Letter from the Editor

By: Jill Franz, PT, DPT, BCIA-PMDB

Welcome to the first electronic edition of HIGHLIGHTS on Women's Health, the newsletter for the Section on Women's Health. We hope you enjoy this new format and welcome your comments and suggestions so that we can make upcoming editions even better. There will certainly be room for improvement as this is not only the first electronic issue, but also my first issue as the editor.

I have to admit that my path to "becoming involved" in the SoWH was quite casual. I met Wendy Featherstone at a continuing education course a few years ago where she excitedly talked about her involvement in the SoWH. Over the next couple of years I saw Wendy at various lectures in our area of New York State. Each time we met, her enthusiasm about "being involved" was contagious. When I saw Wendy again at a lecture this summer, I told her that I would like to become more involved. She mentioned that the newsletter position was open and now ….here I am.

At first, the idea of this new role was somewhat daunting. I thought "what do I know about editing a newsletter?" But, the incredible support and mentorship that I have received from Erin Hytrek, Director of Communications, has made this new endeavor easy and even FUN! I have enjoyed learning more about the SoWH. I have enjoyed hearing about all the areas that our group is involved. And, I have enjoyed reading about various members and their accomplishments (and there are many)!  I feel connected to a larger community that I am just beginning to explore and I have renewed enthusiasm for my own professional growth.

After I finished editing this issue, I took time to read the newsletter as a reader, not as an editor. As I read, I actually had to get up from my computer several times to get a tissue as the articles spoke to my heart and many brought tears to my eyes. The DEDICATION, PASSION, and COMMITMENT of this group rings out loud and clear throughout this issue. How privileged am I to be among this amazing group of women! From the dedication of the most experienced clinicians who lead us in research and education to the passion of the students in our section who are so eager to learn. Together, it is our commitment to excellence that makes me proud to belong to the SoWH and to be counted amongst you. Thank you for all you do!

Happy reading!

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President's Message

By: Wendy Featherstone, PT

Welcome to the inaugural ELECTRONIC issue of the Section on Women's Health Newsletter! Our thanks to Director of Communications, Erin Hytrek, for pushing us to keep up with technology, and to our new Newsletter Editor, Jill Franz, for putting together what I know will be a wonderful vehicle to keep you updated on the multitude of exciting things that make you glad that you are a member of the Section on Women's Health. There are many great reasons for this move to an electronic missive, but personally, I heartily support it so that I don't have to wonder which pile of mail in my house I must dig through to get the latest updates from the Section. I can see some of you honest ones nodding your head in agreement…But enough about my piles…

Many of us have just returned from CSM Nashville, where record-breaking numbers of attendees made it "THE" place to be in February. It was fabulous to see familiar faces and to meet new people as we survived tornadoes and snowstorms to attend a fantastic meeting. We tried some new programming venues this year including a Town Hall Meeting format to give members a chance to dialogue with their SoWH Board of Directors. We also initiated a Round-Table discussion with various topics of interest providing an opportunity to have your clinical, educational, and administrative questions answered. We are interested in your feedback if you attended these events, as it helps us prepare for next year and give you more of the type of offerings that pique your interest.

As you will see in the election news, we welcome two new members to the Board of Directors, and say a fond "what would you like to volunteer for next" to our beloved outgoing board members, Fatima Hakeem and Lisa Saez.

I continue to serve as Acting President in Elaine Wilder's absence. Please feel welcome to email me at wfeather@rochester.rr.com. I am happy to hear from the membership at any time.

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2008 Elizabeth Noble Award Recipient- Jean Irion, EdD, PT, SCS, ATC

      
My husband, Glenn, recommended that I start this speech with "Once upon a time there was a chic named Elizabeth who came from Australia." I decided not to, though.  Many of you know my husband's humor.

Good evening to my friends from the SOWH, my colleagues from the University of South Alabama, my mentors, and my students that are here this evening to celebrate this honor with me.  What a wonderful evening to celebrate the patients we serve through this award.  Everything we do through this organization is ultimately for the benefit of those we serve; our patients.

I still vividly remember the Monday morning that Wendy Featherstone called to notify me that I had received this award.  I had just survived two birthday parties over the weekend for our13 year old triplets; one was a sleepover. I know that many of you in this room have shared our lives with triplets since I was pregnant and I am still sane enough to be here this evening.  But I do recall one incident during our obligatory trip to Disney Word when the triplets were 3 and not all potty trained.  We had bought them all a small plastic manatee.  Phillip had lost his within his stroller and proclaimed "I lost my sanity." Well, we are just beginning the teenage years, so I hope I can say that I am still sane 5 years from now.

When Wendy called that morning, she advised me with great enthusiasm that she had some good news for me.  Just the week before, Wendy had requested a few members of the section to represent our section, per the request of the Foundation, to identify key research needs for women's health physical therapy.  I dutifully emailed Wendy back and said that I would volunteer to do this but if someone else volunteered I would not be offended if she recommended someone else to the Foundation.  My response to Wendy's "Good news" statement that morning was:  "You found someone else to volunteer for that responsibility."  Well, her good news was not that which I had expected and, in fact, I was completely surprised that I had been nominated for the Elizabeth Noble Award.   I couldn't believe that my nomination had gone that far without having some idea as we know what estrogen apparently seems to do to our mouths.  I will say I was a bit puzzled about an email I received from Cindy Neville inquiring about my recollection of taking all five of our children, including the triplets, that were less than 2 years old at the time, with us to CSM one year…. What were we thinking?  Now I know why she had inquired.  That was the first and last time and we are childless tonight.

