Overview
Associate Professor - Clinical
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Director of The Ohio State Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Residency Program
MS Mentor Status
516X Atwell Hall
453 W. 10th Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Professional Areas of Interest
- Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
- Acute and Critical Care Rehabilitation
- Lung Transplantation
- Respiratory muscle training
- Covid-19
Overview
I specialize in cardiopulmonary physical therapy within acute care contexts, with a particular focus on pre and post-physical therapy assessments and interventions for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgeries, such as heart and lung transplants. My expertise extends to the study of early mobilization in critically ill patients in intensive care units, including those requiring mechanical circulatory and respiratory support. I also explores physical performance and activity assessments in the later stages post-stroke, encompassing cardiorespiratory fitness, walking performance, muscle strength, and self-reported physical activity levels.
As a board-certified specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, my practice as a clinician at The Ross Heart Hospital at OSUWMC. My leadership extends to the development of the physical therapy lung clinic, aimed at conducting comprehensive evaluations for lung transplant candidates. Through this clinic, I focus on assessing various aspects of physical function and rehabilitation potential, tailored specifically to the unique needs of individuals awaiting lung transplantation.
This initiative underscores my dedication to optimizing patient care and outcomes in the field of cardiopulmonary physical therapy. My contributions to the field are widely recognized through her published research and presentations at national and international meetings, focusing on cardiopulmonary-related topics.
Currently, I lead a groundbreaking clinical trial investigating the benefits of inspiratory muscle training immediately following lung transplantation. Additionally, I actively engage in research projects evaluating physical performance and frailty among diverse populations, including lung transplant candidates and recipients, individuals recovering from COVID-19, and patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries.
In addition to my teaching, clinical and research roles, I serve as Director of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary PT Residency Program at OSUWMC, demonstrating her commitment to educating and mentoring future generations of healthcare professionals in the field.
Awards
- 2024 - Academy Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Best poster presentation, Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Boston, MA, USA February 2024.
- 2023 - Faculty Teaching Award, The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University
Education
- 2018: Critical Care Physical Therapy Fellowship, University of Chicago Medical Center- Chicago, USA
- 2012: PhD in Rehabilitation Medicine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology / Department Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Gothenburg- Gothenburg, Sweden
- 2002: “Lato sensu postgraduate” degree in Cardiorespiratory Physical Therapy, Brazilian Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- 2000: Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy, Brazilian Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil