Prevention Practice

Catherine Rush Thompson, PhD, MS, PT, was born in Kansas City and attended the University of Colorado Medical Center, graduating with distinction with a BS in physical therapy. With support from the William Hillman Medical Student Fellowship, she attended and graduated with distinction from the University of Kansas Medical Center with an MS in Special Education with an emphasis on Children with Illness and Other Health Impairments. With support from the Arthur Mag Fellowship and the UMKC Community Scholars Fellowship at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, she completed her Interdisciplinary PhD, incorporating studies in physiological psychology, biochemistry, neuroscience, exercise science, and education. While her primary clinical practice focuses on pediatric physical therapy and neurological rehabilitation, she has worked in practice settings in acute care, outpatient care, long-term care, school-based therapy, home health, and private practice. Currently she is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy Education at Rockhurst University, and she presents her work at state, national, and international meetings. Dr. Thompson's travel to over 50 countries gives her insight into global health care disparities and the need for multicultural education. Her research interests focus on pediatric growth and development, the use of motor imagery in physical therapy practice, and prevention practice across the lifespan. She hopes that this book will contribute to realizing the goals of Healthy People 2010 with physical therapists playing an integral role in prevention practice.