Tonya Miller, PT, DPT, PhD, is the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program Lead at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. In February, Dr. Miller announced the publication of her first book, alongside co-author Laurie Brogan, PT, DPT, CEEAA, GCS, who serves as Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Misericordia University.
The textbook is entitled Professionalism in the Practice of Physical Therapy. According to Dr. Miller, the goal was to create a professional-development resource equally relevant to students and working clinicians. It provides an authoritative resource on the various roles modern physical therapists are expected to inhabit by covering a range of topics, including:
- Professionalism
- Documentation
- Law and ethics
- Leadership
These concepts are supported by photographs, diagrams, illustrations, and two or more case studies per chapter.
“As a healthcare executive, I have seen the value of professional communication, emotional intelligence, and cultural intelligence in clinical practice and leadership,” said Dr. Miller. “When I began my journey in the academic setting teaching topics in professionalism to future physical therapists, I realized there was a need for a book that connected these professional skills to case examples in physical therapy.
“This book aims to provide students and practicing clinicians with a resource to better understand professionalism and connect their personal development with the content through case studies, self-reflection, and goal setting. My co-author, Laurie Brogan, and I hope this book is a resource for physical therapy professionals throughout their careers.”
Professionalism in the Practice of Physical Therapy is available for preorder on Amazon. It’s slated for delivery from McGraw Hill on May 17.
It’s also not the only textbook available from Harrisburg University’s scholar-practitioners.
Jacqueline (“Jacki”) Klaczak Kopack, PT, DPT, is the Assistant Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Harrisburg University. In August 2023, Dr. Kopack co-published a textbook with Karen Cascardi, PhD, MS, ATC, PTA, entitled Principles of Therapeutic Exercise for the Physical Therapist Assistant. Together, Drs. Kopack and Cascardi have more than 40 years of practical and academic PTA experience. This textbook provides learners with a single reference when designing therapeutic exercise interventions for patients with varied medical presentations, across the continuum of care. Published by SLACK Incorporated, Principles of Therapeutic Exercise contains:
- Indications and contraindications for exercise interventions.
- Detailed exercise progressions.
- “Eye on the Research” sections to spotlight evidence-based practices and current research in the PTA field.
- Supplemental materials for classroom use, including an Instructor’s Manual and PowerPoint slides.
These books arrive at an exciting and critical time for the field of physical therapy. The demands of the modern healthcare system increasingly see PT professionals stepping into diagnostic and even primary-care roles.
The Occupational Information Network (O*Net) gives the physical therapist career path a “bright outlook.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) sees the field expanding by 15% between 2022 and 2032: growth it describes as “much faster than average.” Contributors to this swift growth include an aging global population, greater awareness of physical therapy’s benefits, and an increase in chronic conditions across the population requiring ongoing therapy.
Harrisburg University applauds the continuing efforts of its scholar-practitioners to positively impact our communities and world. The University was founded on lifelong learning, continuous research, and practical career preparation – and HU faculty members live that mission both within the classroom and beyond.
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