Overview
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Course Description: This course will cover a systematic case-based approach to subjective and objective examination principles for lumbar spine differential diagnosis. Evidence-based treatment approaches will be applied to the concepts of pain modulation, manual therapy intervention and advanced therapeutic exercise. Goals of this course are to equip rehabilitation providers with an enhanced ability to triage complex spinal diagnoses, correctly apply efficient differential diagnosis to the lumbar spine and develop quality evidence-based treatment plans for patients for overall improved outcomes and enhanced value to the provider and patient alike.
Instructional Methods Used: Lecture, PowerPoint presentations, hands-on lab, panel Q&A
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
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Apply established triage principles to complex spine diagnoses
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Analyze and evaluate different lumbar spine cases
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Develop evidence-based treatment plan for a wide range of lumbar spine cases incorporating manual therapy and prescriptive therapeutic exercise
Assessment of Learning Objectives: Their self-report on course feedback form / Hands on performance / Question and answer.
Joshua Hudspeth PT, DPT, FAAOMPT
Dr. Hudspeth received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Sam Houston State University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from The University of the Incarnate Word. Josh is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists and has advanced training/certification in dry needling, evidence-based functional treatment programing, and is golf certified through Titleist Performance Institute. Dr. Hudspeth’s areas of interest and specialization include spine, sports injuries, golf specific rehabilitation and post spine surgery. He is a member of Memorial Hermann’s Spine Program team, teaches and mentors in Memorial Hermann’s residency program and is involved in spine research. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.

Garret Wilson PT, DPT
Garret, from College Station, Texas, completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University. He then attended Texas State University to complete his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Garret has special interests in spine, hip, and knee injuries and enjoys working with active individuals. During his tenure with Memorial Hermann, Garret has been an active participant in the Spine Program, performing data collection for ongoing spine research and collaborating with spine specialists and fellow rehabilitation providers to enhance care for patients with spine-related pain or pathology. He is also an active participant in the Hip Preservation Program, collaborating with orthopedic specialists in the system to enhance conservative and post-operative care for individuals with hip pathology and specializing in treatment of individuals with hip pain. When not in the clinic, you will likely find Garret at the gym or the archery range, walking his dog, watching a movie with his wife, or reading a book. Garret has this to say about fellowship: “I am excited to collaborate with other providers in the system to enhance continuity of care and improve rehabilitation practices for individuals with spine pain.”

Michaela Spencer PT, DPT
Michaela, from Sugar Land, Texas, completed her undergraduate degree in Allied Health and Sport Management from Texas A&M University – College Station. She then attended Texas Woman’s University – Houston to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Michaela has special interests in spine, chronic pain, and enjoys working with the adolescent population and high school athletes. During her residency year here at Memorial Hermann, she has been a part of the Spine Program and completed research on early patient reported and functional outcomes following cervical spine surgeries. When not in the clinic, you will likely find Michaela working out, baking, or spending time with loved ones. Michaela has this to say about the fellowship: “I am excited to join this fellowship to refine my clinical reasoning and manual therapy skills, especially in the complex realm of spine-related conditions. I look forward to working closely with physicians and fellow clinicians in an integrated model that puts patient care at the forefront. This is a unique opportunity to grow not only as a specialist but also as an educator and leader in our profession. I’m eager to contribute to a culture that values collaboration, mentorship, and innovation in physical therapy”.

Zachary Beauchamp PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Beauchamp received his degree in Exercise Science from Colorado Mesa University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from University of New England. Upon graduation he completed his residency at Harris Health System and earned his board certification in orthopedic physical therapy the subsequent year. He teaches and mentors orthopedic residents and is a part of the spine team at Memorial Hermann. In his free time he enjoys fishing, weightlifting, and hiking with his dog.
Speaker Disclosures & Conflicts of Interest
Financial: none reported other than being Memorial Hermann Employees
Non-financial: none reported
Speaker Disclosures & Conflicts of Interest:
Policy & Procedures exist whereby all speakers must disclose any relationships which may cause a conflict of interest. Any relevant financial and non-financial relationships will be disclosed via speaker agreement, written notification after agreement, and prior to presentation.