About Dr. Salvatore
Salvatore earned Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Science degrees in biology from Wheeling Jesuit University. Her research interests include balance and vestibular rehabilitation and developing clinical practice guidelines to standardize rehab for amputees.
Career Choice
I have always wanted to be a healthcare professional. As I was finishing my undergraduate degree in biology, I observed various healthcare professionals at work. I discovered that I loved the ability that physical therapists have to work one-on-one with their patients, with a direct and hands-on approach. They get to spend a lot of time with their patients, and as such, are able to build relationships with them and their families. Physical therapists frequently have a huge impact on the lives of their patients. I saw that it would be a very personally rewarding and satisfying career.
Proudest Accomplishment
I worked with several colleagues at the Cleveland VA Medical Center to create a Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation program. It was very satisfying to see that we were able to help a previously underserved population of veterans who had been dealing with vertigo, dizziness and balance problems for years, without much hope of recovery. We were able to help many of them improve their symptoms and quality of life, and in many cases return to their prior level of function.
Clinical Education
I will be coordinating the clinical education program. I will be working closely with the clinical education sites that we establish in order to ensure that students have quality learning experiences, and I will be teaching the relevant skills that students need to have in order to successfully participate in clinical rotations.
Engaging Teaching Methods
I guess you could say that I have a hands-on approach – it would be difficult to teach anything related to physical therapy (PT) without an interactive, hands-on approach! I try to foster active involvement in discussions and creative problem-solving. I’ve been known to throw in an occasional prank to drive a message home.
Making a Mark on Mount
I love having the ability to bring my years of clinical experience to the classroom. I am very excited to be a part of the creation of this new program, to build it from the ground up. We are currently developing the physical therapy curriculum. I can’t imagine how rewarding it will be someday to watch our first class receive their diplomas and obtain their physical therapy licensures, knowing that we developed every aspect of the program that led them there.
Favorite Building
I love our brand new home in Gallaher Hall. It’s exciting to build a new physical therapy doctoral program in a state-of-the-art teaching facility. I can’t wait to see the motion lab once it’s up and running.
Setting Mount Apart
It’s very obvious early on in my time at the University of Mount Union that all faculty and staff are very student-centered. It’s clear that all employees of Mount Union are genuinely committed to the success of the students. They are not just interested in helping the students get the best grades possible and get good jobs after graduation; they are doing their best to carry out the college mission by helping students to ultimately lead fulfilling lives, pursue meaningful work and contribute as responsible citizens.
Ready for the Real World
I’m happy to see that Mount Union is actively involved in preparing students to be life-long learners. These skills are imperative in the ever-changing health care industry. Mount Union has set the bar to go beyond educating its students to be proficient at entry level in their careers; they seek to prepare students with the skills they need to become leaders in their chosen fields.
Liberal Arts
I am a firm believer in the holistic education provided by programs grounded in the liberal arts – such programs emphasize critical thinking skills, effective communication of ideas and a higher calling to genuinely attempt to make the world a better place.