The physical therapy component of the Weight Management Program is staffed by faculty from the program of physical therapy at Washington University. All of the faculty team members are physical therapists with special expertise in managing the physical activity and exercise needs associated with obesity.
Susan S. Deusinger, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Dr. Susie Deusinger is the director of the program in physical therapy. She is also a professor of physical therapy and and neurology at Washington University's School of Medicine. She was trained in physical therapy at the University of Kansas and holds two graduate degrees from Washington University. Her commitment to understanding the activity and exercise challenges faced by obese individuals led to the development of On the Move™, a group exercise intervention for obese adults. She maintains an active practice exclusively for obese clients, which includes individual health fitness assessments and pre-operative evaluations of clients seeking gastric by-pass surgery.
Robert H. Deusinger, PT, PhD
Dr. Bob Deusinger is a bio-engineer and physical therapist. He is an assistant professor in physical therapy, medicine, orthopaedics, and biomedical engineering. He serves as the division director of clinical practice for the program in physical therapy. Dr. Deusinger has graduate degrees in biomechanics, physical therapy, and bioengineering from the University of Massachusetts, Columbia University and the University of Iowa. In addition to his inaugural role in On the Move™, he provides individual consultations and participates in pre-operative assessments of patients for gastric by-pass surgery.
Tammy Burlis, PT, DPT, CCS
Dr. Burlis is a physical therapist specializing in assessing and addressing cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. She is an associate director of clinical education in the program in physical therapy, and directs the movement for the health component of the gastric by-pass program. She also participates in leading On the Move™. Dr. Burlis has a graduate degree in physical therapy from Washington University.
Marcie Harris Hayes, PT, DPT
Dr. Harris Hayes specializes in helping patients manage musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in the lower extremities. She holds graduate degrees in physical therapy from Northwestern University and Washington University. In addition to her practice in orthopaedic physical therapy, she is an active member of the On the Move™ faculty team.
Patty Navarro, DPT
Dr. Patty Navarro was trained as a physical therapist at Washington University and maintains an active role in On the Move™, in addition to practicing in pediatric therapy. She also leads dance and exercise classes in the community. |