WesternU Doctor of Physical Therapy students present case study posters

The growth and development of Western University of Health Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy students in the College of Health Sciences were on display at their Case Study Poster Presentations Oct. 8, 2025, on the WesternU California campus.  

The annual Case Study Presentation is a signature event for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Education (DPTE) program, showcasing the talent and growth of our third-year students as they step confidently into their roles as Movement Specialists, said Department of Physical Therapy Education Acting Department Chair and Director of Clinical Education Janet Konecne, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, CSCS.  

“Through an impressive range of patient cases, our students highlight the breadth of conditions that physical therapists manage and the transformative impact of skilled intervention on patients’ lives,” she said. “This experience also fosters a spirit of clinical inquiry—encouraging students to think like researchers, share their insights, and contribute to the advancement of our profession. We are especially grateful to our clinical partners whose collaboration and mentorship provide the rich patient experiences that shape our doctoral students and prepare them to deliver exceptional care.”  

DPT student Eileen Chen presented a poster on a patient who suffered from knee pain and patellar chondromalacia, a condition where the kneecap cartilage becomes soft and deteriorates. This research project contributed to her learning as a PT student.  

“I had to look for high level evidence of research to see what would be beneficial to my patient,” Chen said. “I also think I had to be more aware of my patient from beginning to end, having to document her measurements. It made me really more focused on her because I do want to make sure the (plan of care) I’m doing will be helpful to her.”  

The patient was recovering from knee arthroscopy. She had limited knee flexion post-op, and the pain was overall better compared to before surgery.  

“My focus was working on gaining her mobility back, working on knee extension as well as overall strengthening,” Chen said. “My plan was if we strengthened the muscles in her lower extremity, it would reduce the load on her knee joints. I also wanted to work on stretching, especially the hamstrings.”  

Her patient was initially scared to use the stairs, but after multiple visits, she was able to use the stairs holding onto the handrail.  

“It definitely really felt good to see that progress,” Chen said. “It helped with my confidence as a clinician.”  

Chen appreciated this opportunity to present her poster and reconnect with her classmates.  

“This event is helpful,” she said. “I get to not only present to people about this diagnosis, I get to roam around and see what my classmates have done research on. Also, especially because we didn’t see each other for 12 weeks, it’s nice to hear about the interesting cases that my classmates have to present on.”  

DPT student Isaiah Aneke presented his case of a firefighter returning to work after suffering a distal biceps tendon rupture. The injury resulted in severe loss of function in the left elbow. He could not lift more than 5 pounds and he experienced pain doing daily activities both in the home and at work.  

Aneke was able to help his patient return to work after having regular interaction and developing a rapport.  

“You get to develop an actual relationship, one that helps people trust you,” Aneke said. “They see you as someone who is knowledgeable and someone who cares about them. It helps you push for their best treatment. It’s so rewarding.”  

“The Case Study Presentations beautifully capture the transformation of our DPT Scholars as they move from learners to emerging professionals, guided by the extraordinary training and mentorship of our dedicated faculty and Department Chair, Dr. Janet Konecne,” said CHS Dean Gail Evans Grayson, EdD, MA. “Their passion, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to excellence reflect the very essence of the WesternU experience. I am incredibly proud of the knowledge, skill, and compassion they demonstrated as future Movement Specialists and Physical Therapists—affirming our College of Health Sciences’ unwavering dedication to advancing humanistic health care.” 

The College of Health Sciences DPT Class of 2025 held Case Study Poster Presentations Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.