Paula Serrao, PT, DPT, OCS
Clairton,PA
Summary
Clinical healthcare professional with 6+ years managing cardiovascular, post-surgical, and high-acuity patients. Skilled in training clinicians and patients on complex procedures, adopting new technologies, and implementing evidence-based protocols. Proven ability to collaborate with cardiologists, surgeons, and multidisciplinary teams to optimize outcomes. Seeking to leverage clinical expertise, device familiarity, and educational experience to support EP/Cath Lab teams as a Clinical Specialist in cardiac ablation and device solutions.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sports Residency Mentor
Rehab 2 Perform
Germantown, MD
08.2022 - Current
- Led clinician training on evidence-based protocols, procedural workflows, and device use, enhancing adoption of complex cardiac and orthopedic procedures.
- Facilitated workshops and case discussions to improve clinical reasoning, procedural compliance, and technology integration.
Rehab 2 Perform
Site Director/Performance Physical Therapist
Germantown, MD
01.2020 - Current
- Directed rehabilitation for patients post-surgery, including post-CABG, pacemaker implantation, and stent placement, ensuring adherence to procedural protocols and safety standards.
- Partnered with cardiologists, surgeons, and nursing teams to optimize patient outcomes.
- Utilized biometric and functional data to guide therapy progression and return-to-activity planning.
- Implemented process improvements and staff training to ensure compliance with clinical guidelines.
- Provided world-class clinical rehabilitation, achieving a 95+ NPS yearly.
Lecturer/Content Developer
R2P Academy
Germantown, MD
01.2020 - Current
- Designed educational materials reinforcing adherence to clinical practice guidelines and promoting appropriate healthcare utilization, demonstrating expertise in clinician education, regulatory compliance, and improving patient outcomes.
Home Health Physical Therapist
Van Derhoof Physical Therapy
Bethesda, MD
06.2020 - 07.2021
- Provided in-home therapy for complex cardiovascular and neurological patients, including post-device implantation recovery.
- Educated patients and caregivers on device precautions, rehabilitation protocols, and functional strategies, post-hospitalization, enforcing compliance with physician-directed post-hospitalization care plans.
- Adapted treatment plans to integrate physician directives, patient availability, and technology-assisted monitoring.
Student Physical Therapist
UPMC Magee Women's Hospital - Acute Care
Pittsburgh, PA
09.2016 - 12.2016
- Supported acute-care cardiovascular and post-surgical patients, including implanted device management.
- Collaborated with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to implement evidence-based care plans.
- Participated in rounds and case discussions to enhance understanding of procedural workflows and device protocols.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy -
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA04-2019
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA05-2016
Skills
- Anatomy and physiology
- Cardiovascular and post-surgical management
- Medical device training and protocol implementation
- Biometric, imaging, and functional data interpretation
- Evidence-based clinical decision support
- Acute and post-acute risk assessment
- Clinician and patient education, technology adoption
- Physician and multidisciplinary collaboration, regulatory compliance and payer knowledge
Key Accomplishments
- 95+ NPS patient satisfaction delivering evidence-based cardiovascular and post-surgical care
- Trained & mentored 10+ clinicians on procedural workflows, device protocols, and risk assessment
- Managed rehabilitation for post-CABG, pacemaker, and stent patients in collaboration with cardiologists and surgical teams
- Developed educational content and workshops improving clinician adherence to evidence-based protocols and regulatory compliance
Certification
- Licensed Physical Therapist: Maryland #27500, Pennsylvania (pending, August 2025)
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialist: ABPTS June 2021
- BLS CPR/AED: June 2019-current
Timeline
Sports Residency Mentor
Rehab 2 Perform
08.2022 - Current
Home Health Physical Therapist
Van Derhoof Physical Therapy
06.2020 - 07.2021
Rehab 2 Perform
Site Director/Performance Physical Therapist
01.2020 - Current
Lecturer/Content Developer
R2P Academy
01.2020 - Current
Student Physical Therapist
UPMC Magee Women's Hospital - Acute Care
09.2016 - 12.2016
Doctor of Physical Therapy -
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Allegheny College
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