Faculty members in the School of Health Professions recently showcased the school's educational leadership at professional conferences. In addition to showcasing our educators' achievements, these events are valuable opportunities to engage with peers, share expertise, and bring back new insights.
Physical Therapy Education Leadership Conference (ELC)
Faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences recently participated in the 2026 Physical Therapy Education Leadership Conference (ELC), held October 16–18 in Washington, D.C. The event is hosted by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Academy of Education.
Special recognition goes to Ryan Pontiff, PT, DPT, PhD OCS, FAAOMPT, for more than two years of service with the Clinical Education Special Interest Group (CESIG) of the American Physical Therapy Association's Academy of Education, where he currently serves as Membership Secretary.
Sue Klappa, PT, PhD, presented a poster titled, “Escape Room Unlocks Acute Care Competence & Confidence for BRIDGE PTA to DPT Students," highlighting a learning experience designed to help students strengthen their clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and confidence in complex acute care settings. The team-based approach demonstrates how interactive learning can support clinical education and prepare future physical therapists for patient care.
Crystalyn Richard, PT, DPT, EdD candidate, GCS, CEEAA, presented “From Administrative Task to Scholarly Practice: Academic Advising in DPT Education," exploring the importance of moving beyond traditional administrative approaches to academic advising and recognizing its role in student development and success. Dr. Richard highlighted the value of meaningful faculty-student connections for students navigating their educational and professional journeys.
2026 Texas Society for Allied Health Professions (TSAHP) Annual Conference
Karthik Mani, OTD, MSc, OTR, FACOT, faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy, presented two research posters at the 2026 Texas Society for Allied Health Professions (TSAHP) Annual Conference, held September 17–18 at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
His presentations, “The Role of Anatomage Table in Anatomy Education for Health Science Students: A Rapid Review” and “Cognitive Rehabilitation Services Following Diffuse and Focal Traumatic Brain Injury: A TriNetX Analysis,” explored two distinct areas of research and highlight Dr. Mani's scholarly contributions to advancing health professions education and rehabilitation research.