I have sat over the years where you are this evening as we have celebrated the accomplishments of former recipients of the Elizabeth Noble Award and listened in awe at their giving spirit.  To be associated with that group of selfless, caring and accomplished women provides comfort to my soul in knowing that what I do, what we all do, is truly for the greater good of the profession that we share and hold dear to our hearts.

I went to a tried and true resource that I have found myself drawn to more and more lately, Wikepedia.  Well at least it wasn't "My Space."  I looked up the meaning of a few terms that represent this award: specifically service, volunteerism, and dedication. Wikepedia defines service as: "services carried out with the aim of providing a public good," volunteerism as: "the willingness of people to work on behalf of others without the expectation of pay or other tangible gain" and dedication as: "to immerse oneself with sincerity into a certain subject."  These definitions most definitely exemplify the true spirit of the Elizabeth Noble Award and all of you in this room.

There are several I would like to recognize this evening as being instrumental in bringing me to this point of addressing you this evening.  I have found my kindred spirits within this room and thank all of you for providing me with the desire to do what I do.  There are so many of you within the section that have touched my life in such a caring way, both professionally and personally. Please know that you are all thanked and you are all part of this award this evening.

To the many patients over the years that have taught me more than I was able to teach them.  They have touched my life by overcoming the challenges they have faced.

To my parents, David and Jean Schulte, who taught me and my 5 siblings from an early age that giving back to your community is just a part of life.

To the faculty at the University of South Alabama that I am proud to call my colleagues:  they endure my requests on an almost weekly basis to do yet one more thing for our students, our university and our community.

To the students that I have served for almost 18 years:  they continue to keep me on my toes.  I see in them the enthusiastic minds of our profession for the future.

To the man that I consider my professional mentor, John Spiker:  he took me under his wings when I was an undergraduate at West Virginia University. He fostered the spirit of professionalism and giving that has followed me throughout my career. 

I would like to dedicate this award to some very important persons in my life: my children that have sacrificed so that Mom can do what she loves.  I hope that the legacy I leave my children is one of giving to those in need and also to my husband, Glenn.

To Lindsay, our oldest daughter; her spirit of giving and caring needs to be mentioned.  While many her age are still trying to find themselves, she is serving as a leader for STAND (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur to promote awareness of the genocide in the Sudan, and also meets with state legislators to support divesture of state funds in stocks and bonds that have any relationship to the Sudan.  She has volunteered at her local WIC office to utilize her Spanish skills as Spanish is her minor. Just this week, she attended the American Dietetics Association Public Policy Forum with only one other student from across the US.  Her savvy of the political process far exceeds mine.  We have raised a tree-hugging bleeding heart liberal daughter and can't figure out how she came from two staunch Republicans.

To our son, Kyle, who changed more diapers by the age of 9 than most adults have in a lifetime.  Despite his early years when Glenn affectionately dubbed him the Poster Child for Birth Control because of his boisterous spirit, he has grown to be a well-rounded young man that other parents envy. He had to make a difficult decision of choosing between continuing in Division One athletics and academics.  His mature, yet difficult, decision to choose the latter, because of his aspirations for a career in engineering or medicine, is commendable.

To our attempt at "number three," which turned in to three.  Christina, Phillip and Connor keep me young, which is definitely needed as I exceeded the half-century mark this week.   Christina still tells her brothers what to do; she has the mark of a true leader.  To Phillip, our sometimes motivationally challenged child, that desires to blend into the background, yet his passions are beginning to shine. To Connor, who came in to this world as a fighter and continues to display tenacity in the challenges he tackles.  They teach me every day that the circumstances of life are not insurmountable.

Lastly, to my 24/7- to my husband, Glenn:  we not only share our family life, but also our professional life.  As a former Director of Research for the Section on Women's Health, he knows the passion that we all share for the betterment of women.   To say that we have faced a few challenges during our 28 years together would be an understatement.  We were both full time graduate students the first three years we were married.  Glenn continued on to post-doctoral fellowships and then one of us or both were students for the next 12 years, including my triplet pregnancy when I was two-thirds of the way through my doctoral studies and my tenure clock was ticking.  Along the way, he has supported my desire for a family life along with my aspirations for a professional career; not an easy task in a two-career marriage.  To quote the famous Shania Twain:  "Looks like we've made it."

My sincere thanks to all of you for sharing this honor with me this evening.  Thank You

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Combined Sections Meeting at Nashville 2008 

By: Lisa Saez, PT; Director of Programming

Once again, we enjoyed a wonderful week of education, networking and partying at the annual February CSM. This years' Combined Sections Meeting was held at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee, the city of music. This immense hotel and convention center complex is a city in itself.  I remember my first time there in 2004 at CSM. I knew I was in trouble when I checked in and was handed a map to find my room! The first day or two there are spent wandering the halls, looking at signs and maps and still having no idea where you are going. I even saw staff members that were perplexed when asked where something was. Too bad there was no monorail to take us from place to place. However, the exercise was a welcome change to sitting in lectures as I think most PT's are not used to spending that much time on their ischial tuberosities.

The week started uniquely enough for those who were there on Tuesday night when tornado warnings were sounded and sent us to shelter. For my group in the Restorante Volare, we were sent back to the hallway between the restaurant and kitchen. Plates and glasses in hand (of course we were not about to leave our wine and meal behind), we followed the manager. I inquired if we would be required to do the dishes back there. Thank goodness we were cleared to return about 20 minutes later. Some folks were not as lucky. About 40-60 minutes away there were 2 tornados that touched down in Williamson, Macon, Sumner and Trousdale counties doing tremendous damage as well as taking many lives.

