Webinar: Key Aspects of Amputee Rehabilitation and Collaborative Care: A Virtual Roundtable

Date and Time

June 25, 2020
12–1 p.m. ET

Location

Virtual Event

Rehabilitation depends on the combined efforts of many people. A collaborative care team may include a physician(s), prosthetist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and possibly a psychologist/counselor. The best outcomes are achieved when we ask questions, listen, and engage with the patient and entire care team to clearly discuss options and issues for our lower limb loss patients.

This one hour introductory/intermediate level course will discuss the multiple stages and considerations of the amputee rehabilitation timeline in a panel forum. This patient focused discussion brings rehabilitation specialists together with amputee patients and a certified prosthetist to discuss their expertise and experience.

Topics

  • Communication
  • Tips and Tricks from Patient Perspective
  • Patient resources
  • Getting started – where to begin, how do I start, first steps to working with your patient, timeline overview

Objectives

Upon completion of this program, learners will be able to:

  • Gain appreciation of patient’s point of view and their role in recovery
  • List ways to successfully communicate between care teams
  • Describe common barriers and techniques to overcome, including: keeping patients engaged, adherence, and compliance

Moderator


Michelle Denning PT, MHSA

Hanger Clinic

Michelle graduated from St. Louis University with a BS in Physical Therapy and Georgetown University with a MS in Health Systems Administration. Michelle has 20+ years of clinical experience as a Physical Therapist and has taught courses nationwide for PTs, OTs, and SLPs on a myriad of clinical interventions as a Certified Neuro-IFRAH® Instructor as well as an ACP Clinical Program Consultant. Michelle is currently an Area Business Operations Manager for Hanger Clinic and is responsible for leading partnerships between Hanger Clinic and Hospital Systems as well as driving clinical outcomes within the region.


Panelists


Valerie Arntsen, MPT

Adler Therapy Group

Valerie received her MPT from Hahnemann University and has 34 years of clinical experience. She specializes in the care of patients with lower extremity amputations. Valerie currently works at Adler Therapy Group, an outpatient private practice in the Hampton Roads area offering PT, OT, and speech therapy. For over 25 years she has been an integral member of an amputee clinic with Sentara Vascular Specialists where she collaborates with a multidisciplinary team. She is adjunct faculty at Old Dominion University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program where she teaches Amputee/ Prosthetics Course as well as Gait Special Topics Course. Her passion is working with the amputee population, understanding their needs and then together creating a plan to maximize their functional mobility to achieve their goals.


Mike Muratore, CPO

Hanger Clinic

Michael Muratore has been practicing orthotics and protsthetics for more than 15 years. He has had the opportunity to work with the Georgetown University Hospital Center for Wound Healing and work alongside the ACA Medical Director, Dr. Terrance Sheehan.

Michael has become an area leader in Prosthetic Technology, utilizing cutting edge Active Vacuum systems, advanced socket design including Comfort Flex II and REVO designs, as well as becoming versed in all microprocessor systems in the pursuit of better clinical outcomes for patients.


Elizabeth “Beth” Ljung PT, DPT

MedStar Health Physical Therapy

Beth has over thirteen years of experience as a doctor of physical therapy. She has worked at premier inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities on the east coast as a clinician specializing in the comprehensive treatment of patients with neurological deficits as well as prosthetic training of patients post amputation. She has assisted in creating and leading the collaborative Medstar and Hanger Amputee Program in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

In her clinical practice, she looks for novel and creative approaches utilizing new techniques when appropriate as well as putting a strong emphasis on evidence based practice and manual therapy.

Beth graduated with a Doctor’s in Physical Therapy from University of Maryland in 2007 which followed a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Kinesiology from University of Maryland College Park. After graduating with her degree in physical therapy, she has worked inpatient and outpatient therapy at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington DC, as well as outpatient therapy at Shepherd Center in Atlanta GA.


Carly Rusk

Patient Partner

Due to a traumatic car accident, Carly Rusk has been a right above knee amputee (RAKA) for 3 years now.  In that time, she’s adopted an amputee dog and has been using her experience to help others. Carly is a certified peer visitor with the Amputee Coalition and a member of the Trauma Survivors Network. She has participated in many events with Hanger Clinic, including adaptive sports such as running, rock climbing and scuba diving. Carly has also recently worked with Holmatro rescue tools on a campaign for new equipment and loves to immerse herself in the amputee community.


Continuing Education Requirements: All attendees are required to attend the entire session, complete a credit request form, and evaluation following the session. Throughout the presentation learning outcomes will be assessed through instructor interaction and attendee’s participation through Q&A.