative treatments for knee cartilage injuries, from transplant to replacement. 

Dr. David Saper, MD, FAAOS, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon shares insights and expertise on "Advanced Cartilage Treatments for Knee Injuries"

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the biomechanics of cartilage, a living tissue;
• Understand advanced cartilage transplant techniques;
• Understand achieving joint stability to offload cartilage lesions.

About the Speaker: 

David Saper, MD, FAAOS, is a board certified and fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon and the founder and director of Edens Orthopaedic Center Ltd. Dr. Saper opened Edens Orthopaedic Center Ltd after many years practicing orthopaedics on the north side of Chicago.

He has advanced training in a variety of both non-operative and minimally invasive procedures to treat and repair sports and orthopedic injuries and arthritis of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle.

Dr. Saper completed both medical school and an Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at the prestigious University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and served as an assistant physician for the University of Chicago Maroon's Athletic Department.

Dr. Saper also has considerable experience with fracture and trauma care and spent over five years treating patients with complex fractured bones in Chicagolands busy Level 1 trauma centers. Dr. Saper is active on the medical staff in both the Advocate and North Shore University Hospital systems.

In addition to clinical care, Dr. Saper has presented multiple research presentations at national orthopedic conferences including the 'Orthopaedic Trauma Association,' the 'American Society for Surgery of the Hand,' and the 'American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.' He continues to teach orthopaedic residents and is a faculty member who volunteers instructing orthopaedic surgeons in advanced techniques for both the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association for North America.

Dr. Saper has published numerous peer-reviewed research papers, novel surgical techniques, and review articles in the orthopedic literature on the topics of sports and trauma, and currently serves as a reviewer for the highest impact orthopedic journal, The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Dr. Saper is dedicated to the complete care of the individual and stays up to date with the latest techniques, technologies, and treatments to treat bone, cartilage, and joint disorders. He aims to collaborate with patients to help restore their mobility so they can reach their maximal potential in sport, work, and life.

This program was originally recorded August 15, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days. 

#THIRDTHURSDAY: Pediatric Spine Deformity Conditions (July 2024)

This course will discuss common pediatric spinal deformities, treatment options and impact of deformity on the child’s overall development.

Roberta Kuchler OShea, PT, DPT, PhD, & David Diers, PT, EdD, MHS, ATC share insights and expertise on "Pediatric Spine Deformity Conditions"

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the complex structure of the spine 
• Describe the signs and symptoms of back pain that may be an underlying spinal condition
• Learn about the different types of spinal conditions that affect children.
• Evaluate the different surgical and non-surgical treatment methods for spine conditions.
• Analyze how different conditions can affect child’s overall health and wellness and the most appropriate treatment methods.
• Learn when it's important for a patient to see a specialist.

About the Speakers: 

Dr. Roberta Kuchler OShea, PT, DPT, PhD, Professor Emeritus has been a PT for over 35 years working across a variety of pediatric settings and in academia. Although retired from full time teaching she maintains a small clinical practice and continues to be active in the field of physical therapy. She is the author of several articles, textbook chapters and textbooks.

 

 

Dr. David Diers, PT, EdD, MHS, ATC has been a PT for over 30 years and working in a variety of outpatient and sports settings. He is the current Program Chair for Physical Therapy at Governors State University. 

 

 

This program was originally recorded July 18, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days. 

#THIRDTHURSDAY: Overview of Headache Evaluation and Treatment for Physical Therapists (June 2024)

June is recognized as National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. Headaches are among the most common disorders of the human nervous system and can often wreak havoc on a sufferer’s daily life. Headaches can cause pain in the neck, sinuses, face, and head and can last for hours or days.

This #THIRDTHURSDAY lecture will review etiology and classification of headaches disorders - focusing on how to obtain a neurologic history and perform a headache focused exam. Headache 'red flags' (worrisome complaints) will be discussed along with some basics of headache treatment along with physical therapy modalities that may help headache patients.

Dr. Smriti (Simi) Wagle, D.O. shares insights and expertise on "Overview of Headache Evaluation and Treatment for Physical Therapists"

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe common headache types and understand how to perform a headache focused exam
• Have knowledge of 'red flags' in a headache history
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic physical therapy techniques that may help patients with headaches

About the Speaker: 

Dr. Smriti (Simi) Wagle, D.O. is a practicing general neurologist at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. She completed her training in 2003 and sees patients in the outpatient and inpatient settings, reads EEGs and also performs EMG/nerve conduction studies. She is originally from Iowa and did her undergraduate and medical school training there. She completed her neurology residency through the Michigan State Health System and then an EMG/neurophysiology fellowship through the Mayo Clinic Health System.

Since completing her training, she has chosen to practice general neurology and cares for patients with all type of neurologic disorders including: seizures, strokes, Parkinson's, memory loss, neuropathy and of course, headaches. She is an associate professor and the assistant clerkship director for Neurology at the Rosalind Franklin University Medical School. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, running 5Ks, reading, traveling to fun locales and cooking.

This program was originally recorded June 20, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days.