Wednesday morning, our two pre-conference courses began.  Building the Female Athlete was cosponsored with the Sports Section and given by a panel of speakers.  The Physical Therapist's Role in Understanding and Promoting Sexual Health was given by Carolyn "Libbey" Livingston, ARPN, PhD, and Pamela Morrison Wiles, P.T., M.S., BCIA-PMDB, D.P.T., I.M.T.C. Attendees of both sessions were not disappointed with the wealth of knowledge showered upon them. Wednesday evening, the first "Town Hall Meeting" was held (in place of the usual open BOD meeting) to provide a more interactive format for the members to ask questions and bring concerns to the SoWH BOD. 

Thursday morning began with the multi-section program and followed with each section beginning their individual programming.  Sessions for the SoWH included Professional Development Opportunities, Clinical Residency & Fellowship Programs, an Update on Women's Health Specialization, PT in Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Constipation Dysfunction. Our second new session was on Thursday evening entitled, "Shop Talk". Clinical Round Tables provided intimate discussions with experts in 8 areas at tables of 10 or less while having buffet style fajitas (sorry no margaritas this time).  DJ, Dessert and Dancing followed with yummy dessert shooters, lively music by DJ Jeff and dancing. We all got a great aerobic workout that night.

Friday morning, those who got up early were not disappointed as Mary Massery enlightened us on how we are more like a soda pop can than we think. Ann Dunbar followed up with an in depth education on the pelvic floor component for pelvic organ prolapse. In the afternoon, Dan Kirages shed some light on the male pelvic floor and Pam Morrison told us ALL we ever wanted to know about clitoral pain and then some. By the way, I loved the slide of the lost man Pam. I think I've known a few of those in my day! Our annual business meeting followed where the State of the Section was given to update the members on the activities of the SOWH for 2007. Cheryl Wisinski dazzled us with her graphs and statistics of the use of our newly designed web site.  Who knew the whole world was looking!

We honored our volunteers for their service and presented Jean Irion with the Elizabeth Noble award. How well deserved that was. I would have given it to her just for having the triplets and remaining active in the SoWH!

On Saturday morning, Ann Marie Flores led a mock tumor board of 4 doctors to show us how these diagnostic and treatment decisions are really made. In the afternoon, we saw 6 wonderful platform presentations and then closed our lectures with a lively marketing presentation by Fatima Hakeem. The APTA also had a new closer this year, a multi-section session on laughter and its therapeutic benefits. It was good to go out with a snicker or two; and for two attendees, they left with a free registration to CSM in Vegas next year! 
Special thanks to our wonderful sponsors who helped to make this week happen. Please contact them and voice your thanks personally. I would also like to thank all of the speakers who contributed their time and shared their knowledge with us. Their efforts made this years program a great one. They were troupers with the new Scholar One program for proposal submissions this year. I know next year will be smoother as some of the glitches are being worked out.
A big thank you to my assistant, Heather Moky, who will be stepping up to the plate next year and taking the reigns as the Director of Programming. I know she will do a fantastic job. If any of you want to get involved in programming for the SoWH, Heather is looking for an assistant.  This is a great way to have some input into CSM programming and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes at CSM. Last, but not least, I would like to thank my fellow BOD members from the past 3 years. You have made this a truly unique and fun experience. What a great group of women who have offered so much guidance, assistance, and support during my term as Program Chair. And of course, I also thank you, the membership, for allowing me this opportunity to serve you. It has been a blast and I've enjoyed getting to know so many more of our members during my term of office. I leave you with thoughts of Las Vegas in February 2009.   

 

The Section on Women's Health would like to extend a special
thank you to the following Combined Sections Meeting 2008
corporate sponsors and contributors for their generous support:

The Prometheus Group
Sponsor of The Physical Therapist's Role in Understanding
and Promoting Sexual Health

Fore Tech Medical
Sponsor of Management of the Breast Cancer Survivor: Mock Tumor Board

Current Medical Technologies, Inc
Sponsor of A Multidisciplinary Approach to Constipation Dysfunction

Essential Control Systems
Sponsor of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Posture, Pressure and Pulsion 

Pamela Morrison Physical Therapy
Sponsor of Current Concepts Related to Motor Control Training and Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging for Patients with Lumbopelvic Disorders

Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Baby Your Back

Biofeedback Certification Institute of America

Pelvic Solutions, LLC

Vaginismus.com

Women's Health Physical Therapy

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SoWH Booth Volunteers

By: Trisha Jenkyns, PT, SoWH Booth Coordinator

A big THANK YOU to all who staffed the booth at CSM 2008!

Everything went very smoothly from setting up the booth on pre-conference day to dismantling the booth on Saturday. We had three full days of networking, answering questions, selling Lucinda Pins, showing samples of SoWH's products for sale, and more. We designed new magnets this year that proclaimed "Exercise the Floor of Your Core" for members to purchase and give to their patients to remind them of the importance of doing their pelvic floor muscle exercises regularly.  The magnets were a hit and will be offered on our website along with the other items for sale. Thank you for keeping track of all the visitors and filling out the evaluation forms. Your feedback will be helpful in determining how to best utilize the booth. The SOWH has three different booths that travel to conferences through the year; stay posted if you would like to help out. Also, please contact me if you would like one of the SOWH booths at your conference.

 

THANK YOU!
Jill Boissonnault Beate Carriere Elizabeth Cole        Susan Decker       Donna Edwards  Kathy Febos  Jane Frahm Carol Figuers   Joan Firra Judy Florendo      Ingrid Harm-Ernandes  Natalie Herback Sandy Hilton	Barb Settles Huge Christina Holladay  Beth Hoppe-Stidham  Brooke Kalisiak Christine Ladyga Kristin Leatherman     Elizabeth Lewis Katherine Nedved Amy Pannullo      Becky Roush Carrie Schwoerer Delia Smith Kathy Stover        Stacy Tylka Erin S Umphrey  Carol Walters

If you did not receive your coupon in appreciation of your help, please contact me. pjenkyns@comcast.net

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Elections 2008

By: Christine Ladyga, PT, Nominating Committee Chair

The nominating committee is very grateful to those candidates who ran for office in 2007.  The participation of these excellent candidates keeps the Section on Women's Health moving forward in a positive direction.

The results of the elections for 2008 are as follows:

• Susan Clinton, Secretary
• Heather Moky, Director of Programming
• Bernadette Kamin, Director of Financial Development
• Elizabeth Lewis, Nominating Committee

The nominating committee is currently seeking candidates for the 2009-2012 term; positions open include:

• President
• Director of Education
• Director of Research
• Nominating Committee

We look forward to each member's participation in the election process this year.  Look for announcements in the Newsletter and E-Notes.   Remember that each member plays a vital role in guiding the direction of the Section. 

Please contact Christine Ladyga @ cjladyga@gmail.com  if you are interested in running for an office or would like to nominate a colleague.  We are currently looking for additional nominations for all open positions.  We thank you for your interest and support of the Section on Women's Health.

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Get Involved!

Volunteering for the Section on Women's Health is a great way to get connected and network with other therapists as well as a way to give back to the Section. To be eligible you should be a member of the section for 2 years and you must have email access.  Terms for volunteer positions are 2 to 3 years.

Volunteers are needed in the following positions:

• Membership Chair
• Advertising and Marketing Coordinator
• Poster/ Platform Coordinator
• Finance Committee Member
• Assistant CSM Coordinator
• Washington State Representative
• North California State Representative
• South California State Representative
• Utah State Representative
• New Mexico State Representative
• North Texas State Representative
• South Texas State Representative
• Virgin Islands State Representative
• Product Endorsement Committee Chair
• Product Endorsement Committee members
• Case Report Reviewers for the CAPP process
• Assistant Newsletter Editor
• Historian
• External Collaboration Coordinator
• Research Task Force
• Assistant Program Chair

For more information, visit the Section's website or contact Frieda Alessi, Volunteer Coordinator, at extensionspt@sbcglobal.net.  If you want to volunteer but do not see a position that interests you, please contact Frieda and indicate your interests.

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Women's Health Student Special Interest Group (SSIG)

By: Christina L. Holladay, SPT, MA, CSCS, Duke University

We are pleased to announce the formation of the Women's Health Student Special Interest Group (SSIG).  This SSIG was unanimously approved by the SoWH Board of Directors at the Combined Sections Meeting in Nashville. 

The purpose of the Women's Health SSIG will be to educate PT and PTA students about women's health physical therapy, and to encourage active involvement in the SoWH.  Goals for the SSIG include providing opportunities to learn about women's health physical therapy; promoting discussions between students, physical therapists, and faculty; and networking with future colleagues.  Meetings for the SSIG will be held annually at National Student Conclave and at CSM.  In addition, networking within the SSIG and discussing relevant women's health topics will occur via email and discussion boards.

A Steering Committee for the Women's Health SSIG will be formulated in the next couple of months.  This committee will include two students who are in their third year of a physical therapy program, two students who are in their second year of a physical therapy program, and two students who are in their first year of a physical therapy program.  In addition, there will be a Board of Directors, which shall consist of two representatives from each of the five SoWH regions (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and Northwest).  The committee and the board will be an excellent way to get involved with developing the first Women's Health SSIG.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to join the Women's Health SSIG or participate in the Steering Committee or Board of Directors, please contact me via email: christina.holladay@duke.edu .

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Spotlight on a Volunteer: Deena Poll Goodman, PT; Website Committee Member and SACE Member

Deena Poll Goodman, PT 
 

Education  
I graduated with a BS in psychology from the University of California, Davis in 1987. I then obtained my BS in Health Science and Physical Therapy Certificate in 1992, from California State University, Northridge. I am currently enrolled at the IBP Institute in Los Angeles, CA. I anticipate completion of my Certificate in Integrative Body Psychotherapy in May 2008.

Current practice setting/ situation 
Owner, founder, and practicing PT in a private practice in West Los Angeles, CA

SOWH member for18 years 

Positions held within the Section
-Item Writer for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties for the Women's Health Specialty exam
-Member of the Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE)
-APTA spokesperson
-Website committee member
-Volunteer at CSM booths

How did you first get started volunteering for the Section?
Volunteering was easy to do since everyone I had met at CSM was so eager and passionate about what they were involved in. I loved the members I met and the opportunity to network at CSM every year. It's my favorite conference of the year. The Women's Health Section Members inspire me so!! 

What would you like the membership to know about your current volunteer position? 
It is one way that I can give back to our section and help "our section grow and be more visible" not only to PT's, but also to consumers and other healthcare professionals.  It is an honor to be part of a select group creating the first ever Women's Health Specialty exam.  It is an exciting time for our section. Also, by being a part of the Website committee, I am part of a larger community that is spread out around the country. I feel that I can contribute towards important decisions being made for our section and that my input counts, no matter how small or large. 

