Josefina Herrera
Torrance,CA
Summary
Highly motivated ambitious Physical Therapist with extensive experience at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Well-experiencend in orthopedic rehabilitation and clinical reasoning, successfully implementing evidence-based practices to enhance patient mobility. Proven ability to develop tailored home exercise programs, fostering functional independence and optimizing rehabilitation outcomes for diverse patient populations. I truly believe we never stop learning and I am always motivated to further improve my skill-set in order to continue to improve my proficiency as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Physical Therapist.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification
Work History
Primary Care Physical Therapist
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2022 - Current
- Implemented the Primary Care Physical Therapy clinic within the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center in order to improve direct access for our physical therapy services
- Offer same day walk-in availability for acute and subacute injuries including medical screening and orthopedic evaluations
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments to develop tailored rehabilitation plans in the Primary Care setting and Post-Op PT clinic
- Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions for diverse patient populations with acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care and outcomes.
- Educate patients and families on treatment protocols and self-management strategies.
- Refer to other services when warranted such as advanced imaging, acupuncture, occupational therapy and nutrition
- Develop unique independent home exercise programs to promote long lasting changes
- Provide gait analysis and movement impairment assessments
- Assist patients with reaching their functional goals to improve their functional mobility and quality of life
Physical Therapist Orthopedic Resident
Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Evaluated patient progress and adapted treatment plans to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care strategies for veterans.
- Educated patients on treatment techniques and home exercise programs to enhance recovery.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve patient mobility and functional independence.
- Completed an extensive Orthopedic Physical Therapist Residency
Education
Doctorate - Physical Therapy
Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA12-2017
Skills
- Physical therapist in primary care
- Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
- Mentorship in orthopedic training
- Telehealth therapy provider
- Faculty member for primary care physical therapy
- Proficient in diagnosing movement system impairments
Certification
Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Licenses
Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy
PT-008496
Expires 03/31/2027
References
Professional and personal references upon request
Continuing Education
Type Name of Course Month/Year Units
Online Cardiopulmonary Screening In-Process
Online Vestibular Dysfunction 07/2025
In-Person VA Primary Care PT 01/2025
In-Person VA Primary Care PT 09/2024
Online Foundations for the Primary Care Therapist 08/2023
In-Person VA Primary Care PT 09/2023
In-Person EIM: Therapeutic Neuroscience Education 12/2023
In-Person EIM: Part 1: Therapeutic Neuroscience Education 12/2022
Program Orthopedic Clinical Specialist PT Residency 07/2021-07/2022
Timeline
Primary Care Physical Therapist
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2022 - Current
Physical Therapist Orthopedic Resident
Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2021 - 07.2022
Doctorate - Physical Therapy
Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo