News

8.9.19

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions to Celebrate Largest Graduating Class in its History at Saturday Commencement Ceremony

Includes 141 master’s and doctoral degrees, including first graduating class of Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology students.

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) will hold commencement ceremonies for 141 master’s and doctoral degree students from various healthcare specialties on Saturday. It is the largest graduating class in RMUoHP’s history and will include the first class of 30 graduates of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program.

When: Saturday, August 10 – 11AM

Where: Utah Valley Convention Center, 220 W Center Street, Provo

The commencement address will be given by Dr. Rebecca Durham Reder, Senior Clinical Director at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and RMUoHP alumna.

Dr. Reder began her career 40 years ago as an occupational therapist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, spending the last 32 years as the Senior Clinical Director of the Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. Currently, Dr. Reder provides strategic direction and leadership for a staff of over 260, representing one of the largest providers of pediatric occupational and physical therapy services in the country. Her most recent work includes transforming the culture of her division into an evidence-based practice culture that is focused on improving outcomes for all children served.

She has participated in decades of leadership and consultative work at international, regional, and state levels. Her professional service includes advisory board participation for three universities (The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, and Xavier University) and service as an expert advisor for the American Occupational Therapy Association and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. On a local level, she has served in several board leadership positions for the Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship Organization. This professional service has been recognized by The Ohio State University, where Dr. Reder was the first recipient of the Occupational Therapy Division Outstanding Alumnus Award, recipient of the Health Management Technology Award (What Works Award), and recipient of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital 2018 Patient Services Managing Success Award and E. W. Edwards Award.

RMUoHP students will receive degrees in the following areas:

Master of Science in Health Science
Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Doctor of Science in Health Science
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences

News

7.31.19

RMUoHP Accepting Applications for New Emergency and Primary Care in Athletic Training Practice Certificate

Continuing Education Credit for Educators and Professionals

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) announced the availability of a new online certificate – Emergency and Primary Care in Athletic Training Practice Certificate (EPCAT). Students and educators can apply now for the fall 2019 course.

The certificate is designed to provide certified athletic trainers with continuing education through streamlined, evidence-based curriculum in emergency/primary care skills, techniques, literature, and advanced management. The curriculum is based on changes within the CAATE Education Standards for athletic trainers and the most recent AT Practice Analysis.

“The coursework is devoted to creating advanced learning opportunities for practicing athletic training professionals,” said Malissa Martin, EdD, ATC, director of Athletic Training Programming and vice provost of Academic Affairs at RMUoHP. “The additional educator’s pathway provides opportunities for those who teach to create learning experiences utilizing certificate material for students, clients, or patients.”

The EPCAT certificate focuses on the following areas:

Preventative practices
Orthopedic Applications and Procedures
Emergency Procedures and Care
Biomedical Testing and Imaging
Current Healthcare Technology Applications

Coursework includes an optional pathway for athletic training educators who wish to learn instructional designs, methods, delivery and assessment accumulation in focused lesson plans. Courses are instructed by practicing athletic training and other healthcare clinicians and educators with years of hybrid and online teaching experiences who are well known in their professions.

News

7.9.19

New Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate and Master’s Degree Track Available at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Meets the demand for Health and Wellness Coaches

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) implemented a new master’s degree track and certificate for Health and Wellness Coach (HWC) education to help meet the increasing demand within a variety of industries for specialists and expertise to help people adjust mindset and adopt sustainable behavior change.

The demand for such professionals exceeds the number of well-qualified coaches. RMUoHP’s Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate and track of the Master of Science in Health Science (MS-HS) program will join the Health Promotion and Wellness track of the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences program for successful coaches and coach educators.

The new programs have reached Pending Approval status through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. This allows students currently to sit for the exam to become a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). RMUoHP anticipates the Health and Wellness Coach title will be reserved for only those with the NBC-HWC. Once the first group of RMUoHP students completes the program in August, Pending Approval will change to Approved.

