CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
2023 SUSAN E BENNETT REHABILIATION SPECIALTY TRAINING PROGRAM
Dear CMSC Member,
The Foundation of the CMSC (FCMSC), the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Therapists (IOMSRT) are pleased to announce the continuation of the 2023 Susan E Bennett MS Rehabilitation Therapy Specialty Training Program. This program was established to support additional training and to stimulate excellence and growth in the delivery of rehabilitation in the field of MS. In addition, the program will promote the CMSC’s core value of the need for comprehensive care for people living with MS.
This training program will pair rehabilitation experts with professionals who are contemplating a focus on multiple sclerosis rehabilitation care or are 1-3 years into their MS specialty career: rehabilitation professionals and graduate students in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech/language pathology. The program is for professionals and professionals-in-training who want to learn more about rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis. The program is not designed for experienced professionals who have completed MSCS certification or have extensive experience in MS. Mentors will share their knowledge and experience with their scholars over the five-day training experience. Selected trainees will be provided with scholarship funds of $2,500 to cover travel, lodging, and meals. Trainees are responsible for any expenses incurred over scholarship amount.
The Training Experience:
The rehabilitation training experience will take place on-site at three selected CMSC MS Centers in the United States and Canada in 2023. Up to twelve rehabilitation experiences will be awarded according to eligibility guidelines. Each scholar will participate in a total of 35 hours of training covering aspects of rehabilitation and comprehensive care provided at a CMSC MS center. Areas of education may include, but not be limited to:
- Medical management in MS – neurological and nursing care
- Exposure to psychosocial services
- Wellness services or referral for health promotion
- MS-Specific rehabilitation programs *
- 60 minute overview for each discipline-basics to advanced as identified by the fellows prior to the site visit [3 hr]
- Patient interaction
- Active clinical research programs [discussion and/or participation in ongoing program]
- Exposure to seating and mobility clinics
- Spasticity interventions
On-site MS Rehabilitation programs are scheduled at selected CMSC MS Centers in the United States and Canada. All programs will be conducted by expert multidisciplinary faculty. Each training site will accommodate four MS Program Scholars.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must hold appropriate licensure, certification and/or registration in the state/province of their current employment OR be currently enrolled in an accredited rehabilitation graduate program.
- Be prepared to spend 5 -7 days (including travel).
- Stay through completion of the program on the last day.
Eligibility is limited to therapists recent to MS work who have not previously been awarded and completed this training course.
*Current 2023 Schedule:
Training Sessions dates are subject to change.
Location 1: Cleveland Clinic Center for MS Treatment and Research, Cleveland, OH
Dates: Week of September 18-22
Location 2: OPTIMUS Program, Alberta Health Services, Foothills Medical Center, Calgary, Canada
Dates: Weeks of September 18-22 or October 16-20
Location 3: Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV
Dates: Weeks of October 23-27 or November 13-17
Information for Applicants
Please provide the following additional information with the application form:
- A brief biographical sketch or CV.
- A 2–4-page summary (not including references) of current work experience and/or career goals in the field of multiple sclerosis, professional goals and objectives for your participation in the Training Program as well as any plans for education of colleagues upon return from this program.
- A letter of recommendation and support from current supervisor/academic supervisor stating commitment and plans for utilization of the skills this course provides.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The deadline for application has been extended until June 9, 2023, 11:59 PM ET.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Nancy Chazen, at 201-487-1050 x107, nancy.chazen@mscare.org.
Thank you for your collaboration with the CMSC and FCMSC, and your role in Building the MS Workforce of the Future!
Sincerely,
Lacey Bromley, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, MSCS, Chair of the IOMSRT
Patty Bobryk, MHS, PT, MSCS, ATP, Co-Chair of the IOMSRT
Cindy Bobowski, Foundation of the CMSC Program Manager
