Return to Purpose: Neuroplasticity and Person-Centered Care in Neurorehabilitation

West Des Moines, IA US
September 3, 2026

Registration


There is no cost to attend, and all interested individuals are invited to participate.

Two attendance options:

  • Des Moines University E4119: No registration is necessary to attend on-site. 
  • Online: Register through Zoom.

DMU STUDENTS ONLY

  • You must register using the link above. Using the Zoom link on the academic calendar will result in a reporting error. Your attendance will not be tracked/marked if you use the wrong link. 
  • If you're a student, do not register using your @student.dmu.edu email address. Zoom will reject the registration email confirmation. Please use your @dmu.edu email address. 

Target Audience

DMU faculty, staff, students, residents, and the medical community.

Description

This session explores how interprofessional collaboration between occupational therapists and physical therapists supports person-centered neurologic rehabilitation. Participants will examine the principles of neuroplasticity and the role of meaningful activities in promoting recovery, participation, and return to meaningful life roles following neurologic injury.

Using clinical examples, the session highlights how physical therapists, occupational therapists, individuals receiving care, and their care partners collaborate to establish shared goals, engage in shared decision-making, and develop individualized rehabilitation plans that optimize functional outcomes and long-term participation.

Educational Need

Successful rehabilitation following neurologic injury requires more than restoring physical function. It requires coordinated, person-centered care that promotes meaningful participation in daily life. Healthcare professionals must understand how to apply the principles of neuroplasticity through purposeful activities while partnering with individuals and their care partners to develop goals that reflect the person's priorities and values.

This session addresses the need for clinicians to strengthen interprofessional collaboration between occupational therapy and physical therapy, incorporate shared decision-making into rehabilitation planning, and apply evidence-informed strategies that support functional recovery, independence, and participation in meaningful life roles.

Learning Objectives

  1. Apply principles of neuroplasticity to understand how meaningful activities can promote recovery and participation following a neurologic injury. 
  2. Examine the collaboration between physical therapy, occupational therapy, the person served, and family members in developing person-centered rehabilitation. 
  3. Discuss how shared decision-making and person-defined goals can guide rehabilitation intervention and aid in return to purpose.

Speakers

Jillian Jones, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy Program, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Biography

Leng Reiff
Spouse and Care Partner

Matt Reiff
Person with Lived Experience in Neurorehabilitation

Emily Summerfield, OTD, MOT
Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Biography


      Session proposals are now being accepted for the DMU Grand Rounds series! Have you encountered an interesting clinical case, seen a patient with a unique history, condition, and/or treatment protocol, or been involved with interprofessional management that improves patient care and treatment outcomes? If so, you're invited to help build the series by submitting a session proposal! In addition to rare and unique cases, proposals for more common conditions are also acceptable, and proposals from external members of the broader healthcare community are welcomed and encouraged. Please click the button below to learn more about the series and access the submission form. 

      Course summary

      Available credit: 
      • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits
      • 1.00 AOA Category 2­A
      • 1.00 CE Contact Hour(s)
      • 1.00 CPME
      Course opens: 
      09/03/2026
      Course expires: 
      09/03/2026
      Event starts: 
      09/03/2026 - 7:00am CDT
      Event ends: 
      09/03/2026 - 8:00am CDT
      Cost:
      $0.00
      Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
      8025 Grand Avenue
      Edge of Advancement 4119
      West Des Moines, IA 50266
      United States
      +1 (515) 271-1596

      Des Moines University’s new campus, located at 8025 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, Iowa, offers an impressive 88 acres, providing ample space for growth and innovation. State-of-the-art facilities cater to the evolving needs of students and faculty, fostering an exceptional learning and research environment. The campus offers a perfect blend of academic excellence and access to the thriving community of Greater Des Moines, including cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment options.

      Accreditation Statements

      • DO: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 2-A credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
      • DPM: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. DMU has approved this activity for a maximum of 1.0 continuing education contact hours.
      • MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this activity for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
      • Nurses: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has determined that this activity meets the requirements for 1.0 contact hours as defined by the Iowa Board of Nursing and Iowa Administrative Code 481-619.
      • Other healthcare providers: This activity is designated for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

      Educational Grants

      No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity. 

      DISCLOSURE

      The speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, or devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The activity director is responsible for determining educational content and selecting speakers. 

      Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have no conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

      • Jillian Jones, PT, DPT - Speaker
      • Leng Reiff - None
      • Matt Reiff - None
      • Emily Summerfield, OTD, MOT - Speaker

      DISCLAIMER

      The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only. It is not a substitute for a healthcare provider's independent medical judgment regarding diagnostic and treatment options for a specific patient's medical condition. 

      Available Credit

      • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits
      • 1.00 AOA Category 2­A
      • 1.00 CE Contact Hour(s)
      • 1.00 CPME

      Price

      Cost:
      $0.00
      Please login or Create an Account to take this course.

      There is no cost to attend, and all interested individuals are invited to participate.

      Two attendance options:

      • Des Moines University E4119: No registration is necessary to attend on-site. 
      • Online: Register through Zoom.

      DMU STUDENTS ONLY

      • You must register using the link above. Using the Zoom link on the academic calendar will result in a reporting error. If you use the wrong link, your attendance will not be tracked/marked.
      • If you're a student, do not register using your @student.dmu.edu email address. Zoom will reject the registration email confirmation. Please use your @dmu.edu email address.