“For decades, professionals have been successfully prescribing effective doses of exercises, therapies, and healthy diets,” said Jeff Lynn, Ph.D., NBC-HWC, and faculty at RMUoHP. “Coaching is an effective, evidence-based approach for helping people get unstuck and adopt sustainable behavior change.”

Many industries are adding Health and Wellness Coaches to help reduce burnout, aid retention, and support wellness development of students at universities. Sports teams are also using mindset coaches to help players get the most from themselves. For example, Mark Campbell, RMUoHP Health Promotion and Wellness doctoral candidate, is the director of mental conditioning for the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball team.

The Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate and Master’s degree track are now available for enrollment.

News

6.24.19

The Proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine Receives Candidate Status

Key milestone in accreditation process.

Following a year of working on its self-study, the proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) received notification from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of approval to advance to Candidate Status from Applicant Status.

The self-study was submitted by Noorda-COM to COCA whose Executive Committee accepted, reviewed, and approved it on June 6th.

“This is three-months ahead of our original schedule,” said Dr. John J. Dougherty, founding dean and chief academic officer for the proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine. “We are appreciative of the [COCA] commissioners’ careful consideration and acknowledgement. COCA found the self-study to be 100 percent in compliance with all administrative, academic, and financial standards.”

The status change is one essential step in receiving full accreditation from COCA. The proposed Noorda-COM plans to submit self-study II later in the upcoming year, which, if approved by COCA, will change the status to Pre-Accreditation. At that point, the college may begin student recruitment.

The U.S. Department of Education and Utah state regulators were also informed by COCA of the progress of the proposed Noorda-COM’s status.

The self-study outlines in detail the proposed Noorda-COM’s progress in preparing its leadership team, financial support, potential for integration in local and regional hospitals and clinics, and in other key areas.

The proposed Noorda-COM established a strong leadership team with the appointment of Dougherty as founding dean and chief academic officer, the appointment of Dr. Richard P. Nielsen as founding president and CEO and who is also founding president and CEO of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Francis Gibson, chairman of the Board of Trustees for the proposed Noorda-COM, and a governing Board of Trustees comprised of distinguished health and business professionals. The proposed Noorda-COM also has the financial backing of major investors and has developed strong relationships with the top hospitals, clinics and healthcare systems in the intermountain western region.

“We are very fortunate,” said Nielsen. “We have fantastic relationships in the community, a strong and active Board, generous investors, and some of the top healthcare leaders in the country helping us bring this medical school to our community. We could not do it without them.”

News

6.17.19

Jessica Egbert Joins Women’s Network Executive Council

Rocky Mountain University of Health Profession executive to lead in advancing and supporting women in higher education

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is proud to announce the appointment of Jessica D. Egbert, PhD, executive vice president of strategy and engagement at RMUoHP, as a new member of the American Council on Education’s (ACE), Women’s Network Executive Council (WNEC).

The ACE Women’s Network Executive Council supports state networks by serving as liaisons and mentors to state chairs and providing leadership for developing or strengthening state planning boards in achievement of ACE’s goal of advancing and supporting women in higher education. Members of WNEC serve as advisers to ACE.

“It’s a remarkable opportunity to serve on the ACE Women’s Network Executive Council,” said Egbert. “I am committed to – and enjoy – creating meaningful connections, building networks, sponsoring leadership and skill development, and promoting environments of diverse leadership through which organizations and institutions may thrive. The caliper of leaders with whom I’ll serve opens up another dimension of learning and mentorship. I’m hopeful this role will also be a benefit to our state and the Utah Women in Higher Education Network.”

Egbert received the invitation to serve on WHEN following several years of service as a member of the board for the Utah Women in Higher Education Network, and as chair and past chair of ACE’s Utah chapter serving in support of women in Utah higher education careers.

