2026 Memorial Healthcare System Rehabilitation Symposium

Memorial Healthcare System will host its 2026 Rehabilitation Symposium on Saturday, May 16 for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, focusing on a variety of rehabilitation topics. Participants will gain an understanding of a broad range of information on these topics as well as evidence-based intervention strategies.

--OBJECTIVES--

• Identify current trends within adult rehabilitation relative to course topics.
• Discuss evidence-based practice to initiate daily patient care across the continuum.
• Recognize strategies to enhance treatment with the covered topics and populations.

--CEU--

7.0 CEUs

--TARGET AUDIENCE--

• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Speech Language Pathologist

--COST--

• Memorial Healthcare Employees: $60.00
• Non-Memorial Healthcare employees: $95.00

--REGISTRATION--

• Deadline: May 9, 2026
• Lab: Please select a free add-on ticket during registration to allow entry.
• Registration is through Eventbrite only and is not complete until your payment transaction has been processed
• No refunds will be offered

--TOPICS & SPEAKERS--

Vestibular Disorders in the ER/Acute Care Setting & Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

Joanna Dotto, PT, DPT

This presentation will discuss the assessment and treatment when managing the challenges of Vestibular disorders in the ER/Acute care setting. There will be a focus on evidence-based learning via Med Bridge and up-to-date articles. Participants will have an opportunity to understand effective assessment and treatment strategies that they can implement in daily practice to improve patient outcomes and educate patients and families to follow up upon discharge from an acute care setting.

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

Marcelo Martinez, PT, DPT

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic condition characterized by frequent dizziness that feels like swaying or rocking, worsened by upright posture and complex visual stimuli. Participants will received an introductory class on the strategies used to assess and treat PPPD.

Rising Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease

Carmen Ortiz, MS, CCC-SLP and Valeria Garcia Mallon, MS, OTR/L

This presentation will discuss the rising prevalence of Parkinson’s disease highlighting the growing need for comprehensive, interdisciplinary management that addresses motor, cognitive, and functional challenges. Discussion will be focused on evidence-based programs LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD targeting movement amplitude and vocal intensity, supporting improved neuroplasticity and daily performance. Clinicians will understand effective treatment strategies that they can implement in daily practice.

Normal vs. Abnormal Bladder Function

Melissa Lowry, PT, DPT and Oscar Ancajima, PT, DPT

The presentation will discuss overall basic female and male anatomy and normal bladder verses abnormal bladder function. Additionally, differential pelvic floor diagnoses including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, dyspareunia, and mixed incontinence will briefly address and identify the symptoms, etiology, and treatment approach. The main focus will delve deeper into urge incontinence looking at strategies, suppression techniques, and various form of treatment including behavior modification and diaphragmatic breathing for treatment.

Cognitive Interventions for Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Tara Blickenstaff, MS, CCC-SLP & Amanda Klaus, MS, CCC-SLP

This session will provide an overview of evidence-based cognitive interventions for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), focusing on assessment, common post-injury cognitive deficits, and their impact on daily functioning. Participants will gain practical tools for implementing compensatory strategies and external aids across key cognitive domains, including memory, attention, working memory, and executive function. Emphasis will be placed on translating cognitive therapy into meaningful, functional outcomes for patients.

Optimal Positioning of Hemiparetic Extremities Following Cerebrovascular Accident

Trudy-Ann James, MOTR/L & Kantica Arora, DPT

This presentation will examine the optimal positioning of hemi-paretic upper and lower extremities following cerebrovascular accident (CVA), with particular emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach within the acute care setting. The session will explore the prevalence and clinical impact of hemiparesis, associated risk factors, and principles of proper positioning. Contraindications, strategies for injury prevention, and current evidence-based interventions will also be reviewed. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their clinical understanding and apply practical positioning strategies to promote safety, functional recovery, and optimal patient outcomes.

--LABS--

I. Vestibular Disorders in the ER/Acute Care Setting

Speaker: Joanna Dotto, PT, DPT

• Perform/Practice HINTS plus exam
• Perform/Practice Standing Algorithm
• Perform/Practice Dix-Hallpike/Roll Test/Canal reposition maneuver
• Review Case two case studies

II. Navigating Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD): Lecture and Lab

Speaker: Marcelo Martinez, PT,DPT

• Discussion of cases
• Practice time: Habituation techniques that will include vestibular-oculomotor cancellation techniques used for motion sensitivity, observing optokinetic videos and practice explaining how to dose properly.
• Standing balance challenges and discussing normalization of postural sway.
• Dynamic gait activities
• Practice relaxation techniques

III. From Image to Interpretation: Rating accuracy in MBSS and FEES

Speakers: Chadelle Smith, SLP and Falyn Marks, SLP

• Brief overview of session purpose: moving from what you see to what it means
• Highlight common interpretation pitfalls (overcalling aspiration, missing physiology, etc.)
• Set expectation: Interactive + case-based

IV. Rising Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease: LSVT Big and LOUD

Speakers: Carmen Ortiz, MS, CCP-SLP and Valeria Garcia Mallon, MS, OTR/L

• Identify 5 key principles for learning and neuroplastic changes treating PD and syndromes
• Demonstrate how to implement each key feature in a treatment session
• Discussion time

--MEALS--

A boxed lunch (including a sandwich, water, chips, and a cookie) will be served.

* Note: If you have specific dietary needs, please plan on bringing your own lunch due to limited time during the lunch break.

--PARKING--

Memorial Healthcare System employees

Please park in the Employee parking garage.

Non-Memorial employees

Free parking is available in the Memorial Regional Hospital Visitor parking garage.

For more information, please contact Abigail Ramdhansingh at abramdhansingh@mhs.net.

