Physical Therapy (DPT)

2157 William S. White Building
(810) 762-3373
FAX (810) 766-6668
Website: http://www.umflint.edu/PT

Interim Director: Dr. Donna Fry

Business Administrator: Reva Kidd

Administrative Assistant: Kelly Bouchard

Secretary: Debra Seyerle

Program Faculty: Professor Lucinda Pfalzer, Associate Professor Donna Fry; Clinical Associate Professor Cynthia Kincaid; Assistant Professor Jacqueline Drouin; Clinical Assistant Professors Patricia Curatti, Becky Rodda; Lecturer Edgar Torres; Instructor Laura LoVasco.

Professor Emeritus: Richard E. Darnell

Associate Professor Emeritus: Paulette Cebulski

Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals whose aim is to restore, maintain and promote optimal physical function, wellness and fitness in persons of all ages. This is accomplished through the evaluation and management of movement dysfunction, which may result from diseases, disorders, health conditions or injuries.

Physical therapists diagnose within the scope of physical therapy practice and manage movement dysfunction in four body systems: the cardiopulmonary system, the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and the integumentary (skin) system. Examples of interventions used for each of these systems are fitness conditioning, prevention of joint deformity, pain reduction and wound care. Interventions are selected to prevent the onset and progression of impairments and may include various forms of exercise, soft tissue management, heat, cold, electricity, and ultrasound.

Physical therapists work closely with and frequently refer patients to other professionals in a variety of settings includinghospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, school systems, home health care, industrial clinics and public health agencies. Physical therapists are also involved in administration, physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education, research and consultation. Clinical Specialization is now available in eight practice areas to the experienced clinician. Physical therapy is an integral part of the spectrum of health care. The profession is evolving to take on a more independent role in providing health care in a direct access market. Direct access allows the patient to enter the health care system directly through the services of the physical therapist without seeking the services of other health care practitioners first.

Program Mission and Assessment

The Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at the University of Michigan-Flint (UM-F) prepares graduates educated in all areas of current physical therapy practice to enter the field as competent general physical therapy practitioners. Graduates are prepared to assume the roles to practice within the contemporary parameters of physical therapy practice, prepared to assume roles consistent with various practice patterns throughout the United States, provided with skills and knowledge to adapt to future practice patterns in Michigan and encouraged to be lifelong learners including but not limited to the use of current technology in the learning process. The graduates are prepared for discharging their duties and responsibilities to the recipients of their services in a manner which promotes optimal health and function for the recipients, and enhances the profession of physical therapy, the public health and welfare of the citizens of Michigan, the Flint community, the University of Michigan-Flint and their own continuing personal and professional growth. Please see the website for a complete Mission Statement (http://www.umflint.edu/pt/mission.htm). The Program participates in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at http://www.umflint.edu/assessment/.