During her WNEC term, Egbert will serve as a liaison and mentor to assigned state chairs to provide leadership to strengthen state networks. Additionally, she will,

Assist state boards in event planning, including serving as a speaker
Participate in executive committee meetings and other committees
Provide financial support for the Women’s Leadership Legacy Fund

Egbert is actively engaged in many community and leadership roles, including as a current candidate for the Mapleton, Utah city council. She has served or is currently serving as a board member for the Board of Directors of the Utah Women in Higher Education Network, the Board of Governors of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Utah Valley University Community Advisory Council, the BusinessQ Editorial Board, the Provo City Economic Development Strategic Plan Steering Committee, and on the Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon Licensing Board of the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Professional Licensure. Egbert is also a peer evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. She is a regional and national presenter on topics such as strategic planning, communication, influence, career development, networking, accreditation, and leadership.

In addition to her current role, she has served in several distinguished leadership roles at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, an accredited graduate institution in Provo, Utah,

Egbert is the recipient of numerous industry and community awards for excellence in achievement, leadership, and service. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology (BYU), a master’s of education degree in instructional technology (AIU), and a doctor of philosophy degree in educational leadership (TUI). Egbert has authored works with national associations, private organizations, and her dissertation research on non-cognitive factors within hybrid doctoral education was published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Web-based Learning and Teaching Technologies.

This article was featured by The Daily Herald at https://bit.ly/2FfrrRL.

News

5.6.19

RMUoHP Launches Healthcare & Higher Education Bi-Weekly Podcast

Inaugural podcasts of “The RMUpload – Advancing Knowledge, Advancing Healthcare” address emotional intelligence, infant plagiocephaly (flat areas of the head) and teenager concussion, and hand rehabilitation. The podcast was featured in The Daily Herald on 5.1.19 and is produced by Jon Smith.

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions(RMUoHP) today launched The RMUpload – Advancing Knowledge, Advancing Healthcare podcast with topics on emotional intelligence, infant plagiocephaly (flat areas of the head) and teenager concussion issues, and hand rehabilitation. The bi-weekly podcast will feature stories and expertise on a variety of healthcare and education topics.

“At RMUoHP, we are fortunate to collaborate with so many content experts on healthcare, education, research, healthcare administration, and leadership,” said Dr. Jessica Egbert, executive vice president of strategy and engagement at RMUoHP. “Because service is essential to our mission, offering conveniently accessible, free education through the new podcast series is an opportunity to expand how we serve – in our own community and around the world.”

RMUpload launches with three inaugural podcasts that are now accessible:

A Primer in Emotional Intelligence

Featuring Michael Nelson, DHSc, PA-C (Department Chair and Program Director of Physician Assistant Studies) and Mace Hamblin, DHSc, MPA (Director of Clinical Education, Master of Physician Assistant Studies; Faculty, Doctor of Medical Science)

An introduction to the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) and its value in personal and professional life. We provide a brief overview of important principles within the EI construct, as well as examples of how these principles can be applied to common scenarios in our lives. This episode also wades into the physiological concepts of how emotions can affect the brain and overrides the brain’s ability to act in a logical way.

Positional Plagiocephaly & Pediatric Concussion Prevention

Featuring Ann M. Hoffman, PT, DScPT, PCS (Faculty, Doctor of Physical Therapy)

Plagiocephaly (flat areas of the head) occurs when developing babies continually hold their head in a preferred position without turning their head. The weight of the head provides pressure that causes flatness. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to prevent plagiocephaly, but once it occurs, many useful exercises and procedures can be utilized to correct it. In regard to the concussion, the best course of action is to do everything possible to prevent them by wearing safety helmets and equipment for sports participation and in other activities such as riding a bike or scooter.

Hand Rehabilitation: Melding Art, Science, Wellness, & Breath

Featuring Kristin Biggins, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CYT-C (Elective Track Director for Hand Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy)

Working with people who have injured their hands in a variety of ways want to do one main thing, and that is to get back to their lives as quickly as possible. A holistic approach to hand therapy is to go beyond just the medical approach and work on mobility within the areas where the patient wants to use their hands. Dr. Biggins discusses her career and the joy she experiences daily in the worlds of occupational therapy and yoga therapy.

