Essentials of Medical Screening and Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy Practice

Course Description: Screening for conditions not amenable to treatment by a physical therapist is a key skill. This course will provide a clear understanding of how to appropriately screen for underlying medical conditions that can present as musculoskeletal conditions so that appropriate medical evaluation and management can be initiated as necessary. 

Course Structure

The course involves 2 x 4hr workshop (live zoom).

Online content available prior to course date.

Live Workshops November 4th & 5th 12:00pm - 4:00pm  EST via Zoom

Speaker: Michael D. Ross, PT, DHSc is an Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Daemen University in Amherst NY. He is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.  Prior to his appointment at Daemen University, Dr. Ross served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years where he was credentialed as a direct access provider with diagnostic imaging, medical laboratory, specialty physician referral, and pharmacological privileges. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Daemen College, his Doctorate of Health Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis, and a Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Therapy and Musculoskeletal Primary Care from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Vallejo, CA.  He has made numerous scientific presentations and has lectured extensively at the entry-level, graduate, and postgraduate levels on medical screening and differential diagnosis in physical therapist practice.  Dr. Ross maintains an active community-based practice focusing on patients with chronic pain disorders and has published over 150 manuscripts and abstracts related to orthopedic physical therapist practice.  He served as the Editor for the Musculoskeletal Imaging feature of the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy from 2008 to 2016 and is a manuscript reviewer for several medical and rehabilitation journals.