Instructor(s): Daniel Keller

Course presents the diagnostic, medical, and surgical principles and techniques which guide decision making and management by the orthopedic surgeon. Contraindications, precautions, and prognosis are discussed to guide the decision making of the physical therapist.

Instructor(s): Alexis Mielke

Course presents the diagnostic and medical principles which guide clinical decision making and management by the neurologist. Contraindications, precautions, and diagnosis of the different neurological diseases are discussed to guide decision making by the physical therapist.

Instructor(s): Erica Pitsch

This required course for first-year DPT students covers motor learning and motor control concepts as applied to functional movement and balance in the normally developed adult, with an introduction into application to pathologic populations.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

Normal human growth and development for pediatrics with an emphasis on the changes in physical, motor, sensory, cognitive, language, self-help, and psychosocial skills and their impact on functional movement. Implications for physical therapy assessments for infants, children, and adolescents with developmental problems.

Instructor(s): Johanna Bergh

This required course for DPT student will teach clinical reasoning and practical skills required for effective physical therapy evaluation and treatment of older adults. Students will learn about the biopsychosocial changes in the aging adult and their associated clinical consequences especially as applied to changes in functional mobility and balance. This will be accomplished through didactic lecture, small group problem-based learning, web-based learning modules, and laboratory activities.

Instructor(s): Staff

Student participates in an independent study project under direction of a faculty member with the approval of the chairperson of the department.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

It can be hard to know how to get started and translate DPT program research experience into a career. In this elective, we aim to overcome potential barriers that may prevent students from pursuing research-oriented careers as DPTs, including a lack of information; not identifying relevant research opportunities or experiences during or after PT school; and/or not knowing what a potential career trajectory or day-to-day schedule looks like as a PT researcher.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

This course supports professional development in social responsibility by increasing an understanding of the role of physical therapy through the lens of health equity and humanitarianism. This course will prepare students for community engagement in settings serving vulnerable populations and displaced persons, providing disaster relief, developing physical therapy education, and delivering community-based rehabilitation.

Instructor(s): Alexander Dien

This course supports students in their clinical and community development through participating in a community clinic to serve the needs of under-served patient populations. Access to health services in the San Francisco community is an important pillar in addressing the health disparities within our community. Coupled with the limited hands-on experiences outside of clinical affiliations offered to students, this elective seeks to address both needs.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

This course provides the opportunity to be immersed in the Alameda County California Children's Services program. Students will learn about various pediatric neurological and musculoskeletal diagnoses through research, staff discussion, and direct participation in client evaluation/treatment sessions. In addition, students will assess and treat clients (with the possibility of direct handling), observe specialty clinics, participate in staff in-services, and give a presentation to the CCS staff.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

This course provides the opportunity to be immersed in the Alameda County California Children's Services program. Students will learn about various pediatric neurological and musculoskeletal diagnoses through research, staff discussion, and direct participation in client evaluation/treatment sessions. In addition, students will assess and treat clients (with the possibility of direct handling), observe specialty clinics, participate in staff in-services, and give a presentation to the CCS staff.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

This elective offers DPT students the opportunity to further study the pelvic floor and its interconnections with the spine and lower extremities. This is very important for understanding spine and lower extremity orthopedic conditions as well as how incontinence and pelvic pain are not always merely local problems.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

DPT students and physical therapists must understand the relevance and value of adaptive sports participation as it relates to patient-centered goals. Through this elective, DPT students will have the opportunity to learn more about adaptive sports, gain experience working directly with athletes, and integrate their education through working with adaptive athletes from across the lifespan presenting with various orthopedic and/or neurological conditions.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

This elective was designed to provide an entry level introduction to pelvic floor anatomy and skills necessary to evaluate and treat patients with vaginal anatomy and common pelvic floor diagnosis. Presentation of evidence-based evaluation and treatment techniques will be emphasized.

Instructor(s): Richard Souza

Students have the opportunity to be part of an evidence-based approach to evaluating and treating running injuries through a comprehensive biomechanics evaluation. This course will consist of three parts: 1) observing UCSF RunSafe running assessments; 2) reading, analyzing and presenting recent literature in a journal club format; and 3) processing, analyzing and presenting video-based running biomechanics data.

Instructor(s): Jordan LaBrec

This course will provide increased exposure to the principles of strength and conditioning to prepare students to treat the high-level athlete in the clinic. This course will also help them obtain the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, a recognized credential in the performance and rehabilitation setting that signifies increased knowledge and advanced study in performance.

Instructor(s): Madeleine Norris

This course will provide a review of gross anatomy relevant to the rehab sciences, along with an introduction to ultrasound, and how it can be used as a diagnostic and procedural tool in a clinical setting.

Instructor(s): Amber Fitzsimmons, Jennifer Kinder

This elective provides third-year DPT students the opportunity to develop practical teaching and tutoring skills in anatomy content under the supervision of the course director.

Instructor(s): Amber Fitzsimmons

This elective provides third-year DPT students the opportunity to develop practical teaching skills that combine observation, evaluation, and practice of teaching in anatomy under the supervision of the course director.

Instructor(s): Amber Fitzsimmons

This elective provides third-year DPT students the opportunity to develop leadership and practical teaching skills that combine observation, evaluation, and practice of teaching in anatomy under the supervision of the course director. Best practices in learner-centered teaching, curriculum models, and instructional design will be explored.

Instructor(s): Erica Pitsch

The purpose of this course is to provide practical experience in developing and leading a group exercise class with an emphasis on balance and functional mobility.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

Students have the opportunity to be part of a continuing quality improvement initiative in the ICU at UCSF, as well as learn new practice patterns in Critical Care that UCSF is involved in teaching to Medical Centers across the United States. This course gives some exposure and opportunities to students to learn the practical aspects and challenges of working in the ICU.

Instructor(s): Theresa Jaramillo

The purpose of this course is to provide physical therapy students with the resources to improve their ability to communicate with Hispanic/Latinx patients in the Spanish language. Course material will focus on Spanish medical terminology specific to physical therapy and will include content on how to provide care that incorporates cultural humility/awareness.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Kinder

The UCSF Eating Disorders Program's inpatient service provides holistic care for adolescents and young adults with eating disorders with support from a diverse group of care providers. Learners will attend morning medical rounds, interdisciplinary didactic lectures, work collaboratively on case studies, and teach evidence-based approaches to care for these complex patients.

Instructor(s): Ainsley Faraday

Students will participate in a continuing quality improvement initiative on a rehabilitation department service at UCSF and learn rehabilitation sciences related management with patient populations across the Medical Center. Students will shadow a PT instructor, interact with patients and staff, collaborate on chart reviews, and identify a research question or case.

Instructor(s): Ainsley Faraday

Students will participate in a continuing quality improvement initiative on a rehabilitation department service at UCSF and learn rehabilitation sciences related management with patient populations across the Medical Center. Students will provide patient care, collaborate on chart reviews, and complete a quality improvement project or case report.

Instructor(s): Sam Pak

Learners will apply the basic concepts of clinical informatics and data analytics to conduct a retrospective clinical review using EHR data for a PT faculty practice quality improvement initiative.

Instructor(s): Alexander Dien

Teen Fit is a DPT student-run service project that provides physical therapy based movement and health education to under-represented youth. DPT students teach health education courses to 7th grade students.

Instructor(s): Lisa Keyan

This elective offers DPT students the opportunity to apply their knowledge of pelvic health assessment and treatment strategies/techniques related to chronic pelvic pain diagnoses.

Instructor(s): Alex Hansen

What is physical therapy? How, exactly, does a physical therapist relate to their patients? How confident should a clinician be in the existing scientific literature on therapeutic interventions? Students in physical therapy have an opportunity to engage with philosophical literature in the ontology, ethics, and epistemology of clinical practice in this seminar-style course.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Kinder, Amber Fitzsimmons, Alison Scheid

PT 200 A, B and C each focus on different anatomic regions. Dissection and functional anatomy of the neuromusculoskeletal system from a developmental and biomechanical perspective, with vascular and lymphatic systems related in a 3-dimensional perspective. Principles and relationships reinforced through lecture, dissection laboratories, studies of presections, and weekly integrative clinical seminars.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Kinder, Amber Fitzsimmons

PT 200 A, B and C each focus on different anatomic regions. Dissection and functional anatomy of the neuromusculoskeletal system from a developmental and biomechanical perspective, with vascular and lymphatic systems related in a 3-dimensional perspective. Principles and relationships reinforced through lecture.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Kinder

PT 200 A, B and C each focus on different anatomic regions. Dissection and functional anatomy of the neuromusculoskeletal system from a developmental and biomechanical perspective, with vascular and lymphatic systems related in a 3-dimensional perspective. Principles and relationships reinforced through lecture.

Instructor(s): Sara Temple

This course includes the principles of measurement, instrumentation, administration and interpretation of standardized and clinical evaluation techniques used in clinical physical therapy. Techniques include goniometric measurement of joint angles and manual muscle testing for strength. Course content includes principles of documentation, bed mobility, transfers, basic gait training, legal regulations and ethical practice. Course content is presented through lecture and laboratory activities.