The podcast originates from the RMUoHP campus and will feature faculty, administrators, and students and is available at the rm.edu.

Jon Smith, Travis Layne, Tyler Sommer. RMUpload

News

4.16.19

RMUoHP Physician Assistant Program Granted Accreditation-Continued Status

The Master of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies degree program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions was granted Accreditation-Continued status by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Accreditation-Continued status is granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA standards.

“This is another great success for Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions to help impact the future of healthcare,” said Mark J. Horacek, PT, PhD, executive vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP). “The Physician Assistant program was awarded the status for 10-years, which is the maximum duration for a PA program. The accreditation status is a result of the previous five years of accreditation processes, institutional support, and outstanding program outcomes resulting from countless hours of dedication, planning and execution.”

Previously, the PA program held Accreditation-Provisional status. Following an initial site visit in 2014, a mid-cycle site visit in 2016, and a final provisional site visit in 2018, the program was granted Accreditation-Continued status.

According to the ARC-PA, “The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. has granted Accreditation-Continuedstatus to the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.”

Physician Assistant Program Director Dr. Michael Nelson

“Receiving Accreditation-Continued status bolsters confidence in our graduate and future students who will know that the program provides the expected education for entry level Physician Assistants,” said Michael Nelson, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, Department Chair and Master of Physician Assistant Studies program director at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. “The new status means the medical community has an additional source of Physician Assistant training to help meet the needs of the healthcare provider shortage in Utah and across the nation.”

The RMUoHP Masters of Physician Assistant Studies program is designed to educate outstanding clinicians equipped to handle the challenges of practicing medicine in a multifaceted and complex healthcare system. The program emphasizes a holistic patient-centered care approach, educating students not only in the foundational domains of medical knowledge and patient care, but also to:

approach complex health problems through sound clinical reasoning, with sensitivity for the unique situation and concerns of each individual patient,
leverage the powers of information technology and collaborative networking to make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions at the point-of-care,
master the art of connecting with patients of diverse characteristics and backgrounds, and
serve as ethical professionals who stand as examples and leaders in their communities and amongst their colleagues.

In addition to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree program, in 2019 RMUoHP began offering a new Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree program designed to expand PAs’ careers focused on skills, contributions, and leadership.

About Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Founded in 1998 and located in Provo, Utah, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation is the highest achievable in the United States. RMUoHP offers graduate healthcare education exclusively and has a reputation for high-quality, evidence-based, and outcomes-oriented healthcare programs. www.rm.edu

News

3.28.19

The Proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine Board of Trustees Holds Inaugural Meeting

Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine NCOM

Inaugural Trustees and officers instated.

The Board of Trustees for the proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine met for the first time Monday (March 26, 2019) and instated Trustee members and approved bylaws and policies. Francis Gibson, MSW, MBA, Utah House Representative and House Majority Leader, and CEO of Orem Community Hospital was appointed Chair.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine and will oversee management responsibility for the construction, completion, and eventual operation of the proposed college as well as the management of the accreditation process.

The proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine will be established in Provo and has received broad support financially and throughout Utah County. The makeup of the Trustee members demonstrates this support.

In addition to the instatement of the new Board of Trustees, the proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine received letters of endorsement from Provo City, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the Utah Hospital Association, the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, Utah County Commissioners, Provo School District, hospital systems and elected officials.

Board Officers approved and instated include:

Francis Gibson, MSW, MBA, Board Chair
Morris D. Linton, Board Vice-chair
Sean R. Curzon, Board Secretary
Trevor Smith, Board Treasurer

The proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine executive officers approved by the Board:

Richard P. Nielsen, PT, DHSc, ECS, Founding President and Chief Executive Officer
John Dougherty, Founding Dean
Jennifer Brown, CNT, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Michael Rhodes, MD, Associate Dean for Medical Affairs
Jeff Bate, MBA, Chief Financial Office

Speaking to the Board, Gibson said, “The proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine will be vital for the community, the state, and the world. I’m looking forward to working with each of you on the Board who will sacrifice and donate your time to make this medical school a great school.”

