Degenerative Diseases SIG

About Us

Welcome to the web page of the Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group (DDSIG).  The DDSIG is comprised of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students in physical therapy programs that have an interest in neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotropic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and others.  The DDSIG provides a forum to discuss advances in practice and the challenges of providing care for individuals with neurodegenerative disease.  The DDSIG is a valuable networking tool to help researchers, educators, and clinicians in the area of neurodegenerative disorders connect, share ideas, and learn from leaders in the field. Check out "Resources" tab to find information from other organizations related to our field, our "Patient Education Fact Sheet" tab for handouts to utilize with your patients, our "Find Us on Social Media" tab to connect with others, and our "Case-Based Journal Club" tab to catch up on previously held journal clubs!

Mission

The mission of the Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group (DDSIG) is to provide a community for professional networking and to disseminate information to rehabilitation health care providers to promote optimal recovery, health, wellness, function, and quality of life of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, which include but are not limited to Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease.  The DDSIG is committed to facilitating advances in physical therapy for patient management, education, research, and health care policy that reflect the needs of those we serve.

Officers

Chair

Christina Burke, PT, DPT*  

Vice Chair and Communications Coordinator

Jeannie Stephenson, PT, PhD*

Secretary and Education Coordinator

Sara Crandall Zoeller PT, DPT*

Nominating Committee Members

Herbert Karpatkin PT, DSc* 

Gregory Brusola, PT, DPT, PhD, MSCS*

Robert Hand, PT, DPT*

Anjali Sivaramakrishnan, PhD, MPT

*All the Physical therapists above are Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialists.

 

Coordinators

Newsletter Coordinator & Editor

Alexandra Kozich, PT, DPT

Website Coordinator

Jennifer Heiser, PT, DPT*

Social Media Coordinator

Logan Brown, DPT

 

Student Interns

Skylar Rost, SPT; Podcast Team

Kelly Kramer, SPT; Newsletter Team

Rachel Fink, SPT; Social Media Team

Megan George, SPT; Social Media Team