Bob Wellmon
Director of Communications
Education:
PhD Physical Therapy - Temple University 2004
MS Physical Therapy - Temple University 1997
BS Physical Therapy - Thomas Jefferson University 1988
BS Biology - St. Josephís University 1979
Certifications:
ABPTS Certification in Neurologic Physical Therapy 1997 & 2007
Current Practice:
I have been a physical therapist for 22 years, practicing in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. My areas of practice involve treating patients with stroke, spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. I also have a clinical and research interests in geriatrics and balance and falls. After working full-time clinically for almost 10 years, I became a full-time faculty member in 1997, first in a clinical role, and later moved to a tenure track position. I earned my PhD while working as a full-time educator and part-time clinician. I am currently a tenured associate professor at Widener University and maintain a clinical connection as a contract physical therapist with AEHN/MossRehab Network. My current research interests include examining the cognitive processing costs of walking in patients post-stroke and older adults, balance and falls in older adults and interprofessional education.
Employment:
MossRehab Hospital 1988-1997
Widener University - Associate Professor 1997-2011
AEHN/MossRehab - Per Diem/Contract Physical Therapist 1997-2011
Professional Contributions:
In the past 10 years, I have had 26 peer reviewed presentations at regional, national and international conferences, 12 invited presentations, 4 peer reviewed publications, 2 non-peer reviewed/invited publications, and two book chapters.
Professional Awards:
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society 2010
Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching 2009
Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society 2008
Neurology Section Presidentís Award 2008
Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association Research Award 2004
Previous Involvement in the Neurology Section:
Southeast District of PPTA: Chair of the Legislative Committee (2003-2011), Research Committee member (2004-2006), Nominating Committee member and chair (2004-2006) and Listserv Moderator & Webmaster (2003-2011).
Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association: Legislative Committee (2005-2011), Nominating Committee (2005-2006), Delegate to the APTA House of Delegates (2006-2011), Legislative Ambassador & Key Contact (2003-2011) and Webpage Task Force (2010-2011).
Neurology Section: Balance and Falls SIG as a member and chair of the Nominating Committee (2005-2007), Chair of the Telecommunications Committee (2005-2008) and Director of Communication ñ Neurology Section Board of Directors (2008-2011).
Why Are You Running For This Position?
I am running for re-election as the Director of Communication to continue the work started 2 years ago when the Section first added the position to the Board of Directors. A key priority in the coming year is the expansion of the Sectionís membership base. Increasing membership provides more opportunities for the kind of networking that can shape practice, education and research. A larger membership base, that is organized and informed, can better influence practice and public policy through grass roots advocacy.
I would like to see the Section continue to develop in the area of services provided to members and more effectively use technology to reach out and keep members informed about issues affecting practice. I think the Section has been very effective and a leader in APTA in leveraging technology to keep members informed but there is more that can be done. Especially in the area of social networking.
I believe the Neurology Section is at a point where it can make a larger contribution to the world community of individuals with and who treat those with movement dysfunction due to neurological disease or injury. That contribution is information sharing and the mechanism is global electronic outreach. The Neurology Section and its members have benefited from content made available by other like-minded organizations and we need to assume a similar role. An unfinished priority from my first term of office is the identification of partners who can work collaboratively with the Section to advance neurological rehabilitation.
Given what I have received from being a member of the Neurology Section, I would like to continue to serve on the Board to lend a hand in moving the section forward in achieving its strategic vision and plan. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board and the new Section president who transitions into office during the upcoming year. I ask for your support to continue to serve the membership.