One of the key goals of the proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine is to help increase the supply of doctors in the region. According to studies by the Association of American Medical Colleges, Utah is ranked 49^th in the nation for active patient care, primary care physicians per 100,000 population and 44^th in the nation for active physicians per 100,000. Utah is ranked 44^th among all states in the number of MD and DO student enrollments with most Utah resident medical students leaving the state to pursue their medical degrees.

“As a state we are growing at a very fast pace,” said Gibson. “We already know students will stay and work where they are educated. This school will give Utah students an opportunity to receive a medical education they can use to provide healthcare to people throughout the state.”

The appointed executive staff and Board will now focus on the accreditation process as construction begins on the proposed medical school campus.

The architect for the proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine is MHTN Architects based in Salt Lake City. The construction project is managed by Westland Construction based in Orem, Utah.

The inaugural proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine Board of Trustees members include:

Francis Gibson, MSW, MBA –
CEO – Orem Community Hospital – Intermountain Healthcare
Majority Leader – Utah House of Representatives
Spanish Fork, UT

Richard P. Nielsen, PT, DHSc, ECS
Founding NCOM President

John Dougherty, DO, FACOFP, FAOASM, FAODME
Founding Dean

Andy Noorda
Managing Member – The Canopy Group
Lindon, UT

Greg Stuart
CEO – Strategic Partners Group
Bountiful, UT

Heather Kahlert
Vice President – The Kahlert Foundation
Lehi, UT

Sean R. Curzon, DO
Internal Medicine – Revere Health
Orem, UT

Michael Skurja, DPT
President – Wasatch Education, Inc., Chair of the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Board of Trustees
San Diego, CA

John R. Curtis
United States Congressman – Utah’s 3rd Congressional District
Provo, UT

John F. Nemelka, MBA
NightWatch Capital Advisors, LLC
Mapleton, UT

Brent Israelsen, JD
Executive Chairman – Thunder Biotech, Inc.
Alpine, UT

Kent Loosle
President – Mountain Point Medical Center – Steward Healthcare System Lehi, UT

Kimball Anderson, FACHE
CEO – Timpanogos Regional Hospital
Orem, UT

Trevor Smith, PhD
System Executive Director of Health Promotion and Wellness – Intermountain Healthcare
Salt Lake City, UT

Vanessa Halvorsen, DO
Otolaryngology/Facial Plastics resident – Freeman Hospital
Joplin, MO

Jonora Searles, RN
Vice President of Operations – EltonCo Investment
Southlake, TX

Norman Wright, PhD
Dean of the Woodbury School of Business – Utah Valley University
Orem, UT

Lieutenant Commander Shannon Lorimer, DO
Orthopedic Oncology Fellow – Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine
Salt Lake City, UT

Morris D. Linton, JD
Retired Senior Counsel at Intermountain Healthcare
Adjunct Professor – J. Reuben Clark Law School (BYU)
Salt Lake City, UT

About the proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine

The proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine would be an independent and freestanding institution overseen by a governing Board of Trustees located in Provo, Utah.

Founded and located in Provo, Utah in June 1998, Wasatch Educational will manage the development of the proposed Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine. wWasatch Educational is the holding company of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. The mission of Wasatch Educational is to promote and develop healthcare education institutions.

News

2.26.19

New Doctor of Medical Science Degree Offered at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) today announced a new degree program for physician assistants (PA). The new Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is designed to expand PAs’ careers focused on skills, contributions, and leadership.

