rlazaro
I am an Associate Professor and Co-chair of the Physical Therapy Department. I have been a physical therapist for over 25 years. I have worked in many practice settings throughout my career as a clinician, from outpatient musculoskeletal, to acute care, pediatrics, home care, geriatrics and acute rehab. I am a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy.
I have been involved in physical therapy education for over 20 years. I joined Samuel Merritt University in 2004 as a full-time faculty member in the physical therapy department. Currently, I also teach the neuroradiology content for the Kaiser Northern California residency program in neurologic physical therapy. From June to November of 2013, I was in the Philippines as a Fulbright Senior Scholar. Prior to joining SMU, I was a full-time faculty member and director of a transitional DPT program at another institution.
I moved from the central valley of California to the San Francisco bay area. I absolutely love living in San Francisco and feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy the weather and the various activities that the area has to offer. For fun, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures.
Physical therapy management of persons with Parkinson's disease
Balance and falls in the older population
Physical agents and electrotherapy in rehabilitation
Use of medical imaging in physical therapy practice
Outcomes assessment in physical therapy education
Use of technology in the classroom
PT 713: Patient/ Client Management Neuromuscular I
PT 718: Patient/ Client Management Neuromuscular II
PT 738: Musuloskeletal Medical mangemntd Imaging I
PT 739: Musculoseletl Medical angmet nd Imaging II
PT 719: Physical Agents and Electrotherapy
PT 753: Case Studies III
Selected publications:
Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, Burton GU, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation. 6th edition. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. January 2013. (editor)
Gorman SL, Lazaro RT, Fairchild JF, Kennedy BK. Development and validation of an objective structured clinical examination in neuromuscular physical therapy. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 2010; 24(3):62-69.
Larsen-Merrill J, Lazaro R. Use of the NeuroCom Balance Master Training Protocols to Improve Functional Performance in a Person with Multiple Sclerosis. Journal of Student Physical Therapy. 2009;1(1):1-16.
Breger Stanton D, Lazaro R, McDermid J. Systematic Review of Contrast Baths. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2009;22(1):57-70.
Lazaro RT, Umphred DA. Improving cultural diversity awareness of physical therapy educators. Journal of Cultural Diversity. 2007;14(3):121-5.
Bellamy S, Gibbs K, Lazaro R. Physical therapy intervention for an adolescent with a knee flexion contracture and diagnosis of multiple pterygium syndrome: A case report. Journal of Pediatric Physical Therapy. 2007;19:140-147.
Umphred D, Lazaro R. Aging and the central nervous system. In: Kaufman TL, ed. Geriatric Rehabilitation Manual. 2nd ed. St. Louis MO: Elsevier. May 2007.
Umphred DA, Burton GU, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation. 5th edition. St. Louis, MO: Mosby. November 2006.
Lazaro R, Roller M, Umphred D. Differential diagnosis phase 2: examination and evaluation of functional limitations and impairments. In: Umphred DA, ed. Neurological Rehabilitation. 5th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, November 2006.
Umphred D, Byl N, Lazaro R, Roller M. Interventions for neurological disabilities. In: Umphred DA, ed. Neurological Rehabilitation. 5th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, November 2006.
Little TL, Lazaro R. Physiotherapists’ perceptions and use of medical imaging in practice. Physiotherapy Research International. 2006;(11) 1:14-23.
Lazaro R. Physical therapy examination and evaluation. In: Umphred DA, Carlson C, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation for Physical Therapists Assistants. Thorofare NJ: SLACK Inc; 2006:39-64.
Lazaro R. Degenerative diseases. In: Umphred DA, Carlson C, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation for Physical Therapist Assistants. Thorofare NJ: SLACK Inc;2006:195-206
Nance J, Lazaro R. The effect of early physical therapy intervention followng elbow fracture in a postmenopausal female with multiple medical problems. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2004;16:159-64
Selected presentations:
Clark LC, Gorman SL, Lazaro RT. Self Assessment of Clinical Performance Improved by Modified Objective Structured Examination Testing. The 2nd European Congress on Physical Therapy Education. Stockholm, Sweden, September 2008.
Gorman SL, Lazaro RT. Development and Validation of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy: A Pilot Study. The 2nd European Congress on Physical Therapy Education. Stockholm, Sweden, September 2008.
Weissensee C, Lazaro RT. The Role of Physical Therapy in the Management of a Person with Deep Brain Stimulation for Advanced Parkinson's Disease. International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Conference. Seoul, South Korea, June 2007.
Breger Stanton D, Lazaro R. Contrast Baths: What is the Evidence? International Federation of Societies for the Surgery of the Hand and International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy Congress. Sydney, Australia, March 2007.
Umphred D, Lazaro R. The Modified Timed UP and Go: A Functional Tool to Measure Balance and Mobility in Adults. 4th World Congress of Neurorehabilitation. Hong Kong, China, February 2006.
Little T, Lazaro R. Physical Therapists' Perception and Utilization of Medical Imaging in Practice. American Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference. Boston, Massachusetts, June 2005.
Lazaro R. Improving Physical Therapy Awareness of Physical Therapy Educators. European Congress of Physiotherapy Education. Estoril, Portugal, November 2004.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
California Council of Gerontology and Geriatrics