What is your favorite thing about being a member of the SOWH?
Being able to access the incredible wealth of knowledge and support that we have in our membership. Members are willing to share and lend support at a moments notice. I always feel that I can email or call any member and get answers to clinical questions or other information, or find out what my colleagues are doing in other parts of the country. This is something very special to our section.

What is the best thing about volunteering for the Section?
Feeling connected to the larger organization (APTA) in a way that supports my needs and commitment to quality care within my profession and specialty field in Pelvic Health. It is very satisfying to know that the time I give to the Women's Health Section is time well spent making Women's Health more visible to the community.

What advice would you give other members considering volunteering for the Section?
You get what you put in to anything you are passionate about. If one of your passions is Women's Health or Pelvic Health, then there are many opportunities awaiting you. Just get your hands wet in whatever capacity you can, and you will reap the benefits! Check out the Women's Health Sections newly designed website for a taste of the possibilities.

Anything else?
As a Women's Health practitioner, I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from so many experts and founding members of our section, and also to have such amazing opportunities for education within our section NOW. I am thankful to be a part of the growth in both our section and our profession. It's a great time to be a physical therapist practicing in a specialty area with so much more potential awaiting us in the years to come.

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Students Find Passion in Section on Women's Health Membership*

By: Michelle Clower, SPT; North Georgia College and State University

Physical therapists are trained to provide treatments that strengthen and re-educate muscles of the body from the tempromandibular joint all the way to the many joints involved in the biomechanics of gait. We play a large role in the rehabilitation of those who have suffered sickness, injury, disease, inevitable degeneration, and those who have endured dreaded surgeries. How would a patient benefit from a total knee arthroplasty without physical therapy? Would an elderly woman who loves to work in her garden ever be able to return to that activity after a urinary tract infection and a bout of double pneumonia without the help of a physical therapist? It would be no less than absurd for these patients not to be referred for such services by their physician. But what about the young woman who gives birth and has resulting pelvic organ prolapse? And what about the middle-aged man who undergoes a radical prostatectomy followed by life-changing incontinence?

The physical therapist's role in such matters seems to be as hidden as the pelvic floor musculature itself. Unfortunately, many physicians are unaware of the positive influence physical therapy can have on patients who suffer from incontinence and other conditions of the pelvic region. The elderly are all too often placed in nursing homes due to their inability to control their bowel and bladder, and their care giver's inability or lack of desire to help keep the individual clean. For the person who is fully functional and independent, incontinence is likely to be traumatic and a detriment to one's social life. With our education, we have the ability to change lives, perhaps enabling people to live many more fulfilling years in their homes and communities.

Asking myself the questions above led me to APTA's Section on Women's Health. Women's health is certainly not an area of specialty for every physical therapist—and this reality excites me because it means there are thousands of physical therapists who are looking for their place of specialty in the profession. I challenge any student or practicing physical therapist to question everything. Decide what makes sense to you and what does not. Things that do not make sense are often the areas that have room for improvement and need our attention. The human instinct for the quest for knowledge is the motivation and driving force behind much of what we do; let that instinct tolearn lead you to your section of APTA.

Vanessa Tomco, SPT; Regis University
I am a third-year physical therapist student and have been a proud member of APTA during my time studying at Regis University. As I've moved into my final year of graduate school, my passions for specific corners of physical therapy have cleared a path directly to the Section on Women's Health of APTA. I've already enjoyed my short time as a member. It has given me the opportunity to be a part of a growing community that is dedicated to enhancing education by sharing enthusiasm about recently published research, upcoming events, and opening discussion about specific women's health issues. The Section provides us with a common source for advocacy, networking, and promotion of the profession in general. As we each find our niche in the world of physical therapy, I believe it is our professional responsibility to add to the development of our source of passion and I can't think of a better place for me to begin as I move from student to practitioner than APTA's Section on Women's Health!

*Insertion from APTA's Student Assembly Pulse

 

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Members in the News

Section member, Bruce LaBrecque, RN, PT will be presenting "Evaluation and Manual Treatment of Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction" to PT's and PTAs and Pelvic and "Abdominal Dysfunction: a biomechanical treatment approach" to PT's, PTA's and nurses in April and May of 2008.  He participated in a medical mission to Liberia in 2007 and presented on pelvic muscle rehab after fistula repair and is participating in a medical mission to Liberia again in 2008.  He is also providing nursing seminars on back pain and pelvic abdominal control, speaking about male pelvic pain at the Michigan PTA Conference in October and is presenting an overview of PT treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction at the Michigan PT Student Conclave in March.

 Beth Shelly, PT, BCIA-PMDB, section member, presented "Pelvic Pain for Nurses" on February 29, 2008 at the SUNA Annual Symposium in Tampa, FL

Section member and CAPP Committee Chair, Cynthia E. Neville, PT, BCIA-PMDB was featured in the Chicago Tribune on February 10, 2008. Neville was quoted in the feature article about the core being the basis for all movement throughout the body and the fact that weakness in the core can make a person vulnerable to a variety of injuries including urinary incontinence and breathing disorders. In a second article the writer cites Cindy both on what happens to the core muscles naturally during pregnancy and the best ways to recover core strength after the child is born Gayla Pleggenkuhle, PT, member, called in to a Minnesota radio talk show on February 7, 2008 during a discussion about kegels. Gayla identified herself as a physical therapist that specializes in women's health and teaches kegels as part of her profession. After Gayla rang off, one of the hosts commented that Gail, as a PT specializing in women's health, was the expert and should have been chairing the discussion from the beginning. What a great PR effort!