“The DMSc program will allow students to make an increased positive impact on individuals, communities and organizations,” said Dr. Bartley Rust, DMSc Program Director at RMUoHP. “Even if a PA has no plans to seek leadership positions, the DMSc program allows students to increase knowledge, skills and leadership qualities.”

The DMSc program prepares PAs for leadership roles in clinical, administrative, and academic settings. PAs with active and unencumbered state licensure or NCCPA certification and a master or doctoral degree from a regionally-accredited institution are eligible for the DMSc program. The DMSc credential is valuable to all PAs, whether new graduates or seasoned practitioners looking for career advancement.

As a practicing physician assistant since 2001, Dr. Rust has been involved in PA education since 2006. He has also been actively involved in scholarly activity, having served on item writing committees and workgroups for the Physician Assistant Education Association PACKRAT and End of Rotation exams since 2012. He also serves on the review board for The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice.

The DMSc program is designed to accommodate working professionals who cannot leave their practice and relocate. The program can be completed in about four semesters and is entirely online allowing students to further their education while still continuing to meet personal and professional obligations.

The DMSc curriculum is evidence-based and has been developed by PAs with clinical, academic, and administrative experience and focuses on the knowledge and skills most applicable to advancing PAs’ career.

RMUoHP is accepting applications now through April 15, 2019 for the summer semester beginning May 6; and through August 12, 2019 for fall semester beginning Sept. 3. Each class size is 45.

Dr. Bartley Rust, RMUoHP Doctor of Medical Science Program Director

News

11.12.18

Community Rehabilitation Clinic in Utah County Receives Donation from The Kahlert Foundation

The Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Foundation clinic provides pro-bono physical therapy rehab services for under-resourced residents.

The Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) Community Rehabilitation Clinic received a $125,000 donation from The Kahlert Foundation to help fund the operations of the pro-bono rehabilitation clinic, which provides free care to the underserved and underinsured citizens of Utah County.

“This donation helps eliminate limitations of our ability to help people,” said Dr. Coleby Clawson, PT, DPT, director of Community Rehabilitation Clinic and assistant faculty member of the RMUoHP Doctor of Physical Therapy program. “It allows us to bring in more therapists, more administrative help, and much-needed equipment to help more people. It also allows us to extend our hours of operation to help people who are working to improve their lives and to reintegrate back into society.”

The donation was the second made to the clinic by The Kahlert Foundation in two years and was presented this week to Clawson and other clinic and RMUoHP staff and executives by Heather Kahlert, vice president of The Kahlert Foundation.

“Healthcare has always been an important part of the mission of our family’s foundation,” said Kahlert. “The RMUoHP Community Rehabilitation Clinic serves the disadvantaged community of Utah County. It helps people who have had surgeries and other medical procedures receive the physical therapy they need to complete their rehabilitation, so they feel better, and so they can return to their lives, families, and jobs. We are pleased to support this clinic and feel it is a model for others to follow in helping people with rehabilitation needs.”

The Community Rehabilitation Clinic (CRC) is the first of its kind in Utah County. It serves the uninsured and underserved citizens who need physical therapy rehabilitation. Most patients return to levels of normalcy, secure or continue employment and carry on productive and healthy lives and daily activity.

The CRC has a highly trained and skilled staff of licensed, qualified physical therapists and physical therapy assistants as well as Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and faculty from RMUoHP, physical therapist volunteers from the community, and pre-physical therapy students from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.

The Kahlert Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations to improve the quality of life and well-being of the community in the areas of health care, youth programs, education, veteran organizations, and human services.

“We are grateful for the support from The Kahlert Foundation and other donors who help fund and operate the CRC,” said Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, founding president of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions who regularly works in the clinic seeing patients in his specialty area of clinical electrophysiology. “Together we can help many people each year receive the physical therapy services they need to heal, improve their health, and live active lives.”

RMUoHP also operates the Center for Communication Disorders – a second pro-bono clinic for the disadvantaged residents of Utah County providing speech-language pathology assessment and intervention for community members of all ages.