Belmont Announces Plans for New College of Medicine in Collaboration with HCA Healthcare

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher speaks during an announcement that Belmont University intends to start a new College of Medicine in partnership with one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, HCA Healthcare at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, October 15, 2020.Nashville’s stalwart reputation as the nation’s health care capital grows even stronger today. Belmont University announced this morning its intent to start a new College of Medicine in collaboration with with one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, HCA Healthcare. HCA Healthcare’s Nashville-based TriStar Health will provide clinical elements in support of Belmont’s plans to pursue Liaison Committee on Medical Education(LCME) accreditation for the new college.

Sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association, LCME is the nationally recognized accrediting authority for medical education programs leading to the M.D. degree in the U.S. (and Canada). Belmont College of Medicine would seek to become the nation’s 156th LCME-accredited medical school, and its graduates would be well positioned to help fill the significant physician gap anticipated to be felt between now and 2033.

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Bursch Named Honoree for Arthritis Foundation Bone Bash

Serving as Administrative Director of Rehabilitation Services for Centennial Medical Center in Nashville from 1984 through 1995, Bursch led 90 multidisciplinary employees, developed community rehabilitation programs and established a 20-bed inpatient Rehabilitation Center. Her clinical focus is wound management, attaining national board certification as a Certified Wound Specialist in 2009.

Bursch served as vice president of the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) for six years and as chair of the Nashville District for twelve years. Since 2004, she has been a national Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program Trainer for the American Physical Therapy Association and is currently the chair of the Tennessee Clinical Education Consortium.

Dr. Sells shares about his faculty research project

Dr. Pat Sells, professor of physical therapy, answers questions about his recent research project.

What is your research topic? Why did you choose it?
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR). Muscle mass and aerobic capacity may increase with BFR training, and this suggests that reduced exercise intensity may achieve gains similar to more intense exercise.

What are some of your most interesting results?
BFR compared to non-BFR in patient’s treadmill walking at 3 miles per hour creates a physiological response similar to exercising at much higher intensity, e.g., 6 miles per hour.

What is the importance/application of your research?
BFR could allow improvements at much lower, safer levels of activity. This could mean better outcomes for elderly, cardiac and pulmonary patients, or among any patients who could benefit from increased functional capacity.

Where have you presented your research?
American College of Sports Medicine and the research symposium for the School of Physical Therapy.

Belmont University Joins Governor Bill Lee’s TN Strong Mask Movement

Belmont-Branded Face Mask

Belmont University is partnering with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Economic Recovery Group (ERG) on the new TN Strong Mask Movement, a plan to distribute more than 300,000 free or low-cost cloth face coverings across the state through partnerships with 31 flagship brands at a projected value of more than $3 million.

While Belmont will use a portion of the masks for its campus, many will be distributed to members of neighboring communities in partnership with The Store. The Store, which opened earlier this year, is a free, referral-based grocery store started by Belmont alumnus Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams Paisley, which provides groceries to people working toward self-sufficiency. Through this movement, patrons of The Store will leave not only with important food resources, but also a resource to help manage the risk of COVID-19. Continue reading

Dr. Greenwalt Creates Course on Geriatric Considerations for COVID-19

There are approximately 15 courses that have been or are being created as a part of this project. The courses are all free and continuing education units (CEU) will be awarded accordingly. The courses are available on the APTA Learning Center website, the CVP section Facebook page, and on YouTube.

Dr. Greenwalt created a one-hour course, titled “Geriatric Considerations for COVID-19.” It was released on YouTube and Facebook last week, as well as on the APTA Learning Center site. Since it’s release, the video has been viewed more than 6,000 times on Facebook and more than 1,800 times on YouTube.

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New Belmont Programs Allow Health Care Students to Achieve Bachelors AND Doctoral Degree in 6 Years

Exercise Science classroom

Belmont University’s College of Health Sciences & Nursing recently unveiled two exciting new options for high-achieving students interested in pursuing health care doctorate degrees in physical therapy or occupational therapy. Through new 3 + 3 programs, students successfully majoring at Belmont in exercise science who have met entry requirements will be granted guaranteed early admission to Belmont’s nationally recognized DPT or OTD programs. Courses taken in the student’s fourth year will complete the bachelor’s program and serve as the first year of the doctoral program, thus achieving the full doctorate in six rather than the traditional seven years required for such programs.

