ISU PT/OT Program Celebrates Milestones with New Endowment

Released by Idaho State University 19 October 2011
Contact: Nelda Wellard, wellneld@isu.edu or (208) 282-4095

Written by Jeff Phillips

ISU PT/OT Program Celebrates Milestones with New Endowment

POCATELLO – The Idaho State University Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy programs will celebrate their 20th and 10th anniversaries, respectively, on Oct. 21 at the Stephens Performing Arts Center.
The reception will also celebrate the retirement and contributions of longtime faculty member Alex Urfer with the presentation of the Dr. Alex Urfer Scholarship Endowment.
There will also be two seminars the following day on “The Use of Ultrasound Imaging for Spinal Exercise” and “Benign Paroxysmal Position Vertigo.”
The Student Physical Therapy Association will also host a 5K fun run/walk at 10 a.m., with costumes optional.
The Physical and Occupational Therapy programs are doctoral and master’s level programs, respectively, that are a key part of ISU’s state mandated goal of “delivering programs in the health professions.”
The Department of Physical Therapy is active in research and innovation as well. Urfer, along with department chair Jim Creelman, are currently involved in a Department of Defense project on creating a prosthetic hand capable of real-time user control instead of preprogrammed responses.
Urfer has been with ISU since the fall of 1977. Urfer certified in physical therapy at the Mayo Clinic, will continue to be involved in the smart hand project and the physical therapy department.
For more information on the seminars, contact Matthew Plooster at ploomatt@isu.edu or 282-4285.
For more information on the 5K fun run/walk, email kostume5k@gmail.com.
###