Physical Therapy Students, Faculty Shine at Boston Conference
Thomas Nolan, professor of Physical Therapy, presented a research poster on "A Comparison of Quadriceps Contraction Force Generation during Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation with and Without Volitional Contraction" with Stockton student North Runk.
Galloway, N.J. – Stockton's Physical Therapy Program excelled at the annual American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) on Feb. 14-17 in Boston, with eight faculty members and 37 students attending.
Mary Lou Galantino, right, beams after receiving the Susan J. Mellette Award for Excellence in Leadership in Cancer Rehabilitation by the Academy of Oncology Physical Therapy.
Notably, Mary Lou Galantino, Distinguished Professor of Physical Therapy, was presented with the Susan J. Mellette Award for Excellence in Leadership in Cancer Rehabilitation by the Academy of Oncology Physical Therapy, the most prestigious award given by the Academy. This honor has only been awarded six times in the last 20 years.
"This award symbolizes the steadfast commitment and growth of our Academy leadership. While I am the 2024 recipient, I must give credit to my dedicated colleagues before me. I am grateful for all my mentors who shine the light on possibilities in cancer rehabilitation clinical practice and research," Galantino reflected. "I am riveted by this honor, especially in light of this amazing woman, physician and compassionate caregiver to many. I am deeply touched by the Oncology Academy's consideration of me, especially since it is in her honor, a woman I aspire to be every day."
More of Galantino's research
Galantino's work in cancer rehabilitation through the Fulbright Scholar program is a testament to her commitment to global health.
"I am passionate about cancer and HIV rehabilitation and am humbled by this award, for I do it from the heart, knowing that truly being fully present to our patients is the gift of healing. This is the embodiment of Dr. Susan Mellette, and may we all carry her commitment forward with all cancer survivors," she said.
In addition to Galantino's award, Stockton Physical Therapy graduates Cat Wunder '19, neurology specialist, and Jake Grootenboer '21 and Sarah Citro '20, orthopedic specialists, were honored at a ceremony for new certified specialists.
Rania Almajid, left, presented a research poster on "Fear of Falling in Stroke Survivors: Clinical Characteristics and Predictions." She is pictured with student Justin Donnamaria and Alysia Mastrangelo, professor of Physical Therapy.
Galantino also co-presented three platform presentations: "Rewiring our Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy Interventions: Triple Network Model, Immunology, Sex and Pain Perception," "Lower Extremity Physical Performance is Impaired with Persons with HIV," and "Impact of Peripheral Neuropathy on Physical Performance and Pain Pressure Threshold in Persons with HIV."
Rania Almajid, assistant professor of Physical Therapy, presented a research poster on "Fear of Falling in Stroke Survivors: Clinical Characteristics and Predictions," and Thomas Nolan, professor of Physical Therapy, presented a research poster on "A Comparison of Quadriceps Contraction Force Generation during Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation With and Without Volitional Contraction" with Physical Therapy student North Runk.
"Students who attend and participate in professional national conferences witness and experience the dedication and passion of physical therapists who are committed to the advancement of the profession and the practice of physical therapy," he noted.
Nolan co-presented a pre-conference, full-day course on Biophysical Agents and led a discussion at the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management Biophysical Agents Special Interest Group forum on a recently published manuscript he co-authored.
Reported by Mandee McCullough
Photos submitted
