IIntroducing the Oncology Section’s President: 

Nicole L. Stout Gergich MPT, CLT-LANA

Passion:  Going to work every day to do what I do.  There are few things better than spending a day working in this field and touching lives in the manner in which I do. I am exceptionally thankful that I also have the opportunity to teach and lecture. It allows me to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for oncology rehab.

Education

I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Health Science from Slippery Rock University in 1994 and followed that with a Master of Physical Therapy from Chatham College in 1998.  I completed advanced training in complete decongestive therapy in 2000 and passed the Lymphology Association of North America specialty certification in lymphedema management in 2001.  Additionally, in 2005, I received my MammaCare specialty certification and am credentialed to train medical professionals in clinical breast examination.

Professional

I started my professional career at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.  Over 6 years at Penn as a Senior Therapist and eventually the Lymphedema Team Leader, I helped to develop and expand the lymphedema and cancer rehabilitation programs.  In 2004, I came to the National Naval Medical Center and currently work full-time as the lead therapist in the Breast Care Center.  My work encompasses both clinical patient care and collaborative research with the National Institutes of Health. I currently serve as the principle investigator on 2 NNMC/NIH research trials investigating morbidity associated with breast cancer treatment. In my spare time I am a primary instructor with the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy where I teach lymphedema management courses nationally and internationally. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to lecture at a number of national and international conferences on Oncology Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, and Wound Care.

Affiliations

I am currently the president of the Oncology Section.  I have also been appointed to the APTA’s Committee on Chapters and Sections.  I started as a section member as a new grad and in 2000 succeeded in establishing the Lymphedema Special Interest Group within the Oncology Section.

In the past, I have served on the Medical Advisory Board for the National Lymphedema Network and served as the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Lymphology Association of North America.  I serve as an expert reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals including; the SOWH journal and the Journal of Cancer. I have been an invited lecturer at many national and international conferences in addition to presenting and publishing numerous research platforms, posters and articles. Most recently I was invited to participate as the primary faculty for a two-week lymphedema management class in Vellore, India at the Christian Medical College.

Awards

• 2004   National Lymphedema Network, Lymphedema D-Day Award.  For outstanding contributions to the field of lymphedema.
• 2006   Chatham College Graduate School of Physical Therapy Cornerstone Alumni Award – for outstanding professional achievement.
• 2006   National Naval Medical Center – Civilian of the Quarter – nominee
• 2006   National Naval Medical Center – Customer Service “Wall of Heroes” award.
• 2007  Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association – “Gudas Award”, for outstanding publication in the peer-reviewed journal Rehabilitation Oncology for the article: McGarvey, C., Stout Gergich, N., Soballe, P., Pfalzer, L.  A Case Report: Breast Cancer Metastasis and Implications of Bony Metastasis on Activity and Ambulation.  Rehab Oncol. 24 (1), 2006. 4-17.

Personal

One word that best describes me is energetic. Many who have met or worked with me would likely agree.  I only hope that my energy and enthusiasm translates to others and heightens their interests in our field of practice.

I enjoy rollerblading and biking in the summer, skiing and weight lifting in the winter and I have a twice-weekly yoga addiction.  Previously married with no children, I am a proud new aunt to my first nephew and have very close ties to my family in the Pittsburgh area.

Spending considerable time in airports and on planes lets me indulge in my 2 other favorite hobbies; reading and travel. I prefer non-fiction and biography and am a bit of a casual history buff.  Travel is one of the many blessings of my job.  I always make an effort to spend a few extra days exploring when my travels take me somewhere new. Among my favorite journeys and on my frequent flyer list; Napa Valley and the Colorado Rockies.  

My love of art has combined very nicely with my professional life as I work each year to coordinate a Breast Cancer Art Show at the National Naval Medical Center to the importance of art as a healing medium for patients, survivors, family and friends of cancer survivors.

E-mail

nlgergich@msn.com  Although my term as Section president (2nd term) will end in February 2008, I will continue to work with the section as the Project Manager on our Oncology Specialization project.  If you have suggestions or comments regarding Oncology Specialization, please feel free to contact me, I am always happy to be a resource to you.

• May 2007: Kathleen Hummel-Berry, PT, PhD
• November 2007: Nicole L. Stout Gergich MPT, CLT-LANA
• September 2007: Michaele R. Smith, PT, MEd
• April 2007: Richard Briggs PT, MA
• February 2007: Lesli R Bell, PT, CLT-LANA
• November 2006: Nancy Roberge, PT, DPT, M.Ed
• October 2006: Karen Rushby, PT, MScHA, CLT