Third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the College of Health Sciences’ Department of Physical Therapy Education returned to the Pomona campus for a Hands-On Treatment Series, part of their “Examination and Management of Neurologic Disorders II” course. This provided 47 third-year students with a dynamic, five-session experience where they apply their classroom learning in a mock clinic setting. Patient volunteers participated across multiple sessions, allowing students to design and adapt treatment plans while developing their creativity and clinical reasoning skills in preparation for final clinical affiliations. The 13 patient participants presented with a variety of neurological diagnoses including spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, Guillain-Barré syndrome, spina bifida, Parkinson’s disease and cerebellar ataxia.

The results have been remarkable: after just five sessions, faculty have observed significant growth in students’ confidence, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making. This immersive learning experience continues to bridge the gap between classroom theory and patient care—preparing our future physical therapists to deliver compassionate, evidence-based treatment from day one.

Read the full story: Hands-on healing: WesternU DPT students put their skills to work | WesternU News

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COMP-Northwest faculty Dr. Belinda McCully and Dr. Qian Leng and COMP-Northwest Class of 2025 graduates Megan Chang, Stephanie Maeda, Monica Pan and Sienna Allen published a paper in the America Journal of Surgery. This was also presented at the 2024 North Pacific Surgical Association meeting in Spokane, Wash. Megan Chang, DO '25, was the presenting author. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41177693/

The study aimed to investigate the experiences of Asian American women health care workers (HCWs) in men-dominated medical specialties, specifically identifying key factors that influence workplace satisfaction and professional advancement. To address this, we conducted semi-structured interviews of self-identified Asian American women HCWs to document their experiences.

Using thematic analysis, participants reported frequent instances of gender-based microaggressions and discrimination. Major themes included bias against motherhood, unequal access to mentorship, and underestimation of competence. Based on these findings, we conclude that organizational sponsorship and mentorship are needed to support professional advancement for Asian American women HCWs.

WesternU College of Optometry Associate Professor and Chief of Pediatric Optometric Service John Tassinari, OD, FAAO, FOVDR, is featured in the American Optometric Association's (AOA) Week in Focus. He talks about his career, pediatric eye care, and the importance of optometrists participating in the InfantSEE program.

Click here to read the full story (requires AOA member login): Advocating for Optometry's Littlest Patients