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The University of New England's , in partnership with Maine Medical Center, held a conference on Saturday, June 4, 2016 titled, “Emerging practice opportunities for Physical and Occupational Therapy.” The event was open to students, faculty and local practitioners. More than 120 participants were able to interact with presenters that included Elizabeth Francis-Connolly, Ph.D., O.T.R., F.A.O.T.A., dean of the Westbrook College of Health Professions, who highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the current health care climate.

Presentations from Maine Medical Center physicians covered a variety of topics including the work of rehabilitation professionals in the emergency room, the role of . and . in the Geriatric Fall Initiative and the importance of early mobility in the Intensive Care Unit. In addition to these presentations, an interprofessional poster presentation was coordinated by ɫ����Ƶ students Hailey Johnston, O.T. (M.S.O.T., ‘16) and Elizabeth Inscore, P.T. (D.P.T., ’18). The 17 posters highlighted areas of emerging practice, which included the work of 54 students, eight faculty members, two adjunct faculty members and the dean. 

The successful and well-attended conference was part of the ongoing MMC/ɫ����Ƶ partnership that includes Mike Sheldon, P.T., Ph.D., director of Physical Therapy, Kathryn Loukas, Interim Program Director of Occupational Therapy; Sally McCormack Tutt, PT Director of Clinical Education; Elizabeth Crampsey, OT Assistant Clinical Professor and Coordinator of the Community Therapy Center (CTC) and several talented health care professionals from Maine Medical Center. The group plans to do more collective work to educate students, provide service to the community, and support interprofessional efforts in the future. 

To learn more about the University of New England’s Westbrook College of Health Professions visit

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