The department of Physical Therapy would like to extend well wishes to two faculty members who will be transitioning out of the department. Claudia Senesac, PT, PhD, PCS, Clinical Professor, stepped back from teaching in the DPT program this Summer after more than 40 years teaching in the anatomy lab and pediatrics. Kevin MacPherson, PT, DPR, DSc, Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Clinical Education, will be leaving the program after a decade at the end of Fall. See some of their highlights with UF PT below!
Claudia Senesac, PT, PhD, PCS
What did you enjoy most about teaching DPT students at UF?
One of the most enjoyable things about teaching DPT students was watching them transform through the program, their struggles, successes, and moments of frustration and joy when it all comes together. They become professionals and colleagues right before your eyes. Being a participant in this learning experience made me crave more in the classroom.
What was your highest award or achievement during your tenure?
In 2021, I was the recipient of the APTA Societal Impact Award. This award acknowledges individuals who exemplify the compassionate nature of the physical therapy profession by exhibiting a distinguished commitment toward philanthropic initiatives, raising public awareness on key societal issues, and demonstrating how physical therapy can be applied to address these issues. This award has had special meaning for me, as it recognized my work in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, translation of research from the ImagingDMD study to clinicians, and international education of other providers and families, allowing sustainable contributions in Latin American countries including Central and South America.
What is your ‘best memory’ from your time as a UF Faculty?
One of my best memories was being part of the formation of the first official PT department band called: “Ther-a-band” (we even had a banner). We were a combination of students and faculty who played and sang at one of the Holiday Banquets. What a great combination of musicians and singers, a total of 11 people: two violins, one trombone, one bass, three guitars, one drummer, one keyboard, two singers (backups by the band). This soon turned into the students forming their own bands each year and playing at the Holiday Parties. I loved sitting in with all those bands over the years. Great fun!!
Kevin MacPherson, PT, DPR, DSc
What did you enjoy most about teaching DPT students at UF?
Hands down, my time as a clinical instructor for the UF PT Equal Access Clinic. These opportunities allowed me to use my knowledge of the curriculum to reinforce the students’ prior learning while helping them navigate through the not-so-case-study patient encounters that can only be experienced in the real world.
What was your highest award or achievement during your tenure?
Much of my awards/achievements came in this last year. I received my Doctor of Science degree, the “Excellence in Academic Teaching Award” from the Florida Physical Therapy Association, and got 3 manuscripts either published or under review. This was a good year for me.
What is your ‘best memory’ from your time as a UF Faculty?
My best memory is the story created from 2 events. The first was walking into my first class as a full-time faculty member and lead instructor. I walked in, saw 70 students, and immediately thought about how best to resign on day one. The second was earlier this semester (Fall 2022). Over the course of 2-3 weeks, I had a few of past and current students tell me how appreciative they were of my ability to help explain things in a way that makes sense. My best memory is the mosaic flashback of all the failures lessons and successes I experienced between those 2 events in my time at UF.
Best of luck to our beloved faculty, Drs. Claudia Senesac and Kevin MacPherson, in this next chapter and in their future endeavors!