CSM PT Faculty Publish Article on How 5 Pillars of Community Practice Can Transform Education, Reduce Health Disparities

OMAHA, Neb. – Five professors in College of Saint Mary’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program recently published an article in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal.

Program Director Kimberly Varnado, PT, DPT, DHSc; Assistant Professor Shannon Richardson, PT, DPT, EdD; Assistant Professor Nipaporn Somyoo, PT, DPT; Associate Professor Anne Mejia-Downs, PT, MPH, PhD; Assistant Professor Monica Dial, PT, DPT, EdD; collaborated on the article “How Integrating the 5 Pillars of Community Practice Can Transform Physical Therapist Education and Reduce Health Disparities.”

“Our article highlights how a holistic, community-driven approach can reshape physical therapist education and address the pressing issue of health disparities,” Varnado said. “By embedding these principles into our program at College of Saint Mary, we not only enhance student learning but also empower future physical therapists to make a meaningful impact on the underserved communities they will serve. This work underscores our commitment to education that fosters real-world change.”

CSM’s DPT program offers hybrid learning with core faculty certified in various clinical specialty areas and online instruction. This allows students to study from the comfort of their own homes while attending onsite intensive hands-on experiences with classmates, faculty and clinical partners throughout the year.