Healthy Wealthy & Smart 400: Dr. Secili DeStefano: Mentorship and IPPS
On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, I welcome Dr. Secili DeStefano, PT, DPT on the show to discuss the International Pelvic Pain Society and the importance of mentorship. Secili received her Master’s (2001) and Doctorate (2007) degrees in physical therapy from Marymount University. Secili administers premium care to a large, diverse population of outpatient orthopedic patients. She has a special interest in rehabilitating the biomechanics including the ribs, spine, hips and pelvis.
In this episode, we discuss:
-Secili’s highlights from the International Pelvic Pain Society
-Why you should seek mentorship opportunities at conferences
-The most important traits a mentor should possess
-What qualities should a mentee look for in their mentor
-And so much more!
“Mentorship is bilateral.”
“Mentoring is just one piece of a bigger puzzle of mastery.”
“Sometimes you just need that person to give you permission to change your self-talk.”
“Struggle builds strength. We are all going to have struggles but in that, what opportunities are there for you to be successful in the future.”
For more information on Secili:
Secili received her Master’s (2001) and Doctorate (2007) degrees in physical therapy from Marymount University. Secili administers premium care to a large, diverse population of outpatient orthopedic patients. She has a special interest in rehabilitating the biomechanics including the ribs, spine, hips and pelvis. Over the past several years in practice, she has focused on preventing injuries, promoting health and wellness, and creating solutions for complex and persistent pain. Secili is a manual therapist, and performs Triggerpoint Dry Needling (TDN) and utilizes Graded Motor Imagery. She is also certified and performs a variety of different prevention and optimization programs for athletes. She uses RealTime UltraSound Imaging to assist the patients in optimizing movement and performance. Her heart for patients locally, nationally and internationally leads her to foster research, speak, and consult on a wide variety of healthcare topics.
Secili also provides care for men’s and women’s pelvic health (bowel, bladder, sexual dysfunction and incontinence), conditions specific to athletes, breast health, pre-partum, pregnancy, post-partum, bone health, osteoporosis and osteopenia, persistent pain (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and other widespread chronic pain syndromes), postsurgical health and restoration (e.g. post-hysterectomy, C-section, post-prostatectomy, etc.), hypermobility syndromes (e.g., Ehler’s Danlos), pelvic, back, hip and sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction (e.g., Femoral Acetabular Impingement). She assesses and fabricates custom orthotics; evaluates and consults area businesses on worksite ergonomics; and provides health, wellness, consulting and screening services to area athletic programs, travel teams, and specialty programs including Olympic hopefuls, high level football players, dancers, swimmers and soccer players. Secili is committed to optimizing patients’ movement and performance.
Secili has received numerous professional awards and certifications resulting from her work experience, continuing education pursuits and her involvement in her professional associations. She serves on many national task forces and work groups for improving health care. Currently, she is serving on the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) NEXT Conference Work Group and APTA She has served as the Virginia Physical Therapy Association Vice President and Delegate to the APTA House of Delegates. She has served as the Director of Research for the APTA Section on Women’s Health. Secili is a Certified Direct Access Practitioner, which means that she is able to practice without a referral from another practitioner. She has received the distinction of Certified Orthopedic Specialist and Emerging Leader from the APTA. Secili has served as a Center Coordinator of Clinical Education and is a Certified Clinical Instructor. She has also been honored as a Distinguished Commencement Speaker. She is currently teaching at George Mason University in their Department of Health Administration and Policy. Her first year as a Mason professor, she was nominated by the students for the Career Connection Faculty Award.
Prior to her career as a physical therapist, Secili worked as a student athletic trainer in the University of Texas athletic department. Secili has her own decorated past in sports including Go Ruck, Spartan Races, marathons, weight lifting, dancing, swimming and gymnastics. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, friends and extended family, as well as, traveling and reading.
Resources discussed on this show:
International Pelvic Pain Society
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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!
Xo Karen