Nearly 30 Lebanon Valley College physical therapy (PT) doctoral students joined their professors to present research at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego, Calif., in February. The students teamed up to share nine posters, with three receiving special recognition while competing against PT majors from across the country.

Dr. Katie Oriel, acting chair and professor of physical therapy, mentored students with the poster, The Physical and Psychosocial Impact of School Based Running Program for Children with Disabilities. Their research was awarded top three distinctions for work with social responsibility by the Academy of Leadership and Innovation. Kelsey Czyszczon ’21, D’23, part of that research team, enjoyed learning about the innovations in the field and realized the size of physical therapists’ impact on patients.

The Academy of Leadership and Innovation for work with social responsibility recognized the LVC poster, The Impact of Summer Camp on the Quality of Life for Children Requiring Ventilatory Support. Dr. Jennifer Price, assistant clinical professor of physical therapy and director of clinical education, led this group of student researchers.

Anne Baney ’21, D’23, spent months teaming with her research partners and Dr. Justin Mierzwicki, clinical associate professor of physical therapy, to develop Telehealth Improves Loneliness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

“I enjoyed sharing my group’s research because I am passionate about working with the geriatric population. I was so happy to positively impact our participants in the hope that others will strive to do the same,” said Baney.

Throughout the conference, LVC’s physical therapy students attended lectures and viewed posters on numerous topics. They also connected with clinicians and networked with employers from throughout the U.S. The experience gave them a broader perspective on their field.

“I listened and participated in 10 hours’ worth of lecture material within just a few short days,” said Julia Seltzer ’21, D’23. “I was amazed at the amount of new knowledge I absorbed. I especially gained a lot of inspiration and insight from the DEI lectures, which I am excited to share with LVC administrators and peers. Overall, the experience opened my eyes to the size of the PT profession.”

Kodee Bair ’21, D’23 said, “It was incredible seeing all the research that has been going on over the past few years as well as seeing equipment and products that are new to the physical therapy field.”

Learn more about how LVC’s six-year Doctor of Physical Therapy Program prepares students for a successful and rewarding career here.