Fall 2015 Perspectives

COLLEGE OF HEALTH CARE SCIENCES • 29 “When transferring people, we had to be creative with how they would get on the boats, because everyone had different physical abilities, and most of the boats were different in terms of their structure,” explained sec- ond-year student Marie Nardozza. “I enjoyed the chance to problem-solve and feel like I made a difference for these people, who usually would not be able to get on a boat.” According to second-year student Daniel Thomas, “The best part was being able to see how individuals with disabilities interact recreationally in the community with friends, family, and caregivers. We often see our patients in the clinic, and it’s great to see what we are preparing our patients to do when outside our sterile clinic walls.” Event founders, Jay and Lowell Van Vechten, praised the students’ hard work and dedication. In a follow-up email to our community partner, Pinecrest Rehabilitation, the Van Vechtens stated, “The gentle manner in which you all handled the participants was truly inspiring and has changed the course of the bash.” Tiffany Charlson, a recreational therapist at the rehab facility, also expressed her appreciation. “I cannot say enough about how wonderful the students were with working with the participants,” she said. “They were quick-thinking, professional, and demonstrated what big hearts they all have.” n During the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting, held February 5–7 in Indianapo- lis, Indiana, Ph.D. students and alumni from PT Fort Lauderdale provided 16 educational sessions, as well as 5 platform and 20-plus poster presentations. The Combined Sections Meeting is the annual assembly of the APTA and consists of several stimulating days of programming, networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall filled with products and services. This year, more than 10,000 physical therapists from around the United States and the world attended this meeting. n Students, Alumni Represent NSU with Honor at APTA Meeting Melissa Freedman, D.P.T. class of 2017, takes a break with three service dogs at the Boca Raton Beach Bash. hysical therapy students served as bash volunteers in collaboration with the therapy staff of the college’s community partner— Pinecrest Rehabilitation of Delray Medical Center.