Student Inservice
High Intensity Gait Training
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 12-2pm

There is high quality and evolving evidence for implementation of high intensity gait training (HIGT) for recovery and optimization of ambulatory function in the neurologic patient population.  Despite recent campaigns and clinical practice recommendations, there have been persistent challenges to moving our practice forward in the education and clinical domains. In this education session, we will describe the planning strategies and developmental action plan for the implementation of HIGT in an outpatient rehabilitation setting. A framework will be provided for developing a comprehensive training program encompassing didactic, clinical, and psychomotor domains. Commonly encountered challenges and successes with the quality improvement process will be shared as well as reflection on future considerations for growth and continued development.  This presentation will encourage and enhance the discussion on the feasibility and rewarding process of HIGT implementation in patients with CVA, spinal cord injury and brain injury. 

Objectives

• Be able to devise a framework for implementing high intensity gait training into practice.

• Be able to identify potential barriers and apply pertinent solutions to implementation of high intensity gait training in their practice setting.

Insider Look: Joining Todays Workforce Course Description

• Branding: How to Brand yourself – Resume, LinkedIn, Reputation, Networking MedStar Health Physical Therapy and NRN Brand and What Makes Us Special- Craig

• LinkedIn: Creating a LinkedIn profile; How to Leverage LinkedIn in Job Search

• Insiders look at a Recruiter seat and what recruiters are searching for

• Recruitment Lifecycle

Agenda

12:00 pm   Lecture
12:45         Lunch provided
1:00          Mentorship Program Opportunities for New Grads and Insider Look: Joining Todays Workforce – Craig Harbert and Mike Thorn, PTA
2:00pm      Dismissal

Observation hours and tours of Montgomery Hospital and Olney site will be available before and after the course. Please let Romina Astifidis, Romina.astifidis@medstar.net know if you would like to observe.

Tuition – Tuition is free for NRH and MedStar Health
Suggested Audience – PT/PTA Students

Speakers

• Catherine Brinlee PT, DPT received her DPT from the University of Pittsburgh in 2018. Dr. Brinlee has been treating a mix of orthopedic and neurological patients in an outpatient setting since. She has been certified in LSVT BIG, HIGT, dry needling and several vestibular/concussion certifications. Dr. Brinlee treats a variety now of orthopedic and neurological patients including CVA, Parkinson's, MS and TBI. She is currently serving as Neurological Clinical Specialist for MedStar Southern Maryland.

• Mike Thorn PTA Mentorship Coordinator

• Craig Harbert, Senior Healthcare Recruiter

Questions
Romi Astifidis
Romina.Astifidis@MedStar.net