Though some might dare think to say, "Yo, Adrian!" I actually go by my middle name, Kate. As a two-time graduate of Gannon University, it seemed only natural to return to my alma mater. I returned to GU in 2007 as adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, where I co-taught a one semester cardiopulmonary course (which is now two semesters long). In 2008, I became board certified as a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS), which is one of only 158 in the nation, and single-handedly my proudest accomplishment in my professional career! I spent most of my clinical years working in acute care and critical care in particular, treating cardiac and pulmonary surgical patients, but I also spent much time as a therapist in inpatient rehab and skilled nursing, as well as some time in outpatient orthopedics and home health. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I transitioned from adjunct to full time faculty at Gannon in January, 2012, where I am responsible for the cardiopulmonary content as well as multi-systems, and teach pathology, pharmacology and coordinate two of the three clinical synthesis courses. I continue doing per diem physical therapy via frailty assessments for a local cardiology group, from which I am also involved in post-surgical outcomes research.
I can certainly empathize with our graduate students as I recently finished graduate school from Western Michigan University with my Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences in 2016, and while I miss my time in class, I do not miss the 5 1/2 hour monthly commute! Outside of Gannon, I enjoy the simple moments in life with my husband (also a GU professor), my son, Alex, (a music producer), my mom and step-dad, and our blended families including ALL of our pets!