Description:

Presented by Paul Rockar, Jr., PT, DPT, MS

Abstract

UPMC is a large integrated healthcare system with its roots in Western Pennsylvania. In 1996 UPMC and BBRP, a rehabilitation private practice, entered into a joint venture and created UPMC Centers for Rehab Services. This business unit provides Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology services in a variety of settings including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The UPMC Centers for Rehab Services is also closely aligned with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. This partnership has many facets including clinical and didactic education, professional development, and research. This presentation will review the history and evolution of the clinical and academic partnership as well as the current role of the UPMC Centers for Rehab Services within a large integrated health system.

Bio

Paul Rockar Jr. received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Pennsylvania in 1975. He received a Master of Science degree in Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh in 1981 and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in 2007. He is currently the CEO of UPMC Centers for Rehab Services, one of the largest networks of community-based comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation services in Western Pennsylvania. In addition to the large network of outpatient offices the organization also provides services in a variety of hospital and long term care facilities. He is a member of UPMC’s CJR Steering Committee, the CJR Pre-Operative subgroup, and Co-Chaired the CJR Post-Acute Services subgroup.

Dr. Rockar has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1975. He is past APTA President, past Vice President, and has served as a Board member. Prior to his involvement at the national level he was President and Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association. He is currently on the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Physical Therapy and is a member of the APTA Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. He is also on the Board of Directors of the ALS Association of Western Pennsylvania and has held Adjunct Faculty positions at the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and Slippery Rock University.

Dr. Rockar’s accolades include being named a University Scholar and Legacy Laureate at the University of Pittsburgh as well as being awarded a 225th Anniversary Medallion. He presented the 21st Annual Endowed Scully Lecture in 2015 for the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh and he, along with his wife Judith, has established an endowed scholarship at the University. His professional association awards include receiving the Carlin-Michels Achievement Award by the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association and the State Legislative Leadership Award by the American Physical Therapy Association.