As a PT visiting the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center of Loma Linda, I have learned a lot. During my two months there I have had many experiences that have left a lasting impression. This is a summary here as a Short-Term Scholar.

1. The Outpatient Rehabilitation Center service here is a completely independent operating system.It has PT, OT,ST, Orthotics and prosthetics as well as the office staff who support them. There, responsibilities for everyone are very clearly delineated.The office staff is responsible for handling referrals, scheduling, and external as well as intra-office communications. The therapists, therefore, can focus more time in client care and on their treatment work. There the workflow is very smooth. The collaboration and understanding amongst therapists and offices staff at the department is extremely cohesive. 

2. For PT treatments, there are three gyms here: neurology gym, orthopedics gym, and pediatrics gym.The Rehabilitation Center also offers specialized teams. For example: Lisa's balance and robotics team for balance disorders and stroke patients; Shannon's Big exercises for Parkinson's disease; and Skulpan's residency coordinator team for LLU PT residencies.

3. The rehabilitation theory research and application of technology is very mature here.They have the latest rehabilitation treatment technology and equipment such as robotics and balance training machine.

4. America has continued to elevate the level of education necessary, maintaining competitive standards for acceptance into a physical therapy program.  A bachelor’s degree is required prior to entering a program, and Professional (entry-level) physical therapist education programs in the US only offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.The Master of Physical Therapy and Master of Science in Physical Therapy degrees are no longer offered.  Upon completing the licensure exam, therapists continue to advance in knowledge and techniques through residencies, fellowships, or certifications for specialties in their fields of interest. 

5. What impressed me the most is the patient-centered environment. Employees’ working hours range from 7:00am to 7:30 pm. The therapists have private rooms for patient evaluations, their attire is business-casual instead of white uniforms, and they play music in the gym for patients. This facilitated patients being comfortable and engaged during treatment.

6.My impression of the staff at LLU is that they are all really kind and compassionate. Everyone is enthusiastic and very hard working. All of my mentors are very happy to share with me their work experience and technology.

Loma Linda is a clean, peaceful, and refreshing place--- therapeutic for patients and visitors alike.