Allied Services Physical Therapist awarded Neurologic Specialist Certification
Kristina Dorkoski, PT, DPT, NCS, PYT, CPI, of Dallas, PA, was awarded the professional designation of board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Dorkoski specializes in the evaluation and treatment of adults with Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and vestibular disorders. She is a staff physical therapist on the neurologic team at Allied Services/ Heinz Rehab outpatient center in Wilkes-Barre. Dorkoski received the Charles Luger Memorial Employee of the Year Award in 2016. She serves as an adjunct professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Misericordia University and adjunct faculty at Professional Yoga Therapy Institute.
Dorkoski graduated in 2002 from Misericordia University with a masters of physical therapy degree and in 2007 from Temple University with a doctorate in physical therapy. She also holds certifications in medical therapeutic yoga, Pilates, and advanced therapies for Parkinson’s disease. Dorkoski has taught continuing education courses for the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association. Her group’s research abstract, “The Influence of Yoga on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Review of Literature” was presented at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting in February 2016 in Anaheim, CA.
“We’re proud and honored to call Kristina Dorkoski a long-time employee of Allied Services Integrated Health System” commented Attorney Bill Conaboy, President and CEO. “During her 14 year career at Allied Services, she has earned a reputation as a highly skilled, compassionate and dedicated physical therapist. Becoming a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy further demonstrates her commitment to excellence in rehabilitation, and Kristina’s constant striving to expand her knowledge and disseminate best practice to best serve her patients.”
To obtain board certification in one of nine recognized specialty areas of practice, candidates must submit evidence of extensive clinical practice in their specialty area and successfully complete a rigorous examination, demonstrating specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency. Certifications are valid for 10 years. Re-certifications require professional standing and direct patient care hours, commitment to lifelong learning through professional development, practice performance through examples of patient care and clinical reasoning, and cognitive expertise through a test of knowledge in the profession. As of June 2016, only 1,988 physical therapists in the U.S. were board-certified neurologic clinical specialists.
