Faculty Profile: A Conversation with Janette Scardillo '05, G'06, DPT'09

Director of Clinical Education in the department of Physical Therapy Janette Scardillo '05, G'06, DPT'09, talks aboutpatient simulations, 'Cura Personalis,' and National Physical Therapy Month.
Janette M. Scardillo '05, G'06, DPT'09, incorporates a high-fidelity mannequin into patient simulations for students in the department of Physical Therapy at the Panuska College of Professional Studies. This allows them to gain skills appropriate for inpatient physical therapy settings.Formal simulations have been incorporated into the Advanced Patient Management and Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy courses within the DPT curriculum.
Janette M. Scardillo '05, G'06, DPT'09, incorporates a high-fidelity mannequin into patient simulations for students in the department of Physical Therapy at the Panuska College of Professional Studies. This allows them to gain skills appropriate for inpatient physical therapy settings.Formal simulations have been incorporated into the Advanced Patient Management and Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy courses within the DPT curriculum.

By: Claire Sunday '23, student correspondent

As the Director of Clinical Education in the department of Physical Therapy at the Panuska College of Professional Studies, Janette Scardillo '05, G'06, DPT'09, reminds her students of a goal that should fuel their studies. The skills and knowledge they gain today will enable them to help others as they move forward in their careers. 

Cura Personalis,” she said, “is very important in our profession.”

The Latin phrase that translates as “care of the whole person,” aptly describes how physical therapists should view anyone in their care -- not just as a patient, but as a whole person, she said.

National Physical Therapy Month each October provides an opportunity for patients to better understand the care that is available to them, and for physical therapists to advocate for their profession, she added.

Dr. Scardillo, of Whiting, New Jersey, was named faculty specialist at The University of Scranton in 2017, returning to her alma mater as an educator with a breadth of experience. 

After earning a doctorate in physical therapy in 2009, she worked as assistant professor and co-director of clinical education at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, and as a traumatic brain injury and patient therapist at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.

Dr. Scardillo recalled many career-affirming moments from her time there, and said those experiences inspired a commitment to service.

“Being able to serve the community as a faculty member with my students has been really rewarding.”- Janette Scardillo '05, G'06, DPT'09, Director of Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy

Sharing her passion for service

While at the University, Dr. Scardillo has participated in domestic and international service trips. She has traveled to aid the community in Guatemala twice with the department of physical therapy.

“Being able to serve the community as a faculty member with my students has been really rewarding,” Dr. Scardillo said.

Locally, she serves on the board of directors of Cinderella's Closet, and volunteers with the Junior League of Scranton and Friends of the Poor, among other organizations.

 

Opportunities for students have evolved post-pandemic, and Dr. Scardillo said the department of physical therapy has integrated skills into their program to prepare students for those changes. 

Dr. Scardillo incorporates a high-fidelity mannequin into patient simulations for students in the department to learn skills appropriate for the inpatient physical therapy settings. Formal simulations have been added into the Advanced Patient Management and Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy courses within the DPT curriculum, she said.

"I'm not afraid to challenge them, which is one of the best ways for them to learn."

 

i-fac-pt-dr-janette-scardillo_image002.jpegMEET DR. JANETTE SCARDILLO

Dr. Janette Scardillo, of Whiting, New Jersey, earned doctorate and master's degrees in physical therapy in 2009 and 2006, respectively, and a bachelor's degree in health science in 2005, all from The University of Scranton. 

Before joining the faculty at the University, she worked as an assistant professor and co-director of clinical education at Thomas Jefferson University. Prior to her time as an educator, Dr. Scardillo worked as a physical therapist in New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.


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