College of Health Sciences & Nursing Dean Dr. Cathy Taylor said, “Students who take on these 3+3 programs will receive distinct advantages academically, financially and professionally. The challenging and thorough curriculum is designed to provide students intense focus in their chosen field and move these future healthcare leaders into their professions quickly, saving a full year of time and tuition costs.” Continue reading

Dr. Voight Presents at Nashville Golf Fitness Summit

Dr. Mike Voight was recently an invited presenter, along with Lance Gill from Titleist, at the second annual Nashville Golf Fitness Summit. The topic was “Modern Day Observations of Golf Injury Etiology and Physical Performance.”

With spring right around the corner, this was a timely talk to help golfers prepare for the upcoming golf season and to avoid injury.

Dr. Voight Participates in 2020 Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation Congress

As a member of the IOF, Dr. Voight has participated in the past four congresses and has an active interaction with other members. The latest in regenerative biological research is presented and discussed.

Dr. Voight has routinely brought this “cutting edge” information back to the classroom with integration into the physical therapy coursework.

Dr. Voight Delivers Lecture at Big Sky Sports Medicine Conference

Dr. Voight’s topic was “Integrating Technology into Rehabilitation” and described an analytical approach to both evaluating and integrating new technology into clinical practice.

Dr. Voight Speaks at American Physical Therapy Association Meeting

As editor in chief of the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, Dr. Voight presented on reviewing manuscripts using an organized systematic approach in the evaluation process. While specific to reviewing a manuscript, the presentation also provided key information for young clinicians on how to organize and write up their research in a manner that affords them success in the publication process.

Dr. Austin Presents at National Physical Therapy Conference

  • Pain Neuroscience Education Changes PA Student Intervention Patterns, Including Physical Therapy Referrals: Sue E. Curfman, PT, DHSc; Joyce S. Nicholas, PhD; Gary P. Austin, PT, PhD and Benjamin M. Radack, PT.
  • Differences in Pain Neuroscience Perspectives between Physical Therapy Students and Clinical Instructors: Sue E. Curfman, PT, DHSc; Joyce S. Nicholas, PhD; Gary P. Austin, PT, PhD and Benjamin M. Radack, PT
  • PT and PA Students Differ in Perceptions, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about Persistent Pain? Sue E. Curfman, PT, DHSc; Joyce S. Nicholas, PhD; Gary P. Austin, PT, PhD and Benjamin M. Radack, PT

Additionally, Dr. Austin presented the following platform:

  • Pain Neuroscience Knowledge and Pain Perspectives: A Longitudinal Study of DPT Students and Faculty. Sue E. Curfman, PT, DHSc; Joyce S. Nicholas, PhD; Gary P. Austin, PT, PhD and Benjamin M. Radack, PT

PT Students Present Research at American Physical Therapy Association National Meeting

This research was conducted with Penny Powers MS, PT, ATP at the Vanderbilt ALS clinic with Renee Brown, PT, PHD as the faculty advisor.

Dr. Halle Featured in Physical Therapy Faculty Series

Throughout the interview, Halle discussed how teaching strategies in the human anatomy lab help to improve student knowledge and outcomes.  Additionally, this laboratory space has provided an excellent opportunity for inter-professional education (IPE) and research publications related to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. He finishes the interview with advice for individuals considering a career in physical therapy.

Dr. Voight Serves as Research Judge for Scandinavian Sports Medicine Congress

As the editor in chief of the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, Voight was one seven editors chosen from the top Sportsmedicine journals in the world.

In his invited role, Voight served on a panel that reviewed several hundred abstracts submitted to the scientific committee to be considered for inclusion to the congress. Onsite, Voight reviewed and judged both poster and oral presentations to determine the best at the congress.

Belmont DPT Students Explore Aquatic Exercise Benefits for Down Syndrome Population

Students at Aquatic Center

Belmont University Doctor of Physical Therapy students performed aquatic exercises to music with children and adolescents diagnosed with Down Syndrome this semester, with Occupational Therapy Professor Dr. Natalie Michaels and Physical Therapy Professor Dr. Nancy Darr. The water exercises were held at the Gordon Jewish Community Center under the direction of Aquatics Director Daniel Christmas.

These exercises were performed as part of a research project to see if aquatic exercises can help improve balance in this population. Balance was measured before and after the 6-week series of exercise sessions using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). The PBS is a 14-item, criterion-referenced measure of balance that was developed by Mary Rose Franjoine and Nancy Darr to screen children for potential balance-related challenges.

