Program Overview

Didactic

MedBridge program to complete the teaching of each module as well as the preparation for the clinical specialty exam

On-site learning experiences, including specialty clinics, grand rounds, case presentations, and journal clubs

Interdisciplinary observations, including (but not limited to) swallowing assessments, vestibular function tests, neurological surgeries, medical rounds with physician-led teams and respiratory care practitioners

Duke Multidisciplinary Geriatric Fellowship Program

Opportunity to attend conferences or workshops that support the goals and mission of the residency, including APTA Combined Sections Meeting, ANPT Annual Conference, Emory Vestibular Rehabilitation Competency Course and specialty clinics of the annual North Carolina Physical Therapy Conference

Exposure to a wide range of diagnoses included in the APTA Neurology Specialty Practice Description o Stroke, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Guillain-Barré, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Vestibular

Opportunities to shadow specialist clinics within the Durham VAMC, Duke Health system and/or Richmond VAMC (Hunter Holmes McGuire Hospital)

Movement Disorders, Vestibular and Dizziness, Multiple Sclerosis (Center of Excellence), ALS, Polytrauma/TBI, SCI, Neuro-Optometry, Wheelchair and Adapted Equipment, EMG/NCV, Emerging Consciousness

Rotations

Intensive 12-month program anchored in the outpatient setting with rotations within each module to include:

• Acute Care, ED, Community Living Center (SNF), Primary Home Care
• Integrated telehealth where applicable
• Duke Observation University Hospital (Neurological and Lowering Intensive Care Units)
• Observation Hunter Holmes McGuire

Mentoring time

Receives over 150 hours of 1:1 patient-centered mentorship time with faculty-in-residence

• Structured mentoring time allows resident and mentor to reflect on accomplishments against resident goals
• Focus on professional growth and development and improving neurological examination, assessment and care plan

Core Clinical Faculty Mentors

Shella LoBianco, PT, MSPT, NCS, LSVT Big cert.

Mary Thompson, PT, DPT

Tasala Rufai, PT, DPT, GCS

Casey Turner, PT, DPT, GCS, OCS, Cert DN

Carrie Frede, PT, DPT, CSC

Deanna Baldassari, MS, OTR/L, ATP, Wheeled Mobility/Assistive Technology Clinical Specialist

Duke University Clinical Faculty Mentors

Mary Beth Osborne, PT, DPT, NCS

Dana Lott, PT, DPT, NCS

Richmond VA Faculty

John Sharpe, MSPT, MBA, FACHE, Director of SCI&D Rehabilitation Services

Ann Gulyas, PT, Program Director of the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center