Rose Marie Rine BS, MS, PT, PhD

Rose Marie Rine, P.T., Ph.D. has been an Associate Professor in the School of Physical Therapy since 2013. Dr. Rine received her Ph.D. in 1992 from Northeastern University. She received her M.S in 1984 and her B.S. in 1973 from University of Connecticut. Her research/scholarly interests are in postural and motor control, particularly the role of vestibular function in motor development and postural control; efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation for children, correlation of dynamic balance (function and development) with gait abilities. Dr. Rine’s teaching philosophy is that “The physical therapist is an integral part of the health care system, being a provider of direct care, an educator of patients, families and communities and a consumer and producer of research related to clinical practice.

The health care system is dynamic due to advancement in the sciences and medical and health interventions, changing societal practices and expectations, and administrative and fiscal changes in the provision of health care. To assure that students are prepared to successfully fulfill the multiple and every changing roles, educational programs and faculty should provide an educational environment and process that facilitate the student’s ability to gain knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed for professional excellence, to include optimal patient care, life-long learning and contributions to the profession and professional knowledge base.

The role of research, its importance in the preparation of clinicians and growth of the profession cannot be underestimated, as appropriate growth and change in the profession and the individual practitioner can only be achieved by a thorough understanding of processes, the courage and skill to examine the efficacy of the processes and optimal solutions to assure best patient care.