Instructor(s): Jordan LaBrec

In lecture and lab settings, physiological, theoretical, and administrative principles are applied to the application of therapeutic modalities to prevent disability, maintain positive health, and restore function.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Kinder, Andrew Lui, Victoria Cong

Pathophysiology for Physical Therapists is a two-part course, A & B (each covering different body systems), for a total of six quarter-units. Three units of the course are taught during the fall and three in the winter. Students will be introduced to the physiological and pathophysiological principles and mechanisms that underlie the normal and abnormal functions of the body and develop an understanding of disease pathophysiology. Didactic lectures are supplemented with small group learning.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Kinder, Andrew Lui, Victoria Cong

Pathophysiology for Physical Therapists is a two-part course, A & B (each covering a different body system), for a total of six quarter-units. Three units of the course are taught during the fall and three in the winter. Students will be introduced to the physiological and pathophysiological principles and mechanisms that underlie the normal and abnormal functions of the body and develop an understanding of disease pathophysiology. Didactic lectures are supplemented with small group learning.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Kinder

Students are expected to review Acland Videos prior to class and to work in small groups to complete the assigned dissection of the cadaver. Using the dissected cadavers (and prosected materials), the student is expected to relate the structures to clinical kinesiology, clinical courses, biomechanics, pathological states, and clinical education experiences.

Instructor(s): Alison Scheid

This required course for DPT students will cover the basic techniques for medical history taking, physical examination for medical diagnoses that frequently lead to a physical therapy referral with special emphasis on recognizing the red flags that require a physician referral.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

Introduction to the principles of evidence-based practice, critical review of evidence, systematic review, formulating a research question, and synthesizing data.

Instructor(s): Casey Nesbit

Students will continue to build on systematic review skills learned in PT 209A, including establishing the gap in the literature, developing their research question, and developing the methods for their systematic review and data synthesis.

Instructor(s): Richard Souza

The purpose of this class is to develop skills in looking at musculoskeletal images. These skills are beneficial to the therapist to better understand the structures involved with any given pathology. In addition, these skills are necessary when patients bring their radiographs and images to their PT visit. Patients frequently want to be sure the therapist understands the severity of the musculoskeletal problem and considers this when designing intervention.

Instructor(s): Sharon Youmans

This a survey course on pharmacological topics that are relevant to rehabilitation and physical therapy and covers topics such as principles, indications and adverse reactions to medications commonly used to manage neuromusculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary conditions. Effects of exercise on drug metabolism and drug interactions are also presented.

Instructor(s): Erica Pitsch

The course will apply the scientific principles of neuroplasticity and motor control to the advanced assessment and management of movement dysfunction and promotion of wellness in people with neurological disorders.

Instructor(s): Sam Pak

Specific administrative and planning skills required for physical therapy practice in various settings. Topics addressed include: quality assurance, documentation, personnel and fiscal management, planning, contracting, health services administration, health care team, professional and medical-legal issues.

Instructor(s): Alex Hansen

This course includes content and assessments that encourage students to fully understand and consider the environmental and personal contextual factors influencing their role as health care providers. Specifically, students will be introduced to the concept of professionalism using a Professionalism Framework with five key domains, including: Accountability; Compassion and Humility; Professional Excellence; Social Responsibility; and Working Relationships.

Instructor(s): Alex Hansen

This course includes content and assessments that encourage students to fully understand and consider the environmental and personal contextual factors influencing their role as health care providers. Specifically, students will be introduced to the concept of professionalism using a Professionalism Framework with five key domains, including: Accountability; Compassion and Humility; Professional Excellence; Social Responsibility; and Working Relationships.

Instructor(s): Alex Hansen

This course includes content and assessments that encourage students to fully understand and consider the environmental and personal contextual factors influencing their role as health care providers. Specifically, students will be introduced to the concept of professionalism using a Professionalism Framework with five key domains, including: Accountability; Compassion and Humility; Professional Excellence; Social Responsibility; and Working Relationships.

Instructor(s): Alex Hansen

This course develops content and assessments that encourage students to fully understand and consider the environmental and personal contextual factors influencing their role as health care providers. Specifically, students will continue practicing professionalism using a Professionalism Framework with five key domains, including: Accountability; Compassion and Humility; Professional Excellence; Social Responsibility; and Working Relationships.

Instructor(s): Andrew Lui

This is a required course for DPT students. Through independent assignments, lecture, in class discussion and demonstration, and laboratory activities, students will utilize their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology and expand their clinical reasoning skills to design effective exercise programs for patient populations with varying diagnoses, impairments, and comorbidities.

Instructor(s): Andrew Lui

Through didactic lecture, review of current literature, ILMs, small group problem based learning, and lab activities, students will further their understanding of muscle structure/function and integrate principles of nerve, tendon, and muscle biology and kinesiology to design and modify evidence based exercise programs for populations with varying diagnoses, impairments, and comorbidities. Students will also learn teaching methods to maximize patient adherence to exercise programs.

