#TalentiUniSR: Federico Pozzi

Federico Pozzi is another witness of how our #TalentiUniSR end up pursuing their dreams overseas. After obtaining the Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Federico moved to the United States to further his knowledge and skills related to scientific research. He obtained a Master of Arts at the Department of Physical Therapy of the New York University (in 2010), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Biomechanics and Movement Science, an interdisciplinary program of the University of Delaware (in 2015). Currently, Federico is a postdoctoral researcher in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. His research interests include the optimization of physical therapy interventions for patients with musculoskeletal shoulder pain. His studies are supported by a research grant of the Charles D. and Mary A. Bauer Foundation and by the Career Development Award of the Orthopaedic Section – American Physical Therapy Association.

Federico Pozzi

Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy (in 2006) at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. Master of Arts in Pathokinesiology, New York University. Doctor of Philosophy in Biomechanics and Movement Science, University of Delaware

Two factors played a role in my decision to attend the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. First, both the University and the Hospital are renowned worldwide as research intensive institutions. Further, the combination of the University and Hospital allows students to obtain a strong and advanced clinical education

Studying at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University gave me a strong understanding of the clinical principles of physical therapy. This fundamental knowledge was necessary to pass the licensure exam to practice in the United States. The movement analysis laboratory helped me understanding how clinical research is applied to the field of physical therapy

I am a postdoctoral research associate in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. My main research focus is clinical research, specifically the functional recovery of patients with musculoskeletal upper extremity disorders. Further, I am an instructor in the Evidence Based Practice course in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program

The University gives students solid clinical knowledge and skills. The San Raffaele Hospital offers a diverse range of clinical affiliations and allows students to experience working with patients with a diverse range of conditions (musculoskeletal disorders, neurologic diorders, intensive care unit, etc.). The University offers several outside quality clinical affiliations to students. The solid clinical knowledge and skills help students in navigating the job market after graduation. Several faculty in the University participate in clinical research. This, along with the Motion Analysis Laboratory, expose students to clinical research in physical therapy, a field of physical therapy that is still underdeveloped in Italy

Positively accepting criticism

“Call to mind from whence ye sprang: Ye were not form’d to live the life of brutes, But virtue to pursue and knowledge high.” (Dante, Inferno 26)

My professional goal is to use my experience to help Italian physical therapy students and physical therapists learn how to perform scientific research. Advocating for multicultural experiences promotes the training of leading physical therapists