Five rehabilitation therapists awarded specialty certification
Five rehabilitation therapists at WVU Medicine Children’s have been awarded certification in specialty fields.
Jenelle Faini, physical therapist; Megan Martino, occupational therapist; and Katie Fluharty, speech-language pathologist have been awarded certification from the Neonatal Therapy Certification® Board (NTCB). Physical therapists David Felton and Kari DiVito were awarded board certification as clinical specialists in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy from the American Physical Therapy Association.
“Jenelle, Megan, and Katie are among an elite group of specialized clinicians who have obtained this designation,” Bruce L. McKee, director of Rehabilitation Services at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, said. “Each of them pursued this independently, dedicating their time and resources to meet the rigorous qualifications enabling them to sit for the national exam. We are so proud of them for achieving this outstanding accomplishment.”
The NTCB is a multidisciplinary board comprised of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists who have expertise in NICUs throughout the United States and around the world. The NTCB provides certification to neonatal therapists who have demonstrated the time, knowledge, and commitment to serve high-risk infants in the NICU.
Using an integrated, neuroprotective, family-centered model, neonatal therapists provide highly specialized and individualized therapeutic interventions in the NICU. These interventions support optimal long-term development, prevent adverse complications, and nurture the infant-family relationship. Neonatal therapists provide education to the family and NICU team.
Board certified clinical specialists in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy (CCS) specialize in treating patients who have cardiac or respiratory disorders or illnesses. CCS certified physical therapists help patients who have experienced heart attacks, have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other heart or respiratory illnesses regain their mobility.
"It is worth noting that there are only 363 physical therapists with this specialization in the country and two of them are working here with our patients at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute," McKee said. "David and Kari independently took the initiative and diligently pursued this certification and have proven their dedication and commitment to their patients and profession by achieving this esteemed certification. The Rehabilitation Services Department is extremely proud to call them our own."