Instructor(s): Luc Fecteau, Andrew Lui, Arthur Long

Students will further their understanding of muscle structure and function and integrate principles of nerve, tendon, and muscle biology and kinesiology to design and modify both evidence-based exercise programs and manual therapy interventions for basic case presentations. Students will also synthesize evaluation findings into a problem-based intervention list using the movement analysis model to include therapeutic exercise and manual therapy in isolation and in combination.

Instructor(s): Luc Fecteau

Students will further their understanding of integrating advanced exercise prescription principles of nerve, tendon, and muscle biology/kinesiology to design and modify evidence-based exercise programs for populations with varying diagnoses, impairments, comorbidities. They'll synthesize evaluation findings into a problem-based plan of care including therapeutic exercise and manual therapy. These concepts will be adapted to a variety of special populations in the physical therapy environment.

Instructor(s): Vincent Ann

This is a required course for DPT students. Through didactic lectures, in-class discussions, and assigned reading, the students will apply their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic treatments while expanding their clinical reasoning skills to enable them to educate and discuss the science of nociception, persistent pain, and current scientific opinion on pain management.

Instructor(s): Vincent Ann

This course is the 2nd of two courses in the PT 219 series, designed to fulfill the growing educational needs for pain science in health care. Through didactic lectures, in-class discussions, and assigned reading, the students will apply their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic treatments while expanding their clinical reasoning skills to enable them to educate and discuss the science of nociception, persistent pain, and current scientific opinion on pain management.

Instructor(s): Victor Cheuy

This course explores the underlying theoretical concepts that guide the design of clinical research studies. Students will be introduced to the scientific method and to a variety of research methods and designs. Students will 1) learn research designs that will be applicable to their future physical therapy practice, 2) develop a research question and design an appropriate study for that question, and 3) learn to critically appraise and become proficient consumers of research literature.

Instructor(s): Victor Cheuy

This course explores the underlying theoretical concepts that guide the design of clinical research studies. Students will be introduced to the scientific method and to a variety of research methods and designs. Students will: 1.) learn research designs that will be applicable to their future physical therapy practice; 2.) develop a research question and design an appropriate study for that question, and 3.) learn to critically appraise and become proficient consumers of research literature.

Instructor(s): Elise Armstrong, Theresa Jaramillo

This course is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary communication and interaction between doctoral students in physical therapy and professionals in other health care disciplines and the larger community on topics of mutual interest, and to assist students in developing habits of community engagement and lifelong learning. Students are encouraged to pursue educational opportunities that will help them expand their professional network and their knowledge in a practice niche.

Instructor(s): Elise Armstrong, Theresa Jaramillo

This course is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary communication and interaction between doctoral students in physical therapy and professionals in other health care disciplines and the larger community on topics of mutual interest, and to assist students in developing habits of community engagement and lifelong learning. Students are encouraged to pursue educational opportunities that will help them expand their professional network and their knowledge in a practice niche.

Instructor(s): Elise Armstrong

This course is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary communication and interaction between doctoral students in physical therapy and professionals in other health care disciplines and the larger community on topics of mutual interest, and to assist students in developing habits of community engagement and lifelong learning. Students are encouraged to pursue educational opportunities that will help them expand their professional network and their knowledge in a practice niche.

Instructor(s): Stephen Baxter, Lisa Hayes

Students assume the role of student clinicians in physical therapy. Students are expected to follow all facility policies, professional codes of conduct, and individual guidelines provided by their clinical instructors (CIs). This integrated clinical experience gives students the opportunity to work with patients under close supervision of licensed physical therapist clinical instructors.

Instructor(s): Johanna Bergh, Theresa Jaramillo

In a clinical setting, students treat patients and work with experienced clinicians who provide mentoring and consultation for case reviews, physical therapy techniques and review of specialty areas.

Instructor(s): Jessica Bath

Each part of the PT 419A,B,C course series consists of three components: overview of a research topic, lecture and seminar series, and small group learning activities. Students will gain an understanding of the basic methodologies which are used in research in that topic, and will integrate the material presented with other coursework in the curriculum. At the end of the series, students will be able to understand and relate the relevance of research to the field of physical therapy.

Instructor(s): Jessica Bath

Each part of the PT 419A,B,C course series consists of three components: overview of a research topic, lecture and seminar series, and small group learning activities. Students will gain an understanding of the basic methodologies which are used in research in that topic, and will integrate the material presented with other coursework in the curriculum. At the end of the series, students will be able to understand and relate the relevance of research to the field of physical therapy.

Instructor(s): Jessica Bath

Each part of the PT 419A,B,C course series consists of three components: overview of a research topic, lecture and seminar series, and small group learning activities. Students will gain an understanding of the basic methodologies which are used in research in that topic, and will integrate the material presented with other coursework in the curriculum. At the end of the series, students will be able to understand and relate the relevance of research to the field of physical therapy.