Kara Wood
Chicora,United States
Summary
Experienced Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in vestibular rehabilitation and a passion for patient-focused care. I empower patients to regain independence through innovative therapy techniques. Skilled in clinical mentorship and problem-solving, I thrive in collaborative environments, ensuring consistent, quality care for diverse populations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Therapist
Lutheran Senior Life VNA
Butler, United States
11.2012 - Current
- Facillitated skilled physical therapy in a home health setting treating patients with orthopedic, cardiac, neuromuscular and respiratory diagnoses
- Guided patients toward regaining functional independence through personalized therapeutic exercises and education
- Achieved certification in vestibular rehabilitation in 2018 through the American Institute of Balance with successful bi-annual re-certification
- Developed and delivered staff training presentations on recognizing Vestibular symptoms and conditions, like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), and making appropriate referrals to physical therapy
- Mentored new nursing and therapy staff to improve team capabilities
Physical Therapist
Personal Touch Home Care
Pittsburgh, United States
09.2011 - 11.2012
- Direct patient care in home health setting working with diversified patient populations including orthopedic, neurological, cardiac and post operative care ranging from pediatric to geriatric populations
Physical Therapist
Centers for Rehab Services
Pittsburgh, United States
08.2007 - 09.2011
- Provided patient care in acute care, transitional care and acute rehab units
- Experience in critical care physical therapy with patient populations including acute medicine/surgical, neurological, trauma/orthopedic, cardiopulmonary and organ transplantation
- Served as Permanent position on Neurological team, contributing expertise in critical care physical therapy
- Professional Development Committee representative
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy -
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA08.2007
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA06.2005
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA06.2005
Skills
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Patient assessment
- Patient education
- Gait training
- Home health care
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Critical care therapy
- Team collaboration
- Clinical mentorship
- Problem solving
- Case management expert
- Balance training
- Patient-focused therapy
- Geriatric therapy
- Injury prevention
- Safety management
- Therapeutic exercises
- Clinical reasoning
- Orthopedic rehabilitation
- Progress monitoring
- Home exercise programs
- Physical assessment
- Postural correction
- Joint mobilization
- Functional testing
Certification
- Physical Therapist License, PT018994, Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy, 10/07-Present
- AIB Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification, American Institute of Balance, 2018-Present
- APTA Member, 2005-Present
- APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, 10/10
- APTA Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor, 04/11
- Neurological Certified Specialist, 2012-2022
- Completion of APTA Telehealth Certificate series, 2024
- Completion of APTA Pelvic Health Physical Therapy 1 (PH1) Webinar, 08/24
- Completion of APTA Pelvic Health Physical Therapy 2 (PH2) Bowel Dysfunction 1/25
- PPTA Member, 2005-Present
- PPTA Southwest District Board Member, 2009-2011
Awards
- Rangos School of Health Sciences Dean's list
- Presidential Merit Scholarship, Duquesne University
- Provost Merit Scholarship, Duquesne University
- Hunkele| Scholarship, Duquesne University
- Scarinzi Scholarship, Duquesne University
- Armstrong County Health Care Consortium award for Excellence in Healthcare, Lutheran Senior Life VNA
- Awarded APTA Academy of Pelvic Health Scholarship November 2024
Credentials
- PT
- DPT
- AIB-VR
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Physical Therapist
Lutheran Senior Life VNA
11.2012 - Current
Physical Therapist
Personal Touch Home Care
09.2011 - 11.2012
Physical Therapist
Centers for Rehab Services
08.2007 - 09.2011
Doctor of Physical Therapy -
Duquesne University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Duquesne University
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Duquesne University
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