Physical Therapist

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist is responsible for conducting and completing clinical evaluations of patients enrolled in clinical research studies and the MDA clinic. Key duties include performing thorough evaluations, documenting findings, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive assessments. This role focuses on assessing patients' physical capabilities, providing therapeutic recommendations, and monitoring progress to optimize study outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized school of physical therapy, or completion of a Physical Therapy program.
Licensed as a Physical Therapist in accordance with Section 486, Florida Statutes and Rule Chapter 64B17, F.A.C.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience working with pediatric and adult patient population.
Experience working with patients diagnosed with rare diseases.
Understanding of inherited muscle diseases, which lead to heart and skeletal muscle dysfunction.
Prior experience with direct patient contact.
Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to work independently.
Solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
Understanding of regulatory compliance as it relates to conducting the Study at University of Florida.
Ability to use Microsoft tools.

Responsibilities

Attend Site Initiation Visits (SIV) and give tours of physical therapy testing area.
Completing certification requirements for the physical therapy section of each study at Investigator Meetings (IM), on-site training, or through online webinars.
Setting up, testing, and managing physical therapy/evaluation equipment for each trial with appropriate IT personnel, sponsors, and study vendors.
Perform clinical evaluations such as the Brooke scale for upper extremities, Vignos scale for lower extremities, North Star Ambulatory Assessment, time to run 10 meters, time to rise from the floor from supine, six-minute walk test, Performance of the Upper Limb, respiratory function tests, measurement of joint end range, time to ascend four steps, 100-meter walk/run, and completing required documentation/communication.
Create a testing area atmosphere conducive to subjects feeling comfortable and performing at their best at each visit.
Conducting physical therapy interventions or treatments as part of research protocols, adhering to ethical guidelines and best practices in patient care.
Manage all aspects of patient clinical evaluations (must be performed by licensed physical therapist).
Studying clinical trial protocols and communicate with subcontractors/developers.
Directing subject testing with study coordinators and CRC nurses.
Regularly attending Dr. Byrne’s team meetings.
Determining staffing needs for clinical evaluations (primary and back-up staff).
Building rapport with subjects throughout the course of the research study.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals, to develop research protocols, study designs, and appropriate physical therapy evaluations.
Collaborating with external partners, including academic institutions, research organizations, and industry sponsors, to leverage resources and expertise for research initiatives.
Assist with the coordination and management of PT/OT/DME vendor services at the MDA clinic.
Perform thorough chart reviews and pre-clinic communication with families to determine PT/OT/DME needs.
Develop streamlined pathways for PT/OT/DME to provide efficient patient care.
Network with DME vendors, Medicaid approval offices, insurance company case managers, Children’s Medical Services, and home providers.
Provide patient evaluation, equipment recommendation, and prescription referral recommendations as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Develop an equipment loaner program.
Develop clinic evaluation forms and resources for families.
Coordinate local opportunities for DME vendors to demo new products.
Attend regular DME courses/certifications to stay current and network with other providers.
Initiate and maintain a current regulatory file.
Prepare and submit documents related to clinical trials to internal and external organizations as required.
Complete end-of-study procedures.
Schedule and participate in sponsored research monitoring visits.
Maintain the integrity and quality of clinical research trials in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines.
Attend UF-IRB full board meetings as necessary.
Serve as study coordinator for assigned clinical trial protocols.
Recruit patients for studies and coordinate their visits.
Manage patient visits in accordance with protocol.
Coordinate site monitor visits and submit necessary compliance paperwork.
Ensure billing compliance and resolve sponsor-related issues/questions.
Act as the liaison between the Principal Investigator and study subjects.
Collect and analyze research data using statistical software and assist in interpreting results.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.