A collaboration between Brooks Rehabilitation and the College of Health Professions and Sciences (CHPS) is providing new opportunities for physical therapy education and clinical training in the region.
Brooks Rehabilitation, a nationally-ranked nonprofit that provides rehabilitation solutions from acute care to ongoing outpatient treatment, has helped the college complete an expansion of the Physical Therapy Clinic at the Innovative Center in Research Park by donating several pieces of equipment, including cable columns and shuttle system, both used for exercise prescription and interventions.
“Brooks Rehabilitation has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and we’re grateful for opportunity to work together to advance healthcare education,” says CHPS Founding Dean Christopher Ingersoll. “Their support has enabled us to accelerate our timeline for completing this important clinical site, which helps patients of all ages in our community lead stronger and healthier lives.”
“Education and innovation are core to the values of Brooks Rehabilitation,” says Victor DeRienzo, Chief Operating Officer – Aging Services and Outpatient. “This partnership – and by supporting the university’s current and future physical therapy students through a gift of essential rehabilitation therapy equipment – will aide in learning and make an impact on the profession for years to come.”
CHPS and Brooks Rehabilitation will work together in the clinic to offer education and training opportunities for CHPS students studying to become physical therapists and community providers.
“Community partnerships are the cornerstone of sustainable development, fostering collaboration, innovation, and mutual support to address shared challenges and achieve collective goals,” says William Hanney, associate professor and division chair. “We’re pleased to offer our students so many unique and intensive opportunities to grow in the profession.”
The Physical Therapy Clinic at the Innovative Center is just one of three locations providing treatment to the local community. The clinic works closely with the Communication Disorders Clinic, providing a one stop shop for both speech and physical therapy for patients recovering from strokes or undergoing aphasia treatment. Treatment is provided by faculty clinicians there who specialize in geriatric and neurological physical therapy.
The two additional clinics are located on the UCF main campus; one focuses on orthopedics and sports injuries and a second treats student athletes. Care is provided by licensed physical therapists who are clinical experts and faculty members with the UCF Division of Physical Therapy
