Oregon Tech dedicates two new laboratories in Doctor of Physical Therapy program | Oregon Tech

Oregon Tech recently held a ribbon-cutting and lab dedication celebration to recognize significant contributions from Sky Lakes Medical Center and the Klamath Medical Service Bureau (KMSB) Foundation to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which is offered jointly with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Oregon Tech welcomed its first class of students in 2023, after a decade of development. The program is a response to the growing demand for qualified physical therapists, particularly in rural areas of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. As health care continues to focus on proactive care, physical therapy is becoming a critical field in addressing the needs of patients throughout the region.

Support for the program was gathered through the Oregon Tech Foundation’s Campaign for the Future and included contributions to the Rural Health Fund by donors Sky Lakes Medical Center and the KMSB Foundation. Sky Lakes contributed $200,000, and KMSB contributed $175,000. To honor this support, Oregon Tech dedicated physical therapy program laboratory spaces to the organizations.

“We are excited to celebrate the contributions of Sky Lakes Medical Center and the Klamath Medical Service Bureau Foundation, whose support has been vital to launching this program,” said Oregon Tech President Dr. Nagi Naganathan. “Their support helped provide the equipment, technology, and staffing needed to get the program started.”

Graduates of the DPT program will go on to make a significant impact on patients' lives, both locally and beyond. The program not only addresses the health care needs of rural areas but also strengthens the future of healthcare leadership in Oregon.

“The need for this program is clear, and it’s wonderful to see it become a reality,” said Sky Lakes President and CEO David Cauble. “Sky Lakes is committed to addressing the need for qualified healthcare clinicians in Klamath County and our partnership with Oregon Tech and OHSU is critical to ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need.”

The KMSB Foundation lab was dedicated to the memory of Frank Ganong, James Bocchi, and Gil Hannigan, longtime board members of the KMSB Foundation.

“Frank, James, and Gil were leaders and dedicated advocates for advancing health care in the Klamath Basin,” said KMSB. “Their influence helped provide medical services in the region and prompted KMSB’s commitment to the DPT program through Oregon Tech and OHSU. We look forward to the graduates of this program pursuing a life built upon compassion, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

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About the Oregon Tech Foundation

The Oregon Tech Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes and funds the educational, cultural, charitable, and service functions of the Oregon Institute of Technology.

Photo of Doctor of Physical Therapy Educational Laboratory (Thanks to the generosity of the Klamath Medical Service Bureau Foundation): Holly Copenhagen (OHSU Faculty), Dr. Joanna Mott (Oregon Tech Provost), Dr. Marybeth Grant-Beuttler (Associate Professor of DPT), Dr. Michelle Preston (Associate Dean at Oregon Tech), Grace Bruschi (DPT student and class representative), JoAnn Hannigan (KMSB Foundation), Tim Bailey (KMSB Foundation), Dr. Nagi Naganathan (Oregon Tech President), David Cauble (Sky Lakes/Oregon Tech Trustee), Jerry Freschi (Oregon Tech Foundation board member).

Photo of Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Laboratory (Thanks to the generosity of Sky Lakes Medical Center): Holly Copenhagen (OHSU Faculty), Dr. Michelle Preston (Associate Dean at Oregon Tech), Dr. Joanna Mott (Oregon Tech Provost), David Cauble (Sky Lakes/Oregon Tech Trustee), Dr. Nagi Naganathan (Oregon Tech President), Jerry Freschi (Oregon Tech Foundation board member), Dr. Marybeth Grant-Beuttler (Associate Professor of DPT), Grace Bruschi (DPT student and class representative).