Page 20 - OPTA Access Spring 2021

DISTRICT REPORTS
Northwest District Report Sara Burke, PT, DPT – Chair
Greetings in 2021! The Northwest District finished 2020 with several events. Local PTA and PT students came together for a Day of Service in October 2020 at local skilled rehab facilities. Students enjoyed the nice weather and engaged residents from a distance to brighten their day. This event was well received by all
and we hope to continue this event! We hosted Chief Delegate Dr. Megan Donaldson for a student-focused event discussing profession concerns and advocacy. Northwest District Nominating Chair Dr. Angela Huber presented a continuing education course titled “The Value of the Subjective Examination: Clinical Evaluation Before the Tests and Measures Begin” in November 2020. If this webinar catches your eye, head over to the OPTA’s CE catalog where you can take this course as a recorded webinar! In December 2020, the district hosted the graduating cohort of 2021 student PTAs from Owens Community College in their continuing education course titled “Student PTA Research Proposals”, which was a free event for district members and non-members. The Northwest District thanks all of the continuing education and event presenters this year as we navigated the challenges of the pandemic. Well done, everyone!
As we said goodbye to 2020, we also acknowledged the resignation of Dr. Richard Fernandez from his position as Education Chair for the Northwest District. We thank him resoundingly for his dedication and service to the role, hosting several unique and engaging continuing education events for our district. Your leadership and presence will be missed, and we wish you the best in new life opportunities. Thank you, Richard!
The Northwest District welcomes Dr. Allison Durham in her role as co-Nominating Chair, as well as Dr. Breanna Barney and Lyn Lemon, PTA, in their new roles as chair and co-chair in the Continuing Education Leadership role. We are happy to have them aboard to complement our team. Welcome!
Upcoming events for the district are taking shape. Dr. Michelle Masterson is currently working on a “virtual happy hour PAC event” to occur sometime in March 2021 as a complement to the virtual CSM events this year. Tentative continuing education events include Zach Weber, CP in March 2021 addressing prosthetics, and Chief Delegate Dr. Megan Donaldson in May 2021 addressing the
hot topics of the House of Delegates. Membership Chair Dr. Brooke Maltz and Early Professional SIG Representative Dr. Colton Rhinebolt are working to virtually visit local PTA and PT programs in the district to discuss the benefits of membership and early professional opportunities within the OPTA.
It is unclear how the pandemic will continue to impact our professional and district goals. In the Northwest District, we strive to recruit leaders to advocate for health and governmental policies that advance physical therapy practice. We welcome your suggestions for continuing education topics and presenters, as well as any recommendations on how we can best serve you and keep you informed. Be well and safe. Cheers.
For more information, contact Sara at:
sara_burke@owens.edu
20 | March 2021 | OPTA
Northwest District PT Day of Service