Members of the student research team included Madeleine Youngblood, Taylor Jacobs, Anna Rungee, Carly Callahan and Courtney Alama. The research is currently in the data analysis phase. Regardless of the outcome, the participants appeared to greatly enjoy the sessions, and the team felt invigorated and rewarded by the experience.

Physical Therapy Students Support Nashville’s More Than Pink Walk

PT Student Volunteers

On Oct. 26 more than 5,000 people came out to the Maryland Farms YMCA to support the fight against breast cancer. The weather for Saturday’s Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk was rainy, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm for a wonderful celebration of survivors and a great fundraiser to help end breast cancer. The Belmont University School of Physical Therapy again brought over 120 student volunteers to the event to assist with village/course setup and takedown, to serve as walk marshals at the start/finish line and throughout the course, to hand out water and bananas at the finish, and to help manage the crowd.

School of Physical Therapy Program Chair Gary Austin said, “To see our physical therapy students come together as one is a true blessing. I was able to watch them step up in their volunteer effects on multiple levels. From getting the start/finish line finalized to helping ‘pump up the crowd’ when they joined in on the Village dance party and then lead the survivors to the starting line.  The students were amazing as they cheered on the walkers and survivors as they cross the finish line. We all truly enjoy these moments because we get to remember that we can make a difference in many ways, even by just helping at events to support an important cause.” Continue reading

Dr. Voight Presents at Two International Physical Therapy Events

3rd World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy
Voight at World Congress

During the first week of October, Physical Therapy Professor Dr. Mike Voight was an invited speaker at the 3rd World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy held in Vancouver B.C.  The theme of the Congress was “High Performance to Clinical Practice.” The variety of presentations given during this congress were examples of the contemporary sports physical therapy research activities taking place around the world.

In addition to moderating a session regarding the delivery of care during Elite and Olympic Games,  Dr. Voight served as both a reviewer and as a member of the judging panel to select the best research presentations from around the world. With over 600 participants from around the world, this was one of the biggest and most diverse group of sports specialists ever gathered for a world meeting.

International Society of Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) World Congress
Voight at ISHA Conference

Dr. Voight also recently gave several invited lectures at the International Society of Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) World Congress held in Madrid Spain. In addition to presenting on several topics related to the hip, Dr. Voight is on the ISHA scientific committee and helped judge more than 500 poster/platform research presentations for the best one in the area of physical therapy. The ISHA congress had over 750 participants representing 128 different nations from around the world. This three-day meeting is considered the premiere meeting in hip joint preservation.

Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Inducts 2019 Class at Luncheon and Ceremony

7 Inductees

Dr. Jonathon Perlin, Richard Miller, Clara Elam, husband Dr. Lloyd Elam was awarded, Morris Flexner, father John Flexner was awarded, Dr. David Barton, Dr. Mary Bufwack and Dr. Nancy-Ann Deparle were inducted into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon at Belmont University on October 15, 2019.

The Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame inducted its 2019 class, made up of seven health care legends from across the state, at a luncheon and ceremony in Belmont’s Curb Event Center today. Hosted by John Seigenthaler, Jr., a partner at DVL Seigenthaler, a Finn Partners Company, the Hall of Fame seeks to recognize and honor the pioneers and current leaders that have formed Tennessee’s health and health care community and encourage future generations of health care professionals. Continue reading

Physical Therapy Students Volunteer at Garrett’s Hero Run

Garrett Hero Run group photo

On Oct. 5, several Belmont University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students volunteered at Garrett’s Hero Run, a 5K event to raise money and awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  Garrett Sapp, the event’s namesake, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and  is the son of Belmont DPT alumna, Amber Sapp (’05), and her husband, Randy Sapp.  The annual event is organized by the Sapp family to raise money for a nonprofit organization called Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), which is the largest nonprofit organization devoted solely to ending Duchenne.

Dr. Christi Williams, associate professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Belmont as well as a fellow 2005 alumna and classmate of Amber’s, shares Garrett’s story with current PT students at the start of each fall semester. “I feel strongly that there is something special here at Belmont, and we refer to it as the ‘Belmont PT Family.’  This ‘family’ serves to support you when you need it most,” Williams states.

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Dr. Williams Invited to Professional Summit for Animal-Assisted Interventions

Williams with Layla at VUMC

Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Dr. Christi Williams was one of approximately 20 individuals throughout the United States who were invited by the organization Pet Partners to attend a professional summit in San Antonio, TX this past month. Pet Partners is a nonprofit organization that registers handlers of various species to serve as volunteer pet therapy teams.

Pet teams provide animal-assisted-interventions for a wide variety of needs, including patients in healthcare facilities, kids with reading disabilities, students around exam times as well as adults and children in courtrooms, in crisis situations, etc. All of this work is done with the intent to help reduce stress and anxiety and improve human health and well-being through the human-animal bond.

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PT Students Volunteer at 10th Annual Sara Walker Run

Student Volunteers at Walker Run

On Sept. 22, Belmont Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students volunteered at the annual Sara Walker Run to honor the life of 2003 Belmont DPT alumna Sara Pigg Walker. The Sara Walker Run is a fundraising event to raise money for various missions supported through the Sara Walker Foundation that are intended to help spread Walker’s message of hope to others through Jesus Christ.

This year marked the 10th Sara Walker Run.  The first Run occurred in April 2011 when Walker’s ‘Belmont PT family’ sought to find a way to raise funds for medical expenses to help her and her family when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Due to its huge success, and in an effort to continue to honor her, the annual Sara Walker Run continues today and serves as the Sara Walker Foundation’s main fundraising event. Continue reading

Belmont Nationally Recognized for Innovation, Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching

Belmont University appears numerous times in the 2020 rankings of America’s Best Colleges, a new analysis released today by U.S. News & World Report. The University was praised as the best in the state and No. 17 in the country for its “unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching,” placing Belmont in heady company with the likes of Duke and Gonzaga. Belmont was also recognized for the 12th year in a row for innovation as an institution and ranked seventh nationally for Learning Communities, among other accolades.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “The recognitions we’ve received from U.S. News and our peers across the country prove emphatically what I’ve known to be true for a long time: Belmont faculty are leading the way in higher education by providing unparalleled expertise in the classroom and with the overall curriculum. While these rankings are certainly gratifying, I am far more excited about what they represent, that Belmont students are receiving the highest quality education that will empower them to use their skills and abilities to live lives of meaning and purpose.” Continue reading

School of Physical Therapy Awards and Scholarships

Dr. Mills Accepts Scholarship
Dr. Mills Accepts Scholarship

Dr. Jessie Mills was awarded the David G. Greathouse Scholarship at the hooding ceremony for the School of Physical Therapy.

The David G. Greathouse Scholarship was established by STAR Physical Therapy to honor the founding chair of Belmont School of Physical Therapy. The award is given to the student who best demonstrates leadership, scholarship and exemplary clinical performance. Dr. Dave Landers and Lisa Schwartz from STAR presented the award.

Dr. Clint Lester Receives Award
Dr. Lester Receives Award

Dr. Clint Lester is the 2019 recipient of the Orthopedic Clinical Excellence Award provided by Results Physiotherapy.

This award recognizes a graduating physical therapy student who demonstrates excellence in manual therapy, professionalism, active participating in the profession, innovation and a humble spirit. Dr. Craig O’Neil from Results Physiotherapy presented the award.

Three Graduates Inducted into National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society

Three Belmont physical therapy graduates, Jack Davis, Jessie Mills and Shelby Smith, were inducted into the 2019 inaugural class of the National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society.

The National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society was established in 2018 by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) to recognize and honor exceptional individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic accomplishments and advocated for the profession of physical therapy.

Specifically, the mission of the Society is to recognize and honor physical therapy students who exemplify outstanding traits in leadership, research and service to society, as characterized by consistent demonstration of strong moral character and ethics. As a member of the Society, individuals are expected to uphold and implement the core values of the physical therapy profession.

Shelby Smith is inducted into honor societyJessie Mills is inducted into honor societyJack Davis Induction

School of Physical Therapy Recognizes Outstanding Alumnus

Dr. Ashley Campbell (2011) was recognized as our Outstanding Alumnus at the School of Physical Therapy hooding ceremony prior to August Commencement.  Dr. Campbell is  the Director of Rehabilitation at the Nashville Hip Institute.  She is an ABPTS board certified Sport Clinical Specialists and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, in addition to other sports related certifications.  Dr. Campbell is the Associate Editor and manuscript coordinator for the International Journal of Sport Physical Therapy.  She is an instructor for the North American Sports Medicine Institute as well as an adjunct inistructor in the Belmont School of Physical Therapy.  She has presented her research nationally and internationally.  At the 2018 International Hip Arthroscopy Meeting, both her poster and her platform presentation were awarded the “Best Research Presentation” .  Congratulations to Dr. Campbell for her outstanding accomplishments.