Get to Know the New Faculty Members in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

“We are thrilled to welcome the new faculty members to our team,” said Janet P. Dolot, M.S., D.P.T., Dr.P.H. ’14, PT, OCS, interim chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and assistant professor of clinical physical therapy. “They bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and passion for teaching and for physical therapy. Drs. Cathy Curtis, Nikki Gawronski, Tina Welsome and I, are very pleased that they have joined us.”

Get to know each of the four new faculty members who have more than 40 years of combined experience in physical therapy.

Parmveer Kaushal, D.P.T., PT, CCS, assistant professor of physical therapy and board-certified in clinical specialist in cardiopulmonary physical therapy

Describe your teaching style.

My teaching style is more student centric. My goal is for students to not only be able to learn and understand the topic better, but also be able to use it in clinical practice. I encourage evidence-based practice. I love to use technology when teaching and the resources allotted to me by NYMC provide a hands-on experience for my students.

How will your background and experiences strengthen the D.P.T. program?

My knowledge and past experiences in different environments help me provide the best clinical examples and explain, in complete detail, the role of a physical therapist. I teach and reinforce real clinical issues, including safety, communication, cultural competence and the expectations of patients from their physical therapists.

What are your current research interests?

My current research interests lie in early mobility and rehab for intensive care; prevention of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease; prevention of obesity; health and wellness awareness; prevention of complications related to long term cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions; and prevention of complications related to diabetes mellitus. I also address cardiovascular and pulmonary hygiene in children with developmental disabilities such as those on the autism spectrum.

What drew you to NYMC?

NYMC has a great history of academic excellence in medical education and supports cultural diversity for its students and staff. With its reputation for helping students develop the skills needed as a professional, I knew the D.P.T. program at NYMC was the perfect platform for me.

What has been your favorite experience at NYMC so far?

I’ve had many positive experiences in the last three months. The faculty and staff have been very welcoming and supportive. I feel like all our talents and experiences are truly appreciated. It has been a pleasure to see the support NYMC has for its students and I enjoy using the tools provided by the school to enhance their experience.

What’s one piece of advice for D.P.T. students before they graduate?

When treating a patient, it is not always about what you know. It’s about how much you care.

Scott Rivera, D.P.T., PT, assistant professor of physical therapy and board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy

Describe your teaching style.

I incorporate anecdotes and case studies as frequently as possible. The use of these strategies allows for the students to learn vicariously through the experiences provided by the cases, which are based on my own personal experiences in the clinic. I prefer to challenge students to open their minds to different thought processes and ideologies, while maintaining consistent with the provision of evidence-based practice.

How will your background and experiences strengthen the D.P.T. program?

My diverse background in patient care and education allows me to bring a wealth of knowledge to the D.P.T. program at NYMC. With certifications in orthopedics, vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management, as well as hundreds of hours of advance manual therapy training, I have developed a considerable depth of knowledge in a variety of areas.

What are your current research interests?

I will be performing research on clinical and educational topics. Clinically, I will be exploring the effect of manual therapy on strength and motor performance of the trunk and lower extremities. My research interests in education relate to the application of behavioral economic theory to educational challenges. I also plan to continue my dissertation research on the ability of technology to facilitate a social experience that is as impactful as the in-person learning experience.

What drew you to NYMC?

The D.P.T. program at NYMC applies modern educational theory extensively in its curriculum, as well as promotes the higher levels of knowledge application needed for success in the clinic. The diverse experience of the faculty and the diverse student body create an environment that mirrors the populations we hope to serve.

What has been your favorite experience at NYMC so far?

My greatest experience by far has been the ability to work with a faculty and staff that is so dedicated to the success of its students, the D.P.T. program, the School of Health Sciences and Practice, as well as the NYMC community at large.

What’s one piece of advice for D.P.T. students before they graduate?

The most important piece of advice that I would give is to continue to be lifelong learners and be open to any opportunities that are offered to you.

Victor Santamaria, M.Sc., Ph.D., PT, assistant professor of physical therapy and board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy

Describe your teaching style.

I empower students to align foundational knowledge with clinical sciences from a functional standpoint. I promote critical thinking and self-reflection for learning that I hope they apply later in their life as clinicians.

How will your background and experiences strengthen the D.P.T. program?

My post-graduate studies and expertise as a clinician and researcher align very well with my teaching curriculum at NYMC in pediatrics and research.

What are your current research interests?

My research is on postural and reaching control in children and adults with neuromotor conditions. I investigate the application of motor learning, control principles and neuroscience findings to physical interventions to enhance functionality in patients with brain damage.

What drew you to NYMC?

There are several reasons such as the faculty as well as the problem-based learning approach for D.P.T. students in our program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Moreover, I find NYMC as an institution that is invested in education and collaborative research.

What has been your favorite experience at NYMC so far?

I am moved by the welcoming environment and the faculty. I appreciate the confidence that NYMC has in me to help to create a new space for our department to do and promote research studies.

What’s one piece of advice for D.P.T. students before they graduate?

Personally, take time to celebrate your success, but never stop learning and teaching others. Also, professionally, it does not matter your area of expertise or where you work—whether in a clinical setting or not—the most important person is the patient and his/her family and circumstances.

Nicholas Sheehan, D.P.T. ‘16, PT, assistant professor of physical therapy and board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy

Describe your teaching style.

My teaching style is energetic and engaging. I aim to facilitate critical thinking and inspire students to seek knowledge on a deeper level.

How will your background and experiences strengthen the D.P.T. program?

My background experiences, specialty certification and training allow me to bring students a fresh perspective on the neurologic and complex patient population. I strive to bring students a neuroanatomical framework for thought process and patient approach, as well as consideration for and treatment of the psychosocial and behavioral aspects associated with patient care.

What are your current research interests?

My current research interests include the utilization of interactive media to assist with knowledge acquisition in the classroom setting; the development of teaching and learning tools for clinical assessment of body tilt in patients demonstrating lateropulsion; the application of a neuroanatomical framework for the treatment of patients demonstrating lateropulsion; and the modified standardized outcome measures for patients with cognitive and communicative impairments.

What drew you to NYMC?

I was drawn back to NYMC as an alumnus of the Class of 2016 for the same reasons I was drawn to become a D.P.T. student at NYMC - high standards within a family-like atmosphere, opportunities for community service and research and connections in the field in this geographic area.

What has been your favorite experience at NYMC so far?

My favorite experience has been being back in the same environment I thoroughly enjoyed as a student.

What’s one piece of advice for D.P.T. students before they graduate?

Remain inspired and reach your true potential. This is just the beginning of what you will accomplish!