Deena Poll Goodman,PT, section member, website committee member, and CAPP committee member, presented "Demystifying Pregnancy" on February 3, 2008 at Emperor's College, an Acupuncture school in LA.  The Acupuncturists loved Deena's lecture and invited her back for more!

Section member, Blair Green, PT, MPT, OCS, of One-on-One Physical Therapy, presented "Kegels, Nutrition and Bladder Retraining" at the Public Forum for Women, sponsored by the National Association for Continence on November 10, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia

Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald and Cynthia Neville, PT, BCIA-PMDB, section member and CAPP Committee Chair, present at World Congress in Barcelona. The two women's health experts from the Rehab Institute of Chicago presented a day-long workshop last November at the World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Barcelona. Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald, medical director of the Women's Health Rehabilitation program, and Cynthia Neville, PT, the program's clinical corporate director, were part of a four-person panel presenting a workshop titled, "Multidisciplinary Management of Female Pelvic Pain."

The audience for the annual World Congress was physicians, therapists, chiropractors and scientists. Dr.
Fitzgerald presented on pelvic anatomy and neurophysiology as well as physical examination and diagnostics in pelvic pain. Neville's portion of the workshop covered rehabilitation treatment for pelvic pain syndromes. Their co-presenters were Dr. Frank Tu, an Ob-Gyn clinician and researcher with whom the RIC program collaborates, and Dr. Ursula Wesselmann, a world-renowned researcher in visceral pain syndromes from Johns Hopkins.

Neville noted that the workshop marked the first time that visceral pelvic pain syndromes were discussed in the six World Congresses held to date.

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CAPP Update

By: Cynthia E. Neville, PT, BCIA-PMDB

As Chair of the Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic and Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Therapy committee (CAPP-pelvic and CAPP-OB), I am proud to report on the excellent accomplishments of these teams of volunteers to the SOWH.

12 CAPP-pelvic Awarded in 2007
Nine Section on Women's Health members were awarded the Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy. The CAPP committee and the SOWH congratulate this ground breaking group of pelvic PT's!

These 9 are members of the Section and APTA.

• Darla Bowen Cathcart, PT, CLT - Shreveport, LA
• Donna Marie Copeland, PT - Perrysburg, OH
• Lauren G. Garges, PT - Bethlehem, PA
• Hilary Ort Garrett, PT, MS - Bend, OR
• Sarah Jo Haag, PT - Chicago, IL
• Jennifer Sergeant Hungate, PT - Chicago, IL
• Elena Teodora Jacobson, PT - Lenexa, KS
• Cynthia E. Neville, PT, BCIA-PMDB - Chicago, IL
• Diana Fassett, PT- Tuson, AZ 

 

Graphic Lab Manuals for Pelvic PT Courses Planned for 2008
The CAPP-pelvic committee (Cynthia Neville, Beth Shelley, MJ Strauhal, and Trisha Jenkyns) is creating supplemental lab manuals which will include photos and graphics for Pelvic Physical Therapy courses in 2008. Previous course attendees will be able to purchase the lab manuals from the SOWH.

CAPP-OB planning completed; Courses Planned for 2009
The planning for the SoWH's new Certificate of Achievement in Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical therapy (CAPP-OB) was completed by the CAPP-OB committee (Chair-Susan Giglio, Cynthia Neville, Kim Fischer, Christy Hupka, Darla Cathcart, Stacey Divis). The first of the series of three courses, OB-1, will be available in 2009. OB-2 and OB-3 will be available in 2010. Please see the SoWH website for a detailed listing of the topics covered in all three CAPP-OB courses.

Additional Pelvic Physical Therapy Level 2 Course Added in 2008
By popular demand, an additional Pelvic Physical Therapy Level 2 has been added to the SOWH course listings. The course is planned for June 2008. See the SOWH website for more information.

Apply for the tCAPP-pelvic by Dec 2008 deadline
No matter how brief or extensive your background is, the SOWH wants to encourage all experienced pelvic PT's to apply for the tCAPP (transitional CAPP-pelvic) in 2008. Experienced pelvic PT's can obtain your tCAPP by testing out completely of three levels of courses and writing a case report. Pelvic PT's who have taken previous courses may qualify to test out of either or both the Level 1 and Level 2 Pelvic PT courses. We encourage you to apply and find out how your background qualifies you for the tCAPP. In order to participate, experienced PT's must submit an application to the SOWH by December 31, 2008. The tCAPP will not be available to anyone after 2008. Please see the SOWH web site for details.

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Update on Establishment of Women's Health Residency Programs: ‘The CSM Edition and Other Thoughts'

By: Julie Guthrie-Cornell PT, DPT, OCS; Women's Health Residency Committee Member

Nashville, Tennessee played host to a wonderful array of course offerings, meetings, and learning opportunities. Several small sessions addressed different aspects of both residency and professional development.

The "Specialization Update" helped to educate attendees on the specific goals and processes of specializing in women's health. These goals are not unlike any other specialty – the desire to promote the highest standard of care in a reliable manner, as well as to encourage the growth of both the science and art of our field of interest.

Let's face it. Many of us professionally have our strengths, weaknesses, and biases that may influence how we market and the types of patients that might walk through our door. In reviewing the long list of areas that are technically included in "women's health," what percentage are we REALLY confident in? I am pretty sure each of us can find more than one area that would call for a review through a book (and wishing we had a mentor) if a patient came through our door with that particular problem. This is where residency programs can have such an effect!

