Founded by ATI Physical Therapy, iMSKA will drive musculoskeletal research and post-secondary education in the field

BOLINGBROOK, Ill., May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute for Musculoskeletal Advancement (iMSKA) today appointed Tom Denninger, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, as Executive Director. This is the first executive appointment by iMSKA, which announced its formation earlier this year. Mr. Denninger will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategy for equipping, training, and transforming MSK care delivery through research and post professional development.

"iMSKA represents a commitment to advance scientific MSK research while providing resources and opportunities for practicing professionals," Mr. Denninger said. "The opportunity for growth and innovation in the field has never been more exciting or crucial. I'm thrilled to lead the Institute and support its mission."

Mr. Denninger is joined by Ellen Shanley, PhD, PT, OCS, Senior Director of Practice Standards and Quality Improvement, and Adam Lutz, PT, DPT, PhD, MBA, Director of Care Quality and Innovation at iMSKA as board members and major contributors to the research and educational initiatives. ATI's Chief Information Officer Augustus Oakes will also serve on board, offering his insight and expertise on leveraging innovative technology in the healthcare space.

Founded by ATI Physical Therapy ("ATI" or the "Company") (NYSE: ATIP), a nationally recognized outpatient physical therapy provider in the United States, iMSKA's mission is to progress quality clinical care with a focus on value, including: post-operative and non-operative outcomes; early access to care; treatment fidelity; value-based care models; and the effect on outcome implementation science. Applications to become a Research Fellow or to attend an ABPTRFE-accredited Orthopedic Residency, Sports Residency, or Upper Extremity Fellowship program will be announced in the coming months.

Mr. Denninger also serves as Vice President of Clinical Development at ATI where he oversees ATI's post-professional education programs, research initiatives, and clinical development throughout the organization. Previously, Mr. Denninger was Senior Director of Learning and Development ATI Physical Therapy, where he oversaw all internal and external clinical education and development programs. Mr. Denninger has been with ATI since 2015 working in a variety of patient-facing, operational, and corporate roles.  He completed his DPT and Orthopedic Residency at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT and completed his fellowship in manual physical therapy through Evidence in Motion. Mr. Denninger has presented at national conferences and has multiple peer reviewed articles on the topic of manual therapy and medical screening.