معرفی
Dr. Janet Helminski serves as a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy within the College of Health Professions at Rosalind Franklin University. A dual-certified neurologic physical therapist and neuroscientist, she specializes in teaching neuroscience and developing evaluation/intervention protocols for adults with neurological deficits, with clinical expertise in vestibular and balance disorders management.
Her educational credentials include:
- Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
- Master of Science in Physical Therapy with orthopedics emphasis, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
Her research program focuses on vestibular rehabilitation, particularly the management of atypical BPPV variants, differential diagnosis of acute vestibular syndrome, and treatment of uncompensated peripheral vestibular deficits. Funded by the NIH National Institute on Aging, her work bridges clinical practice with neuroscience to improve diagnostic precision and therapeutic outcomes for balance disorders.
Analysis of her 2016-2022 publications reveals a consistent emphasis on vestibular diagnostics, with 80% of articles addressing BPPV subtypes and nystagmus patterns. Her work demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of neurology, otolaryngology, and physical therapy, featuring rigorous methodology in reliability testing and novel insights into canalithiasis mechanisms.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Jack Walker Award (APTA, 2015)
- Best Article Award 2013 (APTA Neurologic PT Academy)
- Physical Therapy Alumni Research Achievement Award (Northwestern, 2011)
- Doctoral Education Fellowship (Illinois PTA, 1995)
- Geraldine S. Taylor Fellowship (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1990)
- Second Place Award for Best Instructional Reporting (1989)
As a NIH-funded investigator, she serves as a scientist reviewer for the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. Her clinical mentorship extends through her role in graduate physical therapy education, though specific advisees are not documented. She actively contributes to professional standards through her service on the Vestibular Disorders Association's Medical & Scientific Advisory Board.
Her clinical practice and research are anchored in translational vestibular science, with ongoing work focused on improving diagnostic algorithms for acute dizziness and developing evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for complex vestibular disorders.