"Professional Development Opportunities in Women's Health" presented a large array of information regarding residency programs, requirements, and their role in preparation for the ABPTS Specialist exam. Hours earned during the completion of a residency count towards the hours needed for specialization application. The residency components are based on the Description of Specialty Practice (DSP), available for purchase through the APTA. These components are in contrast to a special focus on one particular area of study that would be offered in a fellowship. From a resident's perspective, there are advantages of direct feedback with mentoring and observation of more disciplines encompassing women's health than most average clinical experiences, all while accruing those sacred hours needed for specialization application.

So that's what might bring a motivated potential-resident out to seek a residency opportunity. What's in it for the institutions providing the residency opportunity? Expansion of treatment opportunities for patients, increasing awareness to others regarding women's health issues, as well as having a bit of prestige bestowed on being ‘trailblazers' in the women's health field could be huge motivating factors for the clinics and hospitals involved in providing a residency opportunity. Discussed were several example models of residency development, as well as certain specific curricular issues.

A wonderful poster presentation by Jill Boissonnault, PT, PhD described current entry-level expectations in regards to women's health. Over 200 schools were polled (126 responses), and those criteria exceeding a 75% response rate were recommended to be included in entry-level women's health programs. Those falling ‘below the line' (11 items) were not recommended; some of these items included internal pelvic floor exams, sexuality, and nutrition issues. While it is crucial to ensure appropriate basic information for entry-level students, it is easy to see that many clinicians graduate without having all the tools necessary for fully caring for all aspects of women's health. Residency programs will fill this gap – please check out http://www.womenshealthapta.org/credentialing/residency.cfm for more details on participating in or establishing a residency and creating new opportunities for growth in the women's health physical therapy realm. Currently there are two established residency programs, with at least 6 more that are demonstrating significant interest. The Women's Health Residency Committee is eager to assist those who are interested!

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Earn DPT credit for CAPP at Pacific University!

Great news for those who have completed CAPP and want to obtain their DPT. Pacific University Transitional DPT students who have completed the CAPP process can receive 7 credits of advanced standing toward their degree. Now with all your hard work, you can reap twice the benefit! Why not stand out as an expert in your specialty field and your profession!

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IOPTWH News

Save the Date! October 9 & 10, 2009 for an IOPTWH conference in Portugal, near Lisbon. Topic TBD. Remember that as a member of the SoWH, you are also a member of the IOPTWH. Access the IOPTWH Newsletter at IOPTWH.org. Sign up for the listservs and hear pearls of wisdom from all over the globe. Listservs include Obstetric Back Pain, Pelvic Pain, Urinary Incontinence, Anorectal Dysfunction, Breast Health, Osteoporosis, and Billing and Research. Join the chatter or just listen in!

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Federal Affairs Update- 2/6/08

By: Susan Abis, PT

On December 29, President Bush signed the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007. Provisions included in this final bill were:

• Extension of the therapy cap exceptions process through June 30, 2008
• An increase in the physician payment rate and extension of the physician quality reporting reimbursement initiative (PQRI). This replaces the scheduled 10.1% cut to the Medicare physician reimbursement rate in 2008 with a 0.5% increase through June 30, 2008.
• Extension of the floor on work geographic adjustment. Extends the work geographic index (GPCI)floor of 1.0 through June 30, 2008
• Payments for inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) services.  Permanently freezes the IRF services compliance threshold at 60%. Sets the market basket update factor at 0% from April 1, 2008 through FY09.
• Reauthorization of SCHIP to March 2009.

Medicare Physical Therapy Cap
Although the therapy cap exceptions process has been extended through June 30, 2008, it could be eliminated. Further, the current cap is $1810 per beneficiary – NOT ENOUGH! It is important to contact your member of congress and let them know this is not acceptable for our aging population. When seniors are denied the rehabilitation care they need from physical therapists, they are more likely to require higher cost interventions to remain functional. Let them know that although you support the exceptions process, elimination of the cap is our ultimate goal!

PQRI
This legislation designated funds from the Medicare Part B Trust Fund for payment of a 1.5% bonus for professionals for reporting of quality data conducted between July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 and January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  This provision applies to covered professional services, meaning services for which payment is made under the physician fee schedule and which are furnished by an eligible professional. A total of 119 quality measures are approved for this PQRI, with 8 available to physical therapists.  Providers who participate can expect a lump-sum payment in mid-2008 based on 2007 claims submitted, while payment for 2008 PQRI can be expected in mid-2009.

The Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapist Act (bill HR 1552 / S 932)
Medicare Direct Access Legislation was re-introduced. This legislation would allow Medicare beneficiaries to directly access physical therapists for outpatient services as authorized by state law.  This legislation had 158 House cosponsors and 15 Senate cosponsors during the 109th congress in 2005 and 2006. The burdensome requirements of unnecessary costly physician referrals and certifications of plans of care limit timely access to medically necessary physical therapy services. It also discriminates against our Medicare patients as many patients with private insurance plans can already enjoy this benefit.  

National Provider Identifiers
National Provider Identifiers will become mandatory beginning May 24.  Physical therapists and other providers will be subject to penalties for using identifiers other than the NPI.  In a recent announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid service (CMS), current contingency plans will cease on that date, and Medicare claims containing legacy identifiers in any field will be rejected.  This latest news follows a November 2007 message that providers will be required to include NPI's in their claims' primary fields beginning March 1.  Claims that only contain legacy numbers in the billing, pay-to, or rendering fields will be rejected or returned.  To obtain the bonus if there are no more than 3 quality measures that apply to services of a particular professional, each quality measure must be reported in at least 80% of cases in which it is applicable.

Student Loan Repayment for Physical Therapists (HR 1134/ S 2485)
This legislation was introduced last year and will allow physical therapists to participate in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program.  This initiative will encourage physical therapists to practice in rural and urban underserved communities by helping to address the rising student loan debt load of physical therapists that might otherwise be underserved.  The repayment through this program is currently at maximum of $25,000 per year- which can help address the student loan debt load.

Ensuring that Qualified PT's Provide Medicare Physical Therapy Services
Last year, Congressman Ed Towns (D-NY), introduced Medicare Access to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services Improvement Act (HR-1846).  This legislation would overturn current Medicare incident-to rule and recognize athletic trainers and lymphedema therapists as covered providers under Medicare.  Clearly, the issue of patient safety in provision of our services by non-qualified individuals, as well as cost-effectiveness when physicians are billing for our services are at stake.

What can you do?

1. Call your Senator or House Representative at 202-224-3121 and ask for their support of these issues and legislation
2. Email or write to your member of congress, utilizing the APTA's Legislative Action Center.  If you notice that they are currently supporting or co-sponsoring any of our legislation, THANK THEM!
3. Ask to meet with your member of congress when they are home in their district offices!  They welcome your opinion, and are often very happy to come to your place of work and see the valuable service you provide to patients.
4. Involve your patients by using the APTA's Patient Action center a www.apta.org/consumer/action.

 

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APTA's State Government Affairs Forum – 2007

By: Kim Parker-Guerrero, PT, SoWH New Mexico State Representative

I was privileged to attend and represent the SOWH at this year's 17th Annual State Government Affairs Forum September 23-25, 2007, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  John Barnes, CEO, APTA welcomed a record crowd of 140 APTA members who attended this year's event.

Leadership awards went to the following people: Paul Silovsky, PT, of Topeka, KS, and Ricci Susick, PT, MPT, of Portland, OR, received the 2007 State Legislative Leadership Award. In addition, Senora Simpson, PT, of Washington, DC, and Patricia Bartels, PT, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, received the 2007 Recognition of Legislative Commitment.

Informative sessions included issues such as Medicaid and SCHIP, physical therapy and animals, orthotics and prosthetics licensure in states, and referral for profit.  Breakout sessions encouraged and mentored attendees in areas such as how to strengthen your grassroots, transform your legislative committees, handle crisis communication, and prepare/present effective testimony. Of course, no government affairs forum would be complete without the valuable information on advocacy and fundraising.

As an update to Medicare issues that were discussed in September, President Bush signed the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (S 2499) on December 29. All of this information is available on APTA's Government Affairs website, but here is a brief summary: 

• Extension of the therapy cap exceptions process through June 30, 2008.
• An increase in the physician payment rate; extension of the physician quality reporting initiative (PQRI). Replaces the scheduled 10.1% cut to the Medicare physician reimbursement rate in 2008 with a 0.5% increase through June 30, 2008.
• Extension of the floor on work geographic adjustment. Extends the work geographic index (GPCI) floor of 1.0 through June 30, 2008. 
• Payments for inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) services. Permanently freezes the IRF services compliance threshold at 60%. Sets the market basket update factor at 0% from April 1, 2008, through FY09. 
• Reauthorization of SCHIP to March 2009.

The bill text and summary of the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 are posted on the Medicare Therapy Cap, Fee Schedule, and Inpatient Rehab Resource pages.
In other areas of reimbursement, therapists can now report fall risk screening to qualify for a 1.5% bonus payment.  APTA is working with AMA to develop additional measures and is urging CMS to allow PT's in institutional settings to participate.  

The Section on Women's Health APTA section liaison on the Government Affairs Committee is James Syms, who can be contacted at jsyms@llu.edu.  You can also contact Justin Elliott at justinelliott@apta.org for issues on the state level or Justin Moore at justinmoore@apta.org for federal issues.
Thank you again for this opportunity. 

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Pro Bono Clinics

Beth Black, PT, Michael Johnson, PT, and Grace Lefever, PT are developing a national data base of pro bono clinics that include physical therapy services.  They hope that this data base will provide a way for physical therapists involved in pro bono to share information and communicate with each other about relevant issues.

Last summer the group contacted all the PT Education programs and they are now contacting all the Sections. If you currently offer pro bono physical therapy services, please contact Beth Black by e-mail at: bblack@oakland.edu or by phone: 248-370-4042 so you can be added to the data base.

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News From the Director of Communications

By: Erin Hytrek, PT, DPT, Director of Communications

Marketing Survey
Thank you to everyone who responded to our recent Marketing Survey!  Your input is greatly appreciated and is already being used to develop materials and services through the Section that will help you in your marketing and PR efforts locally.  87% of respondents indicated that they would like more marketing materials to use in their local efforts.  We're pleased to announce that early this summer updated marketing brochures for Pregnancy and post-partum, Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Pain that can be downloaded from the website.  You will be able to add your clinic information including name, address and phone number. Cost for all three brochures for Section on Women's Health members is only $50!  Your rights to the use of these brochures will never expire! For APTA non-section members the cost is $150 and $250 for non-APTA members.

APTA PR and Marketing update:
The APTA Public Relations department is working hard for us!  In 2007 there were multiple mentions of PT in the media.  In fact, there were 643,735,590 total gross impressions (meaning the estimated number of people that saw these articles and mentions in the media) and had the total advertising value equivalency of nearly $5 million!  How much we would have spent if we had done the advertising to this many people directly?
In March be sure to go to BeAPT.org to see