Stockton University has received a $185,000 grant from the Bacharach Foundation for the university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
The grant is aimed at improving the existing facilities into a state-of-the-art research laboratory. This comes in the form of additional advanced equipment, including gait analysis and balance assessment systems, diagnostic ultrasound, electromyography (EMG) technology, blood flow restriction training systems and exercise testing tools.
Stockton’s DPT chair Pat McGinnis praised the grant and what it will mean for the program.
“This generous grant from the Bacharach Foundation represents a transformational investment in our program at a critical moment,” he said. “Our students will have access to cutting-edge equipment and teaching innovations to position them as leaders in the field, and our faculty will have the platform to expand scholarly productivity and drive innovation in patient-centered care.”
In addition to the research component, the grant will also support experimental and inclusive learning. One of these is Community Action Poverty Simulation Kits that will immerse students in the realities of living in poverty and how to approach these challenges when working with clients.
“This will help students develop a deeper understanding of health disparities and prepare them to provide socially responsive care,” McGinnis added.
One additional aspect with the grant and the subsequent improvements is the ability to collaborate with other divisions and programs across Stockton University.
Stockton’s School of Health Sciences Dean Ali Moradi explained the benefit.
“Our faculty can now pursue human movement research with Exercise Science colleagues, partner with the Stockton Center on Successful Aging to support older adults and provide evidence-based care to our student athletes,” he said. “This funding enables us to break down silos and create meaningful interprofessional learning experiences that prepare graduates to work in today’s collaborative health care environment.”
Richard Kathrins, the president of the Bacharach Foundation, praised Stockton’s DPT program as a leader in South Jersey.
“The Bacharach Foundation is proud to help take Stockton’s work to the next level with this grant,” he said. “This investment will support a state-of-the-art research lab and innovative teaching tools that mirror the technology and complexity of today’s clinical environment, ensuring that future physical therapists are prepared to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care.”