Memorial Healthcare System will host its 2026 Rehabilitation Symposium on Saturday, May 16 for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, focusing on a variety of rehabilitation topics. Participants will gain an understanding of a broad range of information on these topics as well as evidence-based intervention strategies.

--OBJECTIVES--

• Identify current trends within adult rehabilitation relative to course topics.
• Discuss evidence-based practice to initiate daily patient care across the continuum.
• Recognize strategies to enhance treatment with the covered topics and populations.

--CEU--

7.0 CEUs

--TARGET AUDIENCE--

• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Speech Language Pathologist

--COST--

• Memorial Healthcare Employees: $60.00
• Non-Memorial Healthcare employees: $95.00

--REGISTRATION--

• Deadline: May 9, 2026
• Lab: Please select a free add-on ticket during registration to allow entry.
• Registration is through Eventbrite only and is not complete until your payment transaction has been processed
• No refunds will be offered

--TOPICS & SPEAKERS--

Vestibular Disorders in the ER/Acute Care Setting & Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

Joanna Dotto, PT, DPT

This presentation will discuss the assessment and treatment when managing the challenges of Vestibular disorders in the ER/Acute care setting. There will be a focus on evidence-based learning via Med Bridge and up-to-date articles. Participants will have an opportunity to understand effective assessment and treatment strategies that they can implement in daily practice to improve patient outcomes and educate patients and families to follow up upon discharge from an acute care setting.

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

Marcelo Martinez, PT, DPT

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic condition characterized by frequent dizziness that feels like swaying or rocking, worsened by upright posture and complex visual stimuli. Participants will received an introductory class on the strategies used to assess and treat PPPD.

Rising Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease

Carmen Ortiz, MS, CCC-SLP and Valeria Garcia Mallon, MS, OTR/L

This presentation will discuss the rising prevalence of Parkinson’s disease highlighting the growing need for comprehensive, interdisciplinary management that addresses motor, cognitive, and functional challenges. Discussion will be focused on evidence-based programs LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD targeting movement amplitude and vocal intensity, supporting improved neuroplasticity and daily performance. Clinicians will understand effective treatment strategies that they can implement in daily practice.

Normal vs. Abnormal Bladder Function

Melissa Lowry, PT, DPT and Oscar Ancajima, PT, DPT

The presentation will discuss overall basic female and male anatomy and normal bladder verses abnormal bladder function. Additionally, differential pelvic floor diagnoses including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, dyspareunia, and mixed incontinence will briefly address and identify the symptoms, etiology, and treatment approach. The main focus will delve deeper into urge incontinence looking at strategies, suppression techniques, and various form of treatment including behavior modification and diaphragmatic breathing for treatment.

Cognitive Interventions for Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Tara Blickenstaff, MS, CCC-SLP & Amanda Klaus, MS, CCC-SLP

This session will provide an overview of evidence-based cognitive interventions for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), focusing on assessment, common post-injury cognitive deficits, and their impact on daily functioning. Participants will gain practical tools for implementing compensatory strategies and external aids across key cognitive domains, including memory, attention, working memory, and executive function. Emphasis will be placed on translating cognitive therapy into meaningful, functional outcomes for patients.

Optimal Positioning of Hemiparetic Extremities Following Cerebrovascular Accident

Trudy-Ann James, MOTR/L & Kantica Arora, DPT

This presentation will examine the optimal positioning of hemi-paretic upper and lower extremities following cerebrovascular accident (CVA), with particular emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach within the acute care setting. The session will explore the prevalence and clinical impact of hemiparesis, associated risk factors, and principles of proper positioning. Contraindications, strategies for injury prevention, and current evidence-based interventions will also be reviewed. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their clinical understanding and apply practical positioning strategies to promote safety, functional recovery, and optimal patient outcomes.

--LABS--

I. Vestibular Disorders in the ER/Acute Care Setting

Speaker: Joanna Dotto, PT, DPT

• Perform/Practice HINTS plus exam
• Perform/Practice Standing Algorithm
• Perform/Practice Dix-Hallpike/Roll Test/Canal reposition maneuver
• Review Case two case studies

II. Navigating Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD): Lecture and Lab

Speaker: Marcelo Martinez, PT,DPT

• Discussion of cases
• Practice time: Habituation techniques that will include vestibular-oculomotor cancellation techniques used for motion sensitivity, observing optokinetic videos and practice explaining how to dose properly.
• Standing balance challenges and discussing normalization of postural sway.
• Dynamic gait activities
• Practice relaxation techniques

III. From Image to Interpretation: Rating accuracy in MBSS and FEES

Speakers: Chadelle Smith, SLP and Falyn Marks, SLP

• Brief overview of session purpose: moving from what you see to what it means
• Highlight common interpretation pitfalls (overcalling aspiration, missing physiology, etc.)
• Set expectation: Interactive + case-based

IV. Rising Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease: LSVT Big and LOUD

Speakers: Carmen Ortiz, MS, CCP-SLP and Valeria Garcia Mallon, MS, OTR/L

• Identify 5 key principles for learning and neuroplastic changes treating PD and syndromes
• Demonstrate how to implement each key feature in a treatment session
• Discussion time

--MEALS--

A boxed lunch (including a sandwich, water, chips, and a cookie) will be served.

* Note: If you have specific dietary needs, please plan on bringing your own lunch due to limited time during the lunch break.

--PARKING--

Memorial Healthcare System employees

Please park in the Employee parking garage.

Non-Memorial employees

Free parking is available in the Memorial Regional Hospital Visitor parking garage.

For more information, please contact Abigail Ramdhansingh at abramdhansingh@mhs.net.