On June 21, 2017 Emory & Henry College’s School of Health Sciences hosted an Open House for the Falls Prevention Center. The interprofessional center is designed to serve the community and the region. 

The Falls Prevention Center provides in-house services as well as outreach programs led by its director, Dr. Julia Castleberry.   Dr. Castleberry, Doctor of Physical Therapy program and School of Health Sciences’ faculty member, provides screening programs and education for individuals and community groups.  Across the lifespan services are provided to address the needs of individuals who have difficulty with movement and mobility.  Initiatives with infants, children, adults and older adults promote health and wellness by engaging the community. The Falls Prevention Center was created with community organizations, Emory & Henry College and by a matching grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. All services are provided at no charge.

We are incredibly proud of our VCU students who served as co-hosts for the 2016-2017 VCU-Marquette Challenge and still managed to place second by raising $37,834!!  This year, 146 schools nationwide participated in creative efforts to support the Foundation, raising a total of $340,986. A record number of schools returned to participate this year, yielding a 70% retention rate. Since its inception, 269 schools have contributed to the challenge, raising over $3.7 million for physical therapy research.  VCU has also been inducted into the Collegiate Society since they have raised over $200,000 during the past twelve years. 

The VCU DPT students were this year's recipients of the VCU Currents of Change award for Student Initiated Exemplary University-Community Partnership. The award recognizes the partnership between the student's pro-bono PT clinic - the CARES Clinic - and the Center for Healthy Hearts, the organization that graciously offers space and support for the clinic.

Hello everyone! My name is Tony Grillo, and I am a Physical Therapist and Site Director for Rehab Associates in Charlottesville. As a member of the Blue Ridge District and the newly appointed Chair for the VPTA Ethics Committee, I just wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am excited about my new role and look forward to serving the VPTA and each of it’s members. I want to especially thank Bunny May and Doug Rohr for their years of service and leadership roles with the Ethics Committee, and the immense help with the transition which they continue to provide. I will be in touch via the newsletter and all VPTA functions with any news and activity within the committee. Feel free to contact me with any questions at 434-327-1616 or tony.grillo@racva.com.    

Thank you again for this great opportunity!

Tony Grillo

Greetings members!  There has been several opportunities for networking this spring and summer in the Mountain District of the VPTA.  In April the district hosted a continuing education event at Wytheville Community College.  The event was presented by Julia Castleberry MS PT, DPT, CLT, GCS, NCS, CDP, CES.  Dr. Castleberry is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Emory & Henry College and Director of the Falls Prevention Center at E&H.  The topic for the course was "Updating your Stroke Toolbox."  The event was well received and attended.  Thank you to all participants and Dr. Castleberry for a day full of educational development.  We look forward to hosting more CE events in the future, and we hope to see you then. 

CMS has published the proposed physician fee schedule for 2018 and the news is good!

Out of approximately 19 CPT codes used frequently by physical therapists, the Relative Value Unit (RVU) will remain the same. The remaining 6 codes will undergo an increase relative to the RVU established for the 2017 fee schedule.

APTA is committed to providing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, students, and prospective students with "best in class" tools and information to aid in making strong financial decisions.

If you’re dealing with the burden of student loan debt or just want help making wise financial choices, check out the new APTA Financial Solutions Center. It highlights new efforts by APTA to address the burden of student loan debt.