Member Spotlight

Physical Therapy Educator

Neurology section member Donna Fry has been a P.T. educator for over 25 years, having taught and administrated in both entry-level and post-professional programs. Her current academic appointment is Special Assistant to the Dean of the School of Health Professions at The University of Michigan-Flint. In addition to faculty and program development within the programs of the university, she is responsible for developing international learning opportunities for the DPT students, as well as working collaboratively with colleagues from Nigeria on doctoral physical therapy education for practicing physiotherapists living in Nigeria.

Along with her teaching responsibilities both in the classroom and on-line, Dr. Fry continues to conduct research on individuals with multiple sclerosis, with specific interest in interventions to improve respiratory status in individuals with MS. Her current research project examines the link between respiratory muscle strength, core muscle strength, and balance in individuals with MS.

Dr. Fry is an active member of the APTA and the neurology section, and currently holds the position of Chair of the Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group (SIG).

"I found that getting involved in the Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group helped me to network with other APTA members with similar interests.  I learned so much by being involved with the SIG", reports Dr. Fry.

While she places great value on her experience within the APTA and the neurology section, Dr. Fry also encourages physical therapists to broaden their view by looking for opportunities to interact with professionals from other disciplines.

"If you are working with people with multiple sclerosis, you might find the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers a good place to connect with other professionals working with this patient population."

Along these lines, she is happy to share some of her most visited web sites about multiple sclerosis:

Dr. Fry strongly believes that research needs to be conducted with a purpose in mind.  She is hopeful that through her advocacy, research, professional publications, and presentations, she can change practice to have more physical therapists evaluate and treat respiratory muscle weakness in persons with multiple sclerosis.  Remember, she says: