Skeletons, Select Speakers, and Therapy Dogs
Date: September 6, 2024
With a skeleton mascot, select speakers, and even therapy dogs, there’s nothing ordinary about Gurnick Academy’s PTA program—make no bones about it! Champion of program growth and course expansion, Catherine Ammenti, PT, MPT, Gurnick Academy’s Physical Therapist Assistant (A.S. in PTA) Program director, says, “Learning needs to be fun and practical. The lecture-only model of teaching is outdated.”
Class Mascots
Regarding her methodology, Ammenti says, “Students must do the “mental gymnastics” of learning by themselves. I cannot learn the material for them, but I can do everything in my power to provide a stimulating learning experience!”
Part of the classroom since the program’s inception is Larry the Skeleton (aka, Mr. Bones, Billy-Bob, or Felix). Moreover, the skeleton has provided Gurnick’s PTA students with a practical purpose for learning. Specifically relayed is human anatomy, which is the foundation of physical therapy practice.
“We have multiple skeletons. I encourage each cohort to name them. In the past, students have called them by the same name as an instructor,” says Dr. Erin Schultz, PT, DPT, Gurnick Academy’s PTA Director of Clinical Education. By and large, “Skeletons are also practical models that allow us to utilize anatomically accurate visuals when lecturing about physiological concepts,” continues Schulz. Ultimately, “They are fun mascots. But they also serve an essential, practical purpose for learning about human anatomy, which is the foundation of physical therapy practice.”
Pictured Above: The program uses three skeleton models, which serve as practical models and allow students to utilize anatomically accurate visuals during laboratory classes.
The program uses three skeleton models. These afford students the luxury of utilizing anatomically accurate visuals during laboratory classes. Each cohort selects a nickname for the main classroom skeleton, which adds some fun. The skeleton attends class parties and the infamous “End of Program” ceremonies. Said mascot shows up for birthdays, lectures, exams, and PTA celebrations. The practice reminds students that learning can be enjoyable.
Select Speakers
Gurnick’s A.S. in PTA Program offers students opportunities to learn from a diverse faculty of experts in physical therapy practice. Many instructors are certified clinical specialists with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. This faculty brings decades of clinical experience and evidence-based practices into the classroom, and presenters also facilitate memorable learning opportunities. Invitations to select speakers highlight holistic health and wellness management.
In 2022, Robert Chiu, PTA, and Gurnick alumnus, provided a guest lecture. As director of rehabilitation for the Orthopedic and Neurological Rehabilitation Department (ONR), Chiu was accompanied by fellow ONR rehab director Vivian Fong, an OT. On the other hand, Fong brought Henryk, her therapy dog, to training. The two lectured on working in a skilled nursing facility, specifically the Jewish Home & Rehab Center in San Francisco. Moreover, “students enjoyed learning how a trained therapy dog can be incorporated into patient care,” says Ammenti.
Above left: Vivian Fong, occupational therapist, and her therapy dog, Henryk, are in training. Robert Chiu is on the right. Above right are the gifts for the class from Select Physical Therapy.
At the same time, Marc Lopez, PT, DPT, COMT, and an experienced outpatient orthopedic clinician, presented to the class. Dr. Lopez’s expertise includes clinical care, acute and chronic injuries, post-operative care, vestibular rehab, concussion, neurological presentations, and sports performance. Of significance, Dr. Lopez is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute for golf rehab and performance.
While Lopez referenced his golf rehab work, his lecture primarily focussed on Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), cupping, and taping techniques. (Lopez works for one of the Academy’s largest clinical partners–Select Physical Therapy.)
Palpation Lab
By far, one of the most popular events (circa April 23, 2024) was the Palpation Lab. Dr. Ashwin Datt, PT, DPT, CIMT, FAFS, FMR, FGS, owner of Great Basin Physical Therapy in Minden, Nev., demonstrated rib palpation strategies for eager learners. Dr. Datt, an expert in human movement studies, helped students perfect palpation skills while explaining how to differentiate the biceps and brachialis muscles.
Above left: Dr. Ashwin Datt demonstrates rib palpation strategies surrounded by eager learners. Above right: ASPTA students Steve Nguyen and Jonah Maranon work with Dr. Ashwin Datt to perfect their palpation skills.
Field Trips
Overall, the day was spent reviewing muscle anatomy and function with hands-on training, expert feedback, and guidance. Such expertise gives students incredible opportunities to absorb “pearls of wisdom.” Correspondingly, students are prepared for clinical rotations.
On Tuesday, July 9 of this year, students participated in a field trip to Prosthetic Solutions, Inc. in Santa Clara. At the site, students learned how to help patients who’ve experienced an amputation and methods to help them return to full functioning levels. As a bonus, students worked with actual patients, which made this learning experience even more rewarding.
Pictured above: On a recent field trip, students could see through the lens of a prosthetist.
“Rehabilitation after amputation is an involved and lengthy process,” says Ammenti. “Our students were able to see this process through the lens of a prosthetist, which gave them a deeper understanding of the interprofessional cooperation needed to ensure successful patient outcomes.”
Class Victories and Celebrations
From Pi Day to the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), bragging rights or group walking down the street to get Chinese food, the department that studies challenging plays hard, too; sometimes, PTA field trips seek avenues to learn beyond the blackboard; other times, outings are just an excuse for the class to bond while eating bundt cake. Sometimes, they’re simply potluck picnics.
Above left: A.S. in PTA students, Program Director Catherine Ammenti, and Director of Clinical Education Dr. Erin Schulz pose with PT Month swag. Above middle: One of the skeleton mascots readies themselves for pie on “Pi Day.” Above right: It’s Picnic day for the PTA class.
Octobers are particularly dear to the department. Each year, as the 10th calendar month rolls around, Ammenti schedules continuing fun and learning events to occur during National Physical Therapy Month. Since becoming program director, she’s sought to raise awareness by purchasing PT Month swag, such as orange cooling towels and PTA stickers for the commemoration. Also, under her watch, the program has hosted Dr. Ashwin’s Palpation Lab. Most recently, under championing leadership, the department expanded to a second campus.
Service Dogs
Recently, the PTA modality welcomed a new member, a service dog. Canine Dahlia accompanied her human companion to class daily and did her best to pay attention while attending to her duties as a service dog. The four-legged pupil maintained a professional demeanor at all times, that is, until break time. When the service vest came off, Dalia revealed her playful pup side, which her classmates thoroughly enjoyed!
Above left: The students from A.S. in PTA Cohort #13 officially completed their program (circa June 3, 2024). Above right: Dahlia, the super service dog, in the class.
Therein, the dog was a familiar face, and paws-i-tively (heee, heee) added to the class.
All in All
All in all, Gurnick’s PTA department makes use of educational fun. While students continually learn in a happy environment. “I felt excited coming to class daily, knowing it would be a supportive, positive environment. All staff and students at Gurnick strive to make the campus inclusive and welcoming for all learners,” says Piper Pontrelli, a recent A.S. in PTA Cohort #13 graduate.
“Our growing PTA Program is a testament to the belief that learning should be engaging and dynamic,” says Marc Feldman, San Jose Campus director, of the creativity and innovation going into the modality. “We’re not just preparing students to successfully challenge their National Physical Therapy Examination. We’re preparing them for real-world clinical challenges. By integrating fun, hands-on experiences with rigorous academic training, we ensure our students are well-educated and well-rounded healthcare professionals,” says Feldman.
Gurnick now offers its PTA program on two different campuses. Please click here for more information about Gurnick Academy’s innovative A.S. in PTA program.~
Written by Cindy R. Chamberlin.