In 2012 we celebrate 60 years of Physical Therapy education at the University of Michigan. With its foundation on the Ann Arbor campus sixty years ago and the move to the Flint campus thirty years later, we have the pleasure of celebrating the anniversary of this historical program.

As an alumnus of this great program and University, you are invited to participate in many of the events that we have planned throughout the year. The formal celebration will occur the weekend of October 12th & 13^th with activities on both campuses.

On Friday October 12^th a formal dinner commemorating the    program will occur at the Northbank Center in Flint. As an alumnus, you are invited to join us on that evening. You may want to come early to take a tour of the PT department, labs, and classrooms at the William S. White building. Or perhaps you will want to meet up with classmates during the social hour prior to dinner. The celebration of the Victors continues Saturday October 13^th when we head to Ann Arbor for the Homecoming football game and PT  alumni tailgate.

Please see the second page of this newsletter to view planned activities,  watch the PT department website (www.umflint.edu/pt) for details, and stay in touch with all PT department activities through our facebook page.

You are a part of the Leaders and Best and we hope to see you in October!

Greetings from the Director

At the PT Department the pace has certainly picked up as it usually does this time of year; the end of the academic calendar soon approaches as we enter the fourth and final  fiscal quarter. At this time we reflect on the past academic year and develop plans for the next.

  You will find information in this newsletter on the DPT Club recent activities, the opening of PT Heart (the student-led Pro Bono Clinic), and What the faculty and students were up to at  APTA CSM in Chicago in February.

  An important anniversary is coming up in the fall of 2012!  Plan to join us in celebrating 60 years of PT excellence at U of M.

  Our annual call for Circle of  Excellence nominations is in this newsletter, as is the pledge information for the annual PTD Telefund the week of  May 14-16, with a letter from the Director about the funds. 

  Please answer those phones when the students call.  The money donated    during the Telefund for scholarship funds helps create future Wolverines and helps reduce the time they must work so they can focus on their studies and  volunteer activities that enrich their education.  These   scholarships bring hope to many students.

  We always welcome an opportunity to hear from you!   If you have any questions,      concerns or news to share please call or email: 810-762·3373  or cpfalzer@umflint.edu .   

Happy Spring!         

                                      Dr. Cindy Pfalzer

Professional Development Opportunities at UM-Flint

Each of the five post-professional certificate programs offer their courses for continuing professional development. With the recent change in licensure renewal requirements in the state of Michigan, these courses can be an added value to your portfolio as well as advance your clinical practice using an evidence based approach.  Clinical coursework is available in the following physical therapy specialties:   Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Neurology, Orthopedics, and Cardiopulmonary PT

Coursework will provide a strong clinical approach based on recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and    interventions of the various diseases or disorders addressed within the specialty area.   If you are interested in  expanding your physical therapy knowledge base, contact our department for opportunities available to meet   your professional goals.  Contact Christina Wixson at cwixson@umflint.edu for more information.

Announcing the new  VA Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Residency Program

For information about other events during the year, visit www.umflint.edu/pt Questions? Contact Lorrie Jorgenson at PTAlumniCommittee@umflint.edu or by phone at 810-762-3373