High school students from Seattle-area schools visited the University of Washington on Aug. 5 as part of the Student-centered Pathway to Advance Research and Clinical Careers in Physical Therapy (SPARCC-PT), a summer immersion program offered by Tufts University – Seattle.
SPARCC-PT provides mentorship and early exposure to physical therapy careers for students from underrepresented backgrounds through visits to hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories throughout the Seattle area.
Faculty members from the Division of Physical Therapy hosted the students for a day of exposure and experiential learning in rehabilitation research. Through lab tours, demonstrations, and conversations with researchers, students learned how physical therapists contribute to scientific discovery and help translate research into improved patient care.
The visit also highlighted the breadth of research taking place within the University of Washington Division of Physical Therapy. Students explored how rehabilitation researchers use innovative technologies and research methods to advance care for people with a wide range of health conditions.
Evan Papa, DPT, PhD, SPARCC-PT program director, partnered with UW faculty to create the experience. Papa and Carolynn Patten, PhD, PT, FAPTA, professor and Division Head of Physical Therapy, said collaborations between the Tufts and University of Washington physical therapy programs help support shared goals in physical therapy education and mentorship.
Faculty participants included Mary Beth Brown, PT, PhD; Heather Feldner, PT, PhD, PCS; Lin-Ya Hsu, PT, PhD; Valerie Kelly, PT, PhD; Carolynn Patten, PhD, PT, FAPTA; Sujata Pradhan, PT, PhD; Soshi Samejima, DPT, PhD; and Kathleen Cummer, PT, DPT, PhD.
Students also met researchers and trainees from several rehabilitation research labs, including Marsalis Smith, DPT, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow, and Adria Gonzalez, MOT, PhC, a doctoral student in the Rehabilitation Science PhD Program, who represented the laboratory of Professor Chet Moritz, PhD.
By connecting with faculty, researchers, and trainees, students gained a broader understanding of the many ways physical therapists contribute to healthcare through clinical practice, research, innovation, and education.
In photos:
- High school students visit the physical therapy program.
- Dr. Pradhan explains a concept to the group.
- Dr. Kelly (far right) talks to students.
- Drs Pradhan and Kelly help students use VR headsets.