Prevention Practice and Health Promotion: A Health Care Professional's Guide to Health, Fitness, and Wellness - Paperback

Catherine Rush Thompson, PT, PhD, MS, was born in Kansas City and attended the University of Colorado Medical Center, graduating with distinction with a BS in physical therapy. With support from the Hillman Medical Student Fellowship, she attended and graduated with distinction from the University of Kansas Medical Center with an MS in special education with an emphasis on children with illness and other health impairments. With support from the Arthur Mag Fellowship and the UMKC Community Scholars Fellowship at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, she completed her interdisciplinary PhD, incorporating studies in physiology, psychology, biochemistry, neuroscience, exercise science, and education. Although her primary clinical practice focuses on individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan, she has worked in practice settings in acute care, outpatient care, long-term care, school-based therapy, home health, and private practice. Currently she is an associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy Education at Rockhurst University.

Dr. Thompson's travel to more than 50 countries gives her insight into global health care disparities and the need for multicultural education and advocacy for populations at risk for health problems. Her research interests focus on growth and development across the lifespan, motor learning, and prevention practice. She hopes this book will encourage health care professionals to advocate for healthy lifestyles and collaboratively work toward a healthier world.